Flat sounding E string

[dudeonthebass]

Ive noticed that my E strings sounds considerably flatter then the other 3

I notice this especially when i am playing with a pick

I have new strings, only a few days old. the other strings a sounding nice a punchy :/

I was thinking it may be the bridge: Leo Quan BAII (un-grooved saddles) took it to my music shop to file it (this was atleast a year ago though)

Fender Mex P-Bass with SD QPs and Fender 7250M Strings

Any thoughts, advice ?

Davee

[Diogenes]

Have you tried a new E string or a different set altogether even though you're having problems with a new E string? I've found more often than not that if such a problem suddenly arises, it's string related and that sometimes new strings are duds.

[dudeonthebass]

Well every E strings i've had on this bass, as far as i remember has never really had any kick :/

[elgecko]

Flat as in "pitch" or flat as in "tone"? If it's pitch, when was the last time intonation was set?

[GlennW]

What do you mean by "flat"?

If it's the out of tune flat, tune the string. If the open E is flat when the fretted notes are ok the problem might be the nut slot is sloped upward towards the tuning pegs; the peghead side of the slot should be lowered so the highest point is on the bridge side of the slot.

If "flat" means weak, try raising the E side of the pickup a bit.

[bassophil]

2 things can help with this problem:

- lower the pickup underneath the E string. The magnetic field of the pickup is "dampening" the E string more than the other strings, due to it's bigger mass.

- try strings with a lighter gauge. That helped with a problem child of mine. I had to go with a 95er to give the E string some life back. (the pickup is already down to the bottom, but that wasn't enough)

[Benjamin Strange]

Are the saddles not actually slotted? If that's the case, then it's no wonder your bass sounds wacky. Get the slotted to the proper depth and radius.

Is it just the open string, or all the fretted notes? If it's open, then you might want to take a look at what your nut is made of and how it's cut. I'm a fan of bone nuts, myself. If it's all the notes, then most likely you've just got a bad string or some funky frets.

[dudeonthebass]

They saddles are slotted, and the string sound flat, as in there no oooomphhhh.

[GlennW]

Something else comes to mind...witness point (you might search it). Take your thumb and press hard on the E string on the pickup side of the saddle. That might help. A lot of times the E needs a little persuasion to go over the saddle as it should.

[Deep]

Yea, it could possibly be the thicker E over the witness point on the saddle. Just press the E string down in front of the saddle. It will help thicker strings get a more positive contact over the witness point. Some people do this, some don't , but I notice a difference. I do this to all the strings usually, but mostly the thicker strings. Too me you can hear a difference in sustain immediately on those strings, they seem to vibrate better. Then retune and check and adjust (if needed) intonation and string height (may get slightly lower), it may change ever so slightly.

[mongo2]

I checked your profile and you list the MIM Fender and an Aria. Does it happen with both basses through your Marshall B25?

Have you ever tried playing through a larger rig?

I've noticed that small practice amps don't deliver the low end ooomph of a larger rig.