E-String Jazz Bass Problem

danhorne · #1 02-03-2007, 09:36 PM

I need some trouble shooting help,

My MIJ Jazz has a funny sounding E string. A,D & G all sound excellent and sing when compared to the E. Notes when played on E sound like they are unclear and muddy and boomy. I've tried new strings and took it to get setup. The guys at my local store said all they did was adjust the trus-rod and they didn't seem to hear what i was hearing, but i've asked friends if they noticed when i was playing and they agree. I've also tried with different amps and hear the same thing. I'm thinking about taking it into another smaller shop to see what they think, but before i do i'd like to know what anybody out there is thinking.

Thanks

Bassjunior · #2 02-03-2007, 10:31 PM

You may want to try a taper wound string on the E, as they can certainly clean up any tone. Also, is the bass a string through body model? If so, try running the E through the bridge, as opposed to the body, as that will make it brighter, with less mud.

thumpbass1 · #3 02-04-2007, 08:06 AM

It may possibly be that the bass side of your pickups
might be adjusted too close to the E string side and the
magnetic pull is not letting the string vibrate freely.
I've seen this sort of thing happen myself where basses
have had the pickups adjusted too high in an attempt to
get more volume from the strings.

Matthew Bryson · #4 02-04-2007, 09:06 AM

If the set up is right, and the set up guys couldn't hear a problem, could it be a technique issue? How does the bass sound in the hands of a more experienced player?

I have found that something about the E string's placement and size sometimes makes it easy to play softly on the E string. Sometimes when I start thinking that the notes on my E string sound weak and muddy, the answer is simply to dig in and play it like I mean it! Also, I think that if you are playing too soft in general, you'll hear it on your E string first and the most. This may not be your problem, just something to consider.

IrisHElitE · #5 02-04-2007, 09:12 AM

I have the same problem with my MIM Fender Jazz and I just switched the stock strings with elixers, cleaned it right up, so new strings might benefit

danhorne · #6 02-04-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumpbass1

It may possibly be that the bass side of your pickups
might be adjusted too close to the E string side and the
magnetic pull is not letting the string vibrate freely.
I've seen this sort of thing happen myself where basses
have had the pickups adjusted too high in an attempt to
get more volume from the strings.

I asked the guys at the shop this and he just looked at it and said it looks fine. This is my first jazz bass so i'm not really sure how close they are supposed to be? I thought that myself though, and it seems like its really easy to hit the E on the pickups while slapping when i've never done it with A?
I'm sure its not string because i've tried 3 sets on it some far.

Its also a string through bridge model