One string sounds less bright and a little whumpier than the others...

[Oreomeister365]

Okay, so I've done a little bit of fiddling with my low string in the past but don't exactly remember what changes I've made. My bass is a beginner bass despite the fact that everything else I own is pretty good quality, so the bass could likely be the problem. But the low string sounds less bright, thinner, and more whumpy than the other strings. Would this mean it should be closer or further from the pickups?

I'm not completley sure how the tone is effected as string gets further or closer to the pickup.

Thanks.

[Pilgrim]

"Whumpier" is a good word.

A pickup that's too close to the string can reduce string oscillation...why not try adjusting it down a bit?

Actually, what about visiting Fender's Mr. Gearhead website (or one of many others with similar directions) and following their setup directions setup so that you have a consistent setup on all strings? It's time well spent.

[Riley]

had the exact same problem with my E string - because it was a much older bass i adjusted the pickup heights untill i got the sound i wanted.. so yeah just make sure your string is the optimal distance from your pickups

[ddnidd1]

As strings age and accumulate acid and dirt from your hands they lose their brightness. The larger strings go first. Boil your strings or get a new set.