Short-scale problems

[SpookyElectric]

Hi all

New to the forum. Just bought a used 1973 Fender Musicmaster (pic attached), which is great apart from some issues with the E string. I re-strung the bass with Rotosound RS 77S short-scale strings (40.50.75.90) and all the other strings sound great and play just fine, but the E is very quiet and dull. Plus it's impossible to tune - even the open string doesn't seem to sound a single note. There's some pitch fluctuation in there, almost like it's going through a chorus pedal. I'm aware that short-scale basses are prone to intonation problems, but the E string pitches funny even at the first fret.

As I say, the A, D and G strings are fine, but I'm obviously missing something regarding the set-up otherwise the E would be fine too. I'm no expert with this sort of thing. Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

SpookyElectric
London, UK

[mongo2]

You can try lowering the E side of the pickup and making sure there is a good witness point at the saddle on all strings.

[Pilgrim]

Good idea. It's always possible to get a bad string, too.