Quiet E string

deekay911 · #1 12-04-2007, 07:37 PM

Hi,
just got my new 4003 in, plays great and everything is good except one small niggle - the E string seems a little quieter, almost lacks a little punch compared to the other strings, little less sustain as well. Is it simply a case of raising the pickup height for the E? Seems the same on both bridge and neck so should i jsut raise both a little? Anything else I might look at?
thanks guys

rockstarbassist · #2 12-05-2007, 11:12 AM

Could be that, or a dead string. Has happened to me before unfortunately.

Or just have a winding problem. Take the string off, and then put it back on while paying attention to the winding and see if that helps.

deekay911 · #3 12-05-2007, 11:52 AM

Thanks rockstar - I aslo found a ton of posts on the Ric site forums on the very same subject - seems like a common issue with just-out-of-factory 4003. Pickup poles are individually adjustable for height on these later modesl so looks like I just need to raise the pole on the E till it comes on song!

kyral210 · #4 12-05-2007, 04:46 PM

Quick guide to setting up your bass!

1) Get some radius guide tools from your local shop (ebay) and determine the radius of your bass's neck. I like to take it at the 12th fret.

2) Set the pole pieces to exactly mirror this radius. So a 10" radius neck gives 10" radius pole pieces. You will find that screws should be at a 45 degree incline, giving a zig zag pattern.

3) Set the string height of the E and G strings. Fender support gives a good overview of measurements here (and be precise with a digital Vernia Calliper people).

4) Once the E and G strings have been set, continue with the rest of the strings, once again with your radius gauges. You want the strings to arch in the same way your pole pieces and neck does (10" in this example).

5) Finally adjust the distance between the pickup and the strings, again using the Fender website as a guide.

Thats about it folks. Of course intonation and relief make a very important part in the setup, as does maintenance and other things, but follow the guide above and your bass should feel and sound better than before!