Dull E string woes

WyllyWylly · #1 12-27-2008, 01:01 AM

On my Geddy Lee J, the low E string always seems dull and dead compared to the rest of the strings. If I play the A string, it's got a nice bite. If I transpose the same note to E string, it's noticeably different. It's consistent no matter what kind of string I use and regardless of the pickup (although I usually have them both wide open). Any ideas?

Goose72 · #2 12-30-2008, 12:28 AM

Bump this up...I have this problem too on my 2000 MIM J...

b4nny · #3 12-30-2008, 12:42 AM

I think this would be noticeable on any bass, and I can definitely hear it on mine. I think it is because the E string is a much larger gauge that the A string and so it has a heaver sound. Also, if you play rock or metal, the E string is probably the most used, and therefore the most dead.

davecheng · #4 12-30-2008, 07:57 AM

Maybe because it dies faster?

I anchor my thumb on the B and E strings quite a bit, and those are always the first two strings to sound dull. On a fresh set of strings, they're really bright and snappy...

Ric5 · #5 12-30-2008, 08:05 AM

Get a 5 string bass ... the E string preforms better

mophead · #6 12-30-2008, 08:12 AM

The strings will sound different on any bass when played as you mention. If output is the problem you may want to check your pickup height. Worked on a friends 78 P Bass and the E string was almost non existent. Open string, fretted, you name it. Just sounded like it wasn't there compared to the other strings.

Took the pickup out, replaced the degraded foam, got the pickup height correct and BAM. Instant E string response and a very nice bass once again. Looks like crap but sounds like it should.

Just a thought.

elBandito · #7 12-30-2008, 12:48 PM

My basses are the same way..

ohskigod · #8 12-30-2008, 01:06 PM

I believe the same note on different strings will always sound different becuase of different string thicknesses. different thicknesses vibrating to create the same note is always going to have a slightly different sound.

if its that much different though, any of the above reasons will do it too

JustOpenYourMind · #9 12-30-2008, 01:16 PM

It's normal to an extent, but it can be caused by a lot of factors.

First, all notes sound fatter on lower strings, g sounds fatter on the 5th fret of the d string than the open G, and this is applicable for all fretted notes too, it's the different voicing of the notes, you must learn to use that in your bass playing.

But also, Usually the E-string is the first string to loose it's brightness, because you play it more and you must certaily rest your thumb on it sometimes. That is also normal and of you want the new new string sound, you'll have to change string very often.

Also since the note on your low E string are fatter and have more bass content, those notes will require more power than higher notes to have punch, it can be an issue if your amp is lacking power or ''headroom''

StyleOverShow · #10 12-30-2008, 01:31 PM

My EUB has a marked difference on the open E and to a less degree fretted positions above. I thought it was the strings (cheap chinese jobs on it now) but the Paezo pickup may be the problem. I don't know but it bugs me.

-richard

KPAX · #11 12-30-2008, 01:53 PM

Have you tried NEW strings? (maybe your E string is dead)
What about string height? Is your action high? That can deaden the E string.
Don't be afraid to lower the action. Geddy's bass buzzes like a mother****er and it makes it sound bright, gnarly and cool. Just make sure the action/neck is adjusted so no notes buzz to the point of crapping out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyllyWylly

On my Geddy Lee J, the low E string always seems dull and dead compared to the rest of the strings. If I play the A string, it's got a nice bite. If I transpose the same note to E string, it's noticeably different. It's consistent no matter what kind of string I use and regardless of the pickup (although I usually have them both wide open). Any ideas?

Zombbg4 · #12 12-30-2008, 01:56 PM

Same problem here, too. I guess resting your thumb on it could kill it over time, but my E string is more dead than the others right after I put them on!...?

willg95 · #13 12-31-2008, 04:08 PM

it's the thickness. i've discussed this with the owner of a local guitar shop. because of the gauge you get more of a mellow tone out of it than a thinner, brighter sound. he played by the bridge with a pick across all the strings and they all sounded pretty bright, even the E.

60bass · #14 12-31-2008, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyllyWylly

On my Geddy Lee J, the low E string always seems dull and dead compared to the rest of the strings. If I play the A string, it's got a nice bite. If I transpose the same note to E string, it's noticeably different. It's consistent no matter what kind of string I use and regardless of the pickup (although I usually have them both wide open). Any ideas?

A few things to check. Make sure the E string goes right down off the nut to the tuner. You want to get a good angle comming down off the nut to the tuner. If the string is fairly straight towards the tuner it can cause a dead type sound. Check the nut slot and make sure it's not pinching or binding the string and choking off the sound. The slot should be cut even throughout the slot without and humps in the bottom or sides.

Same thing for the saddles on the BAII bridge. I know lots of players don't have them slotted, but IMO they always seem to resonate better with a PRO slot job on the saddles. You get more contact through the bridge that way.

Too high action causes the same thing as well as improper neck relief. Most of my basses use RotoSound RS66 Swing Bass with very low action. They buzz like crazy unplugged but kick butt plugged in. If you play hard and slap hard, you might not be able to use really low action, but you can find a happy spot somewhere.

Last, PU HEIGHT. I can't stress this enough. It can make a HUGE difference in sound. Start with the PU way low on the E side and work it up from there, all the time playing and listening. Keep raising it. If it starts to sound dead, then magnet pull is affecting the string vibration. Back it off till it clears up and you've found the PU height that works best for that bass.

Hope this helps. Good luck and keep low

60bass · #15 12-31-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPAX

Don't be afraid to lower the action. Geddy's bass buzzes like a mother****er and it makes it sound bright, gnarly and cool. Just make sure the action/neck is adjusted so no notes buzz to the point of crapping out.

BIG +1 The best way to make any Fender bass with rounds get the growly, gnarly bite

It just seems to make the bass come alive set up that way.

Kronos · #16 01-01-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willg95

it's the thickness. i've discussed this with the owner of a local guitar shop. because of the gauge you get more of a mellow tone out of it than a thinner, brighter sound. he played by the bridge with a pick across all the strings and they all sounded pretty bright, even the E.

That's what I think the issue is here.

Timbre is what this is called. Although you may be playing the same note on 2 different strings, they'll sound different because of the thickness.