Setting up Fender P-bass Mini

Gastambide · #1 05-03-2011, 07:13 AM

I recently purchased a Fender "Mini" P-Bass, and am having a couple of problems getting it set up properly. First of all, I am getting a really dead "thud" out of the E string, whether I string it through the bridge or through the body. No resonance at all. I am wondering if a change of strings would make a difference? I currently have D'Addario light gauge short scale strings on it (.40 through 100). Or is it just the lack of body mass? The other strings sound fine.

AntAir267 · #2 05-03-2011, 07:49 AM

Just take it to a guitar tech for first time setups.

john grey · #3 05-03-2011, 09:22 AM

Have you checked to make SURE that there is no foreign matter in the (through-the-body) hole & that the string end is in solid contact with the end of the hole? Does this occur when both plugged-in and unplugged? Does this occur when at proper tension? Is the string bend making clean contact with the bridge? Is the bridge & all bridge elements tight?
The physics involved with sustain/resonance-harmonics is not all that complex.The passage of vibration needs to be in very solid contact with the material that is to sympathetically vibrate with the plucked string. Therefore anything that interrupts that will cause a problem. Contact must be clean, solid, & free from a "vibration buffer".
If all of the above have been accounted for then look at the string. The string stop must be free to "lock up" to the end of the piece; if it's not it will also ruin your setup. Try another string and make sure it fits within the hole comfortably.

Gastambide · #4 05-03-2011, 09:56 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, John. Yes, it does sound dead acoustically, as well as through an amp. And it is tuned up to pitch (A440). I am just wondering if the light gauge string is not enough tension for such a short - scale instrument. Has anyone on here had any experience with these little buggars?

Bassamatic · #5 05-03-2011, 10:01 AM

What is the scale? 30"?

Make sure that they are proper short scale strings. Long scale (normal) strings cut to length will not sound right as they will not have the proper tension they were designed for. Short scale strings are available from many of the string makers.

Gastambide · #6 05-03-2011, 01:23 PM

Yes, they are D'Adario short scale strings. I'm wondering if I might have just gotten a "dud" string in this pack. BTW - I guess the correct name of this bass is Precision "Junior". 28.5 inch scale, I believe...