Open Strings Not Good - Change Bridge?

[Groover]

I'd like to use open strings more, but they typically sound really weak.

For example, the A played on the E strings sounds much different that the open A string. Of course, it's the same note, but the open strings in this example actualy gets lost in the mix (in my case).

I'm using a '74 Fender Jazz Bass, all stock. Would replacing the bridge with say a Badass II or similar improve the open string sound quality?

I know, I know... I'd keep the original bridge to reverse things, but I'd like to play this thing and sound good too (at least the bass should sound good... I need a lot of work ).

Anyway, just wondering if a new bridge would help.

Thanks!

[Kronos]

Is it all the open strings?

[Groover]

Honestly, not sure. At practice yesterday, I was experementing between the open A and fretted A alot (to the point where I totally botched my practice because I was distracted...)

I do remember the open D sounding good, but the A was really bad, and I thing the G was somewhat weak as well.

Open E is good, but of course, I can't really compare it with a Fretted E on the spot.

I'm using fairly new DR Low Riders mediums (the steel ones, and are maybe 2 months old with not much playing on them)

[Subculture13]

Is it possible to have a deadspot on an open note?

[lonote]

What is the pickup height like? Are the strings too far from the pickups?

[Groover]

Thanks for the replies. I have the pickup height and set to what seems to as good as I can get it without ending up being too close to the E string.

The action on all strings is set to medium I suppose, not too high not too low, sort of follows the 7.5 radius, but not literally (meaning the A and the D sit a little lower than the true radius)

So I take it from the answers, that possibly the bridge wouldn't really make a difference?

[jady]

If it was your bridge it would affect open strings and fretted notes. the contact point form a fret and a nut are very different. I have a zero fret on my Bee and they sound exactly the same.

I would venture a guess that it is your nut.

[Groover]

Thanks again. Once I get home, I'm going to see if maybe I can lower the A saddle just a bit and see if that helps any. If not, next step will be new strings, and then possibly the nut. The nut appears to be stock and untampered with, so I'm going to try and save that for very last.

[pkr2]

About the only way that I can think of to make the open strings sound like the fretted strings is through the use of a zero fret.