I honestly don't know what's wrong with my bass but it might be the setup?

[lifeless gamer]

ok, I have a Schecter damien 5 string bass. I bought it online because I couldn't find one in the store, but I played the four string version and liked it. For whatever reason though my bass really just doesn't sound that good. It doesn't have that nice punchy bass tone. It's more twangy and rattley which doesn't make sense to me. I've tried adjusting the truss rod between having rediculously high and rediculously low, and in between actions but it just doesn't sound right. I also bought new d'adarrio strings for it. I just don't get why the four string version sounds like a bass but mine sounds like a low end 6 string guitar? Any insight? maybe I'm putting the strings on wrong somehow?

[Lazarus12]

That is really wierd, possibly something wrong with your pickups?

[lifeless gamer]

no it's definately not anything electronic because it sounds the same unplugged

[waynobass]

Originally Posted by lifeless gamer

...but I played the four string version and liked it.

You should have bought that one.

[Lazarus12]

Maybe something wrong with the bridge? Try raising your bridge, I had very rattly string once, raised the strings and it fixed the problem.

[cassanova]

Maybe its just a hunk of crap with very poor quality wood that some how managed to slip out the door??

That being said, no 2 basses even the same model and brand sound or play identically. Which is more of a reason to try before you buy.

[Pilgrim]

Definitely time to pay a pro for a setup - you won't know what you have until it's set up to best advantage.