Dull, muffled low E string

raspberries · #1 10-29-2010, 08:21 PM

Hi All. I have recently retrieved my short scale Samick bass from a long stint in the shed, shouted it its first ever set of new strings - Thomastik JF324 Flatwound Jazz Strings. I am thrilled by the tone of these new strings but I am having a problem with the low E string - The sound from this string is very muffled/muted/dull compared to the other three strings. Can anyone help me diagnose this problem? Could it be a problem with the pickups? With the set-up/ action of the strings?

TGLbass · #2 10-30-2010, 02:49 PM

Short scale- Samick - shed- Flatwound --Dude.

raspberries · #3 10-30-2010, 05:26 PM

Just trying to do the best I can with what is to hand. I am easily pleased.

grisezd · #4 10-30-2010, 07:49 PM

I didn't really believe it when I read it but I tried it and it worked. Detune the E slightly, press firmly on both sides of the bridge saddle to put a kink in the string, and retune. Damndest thing but my Waterstone sounds great now.

michael_atw · #5 10-30-2010, 07:59 PM

This is one of the downsides of a short scale. Sorry, but it just may be inherent.