String Volume Out of Wack

[fulouzero]

Today, I ended up leaving a local pawnshop with a new AXL 5-String Bass with Active Pickup. I kind of rushed in to buying it because I've wanted a 5-string bass for a long time now and the shop was closing very soon. Anyway...

My problem is once I got it home the volume between the B and E strings vs the A, D, and G was drastic. I mean it was like turning your mp3 player up 1/8th of the way. I'm anxious to play in harmony

Thanks

Hey also, the strings have red thread on the ends, does that serve any other purpose besides looks and what are they called?

[202dy]

String volume differences are usually due to improper pickup height. Measure from the top of the pickup to the bottom of the string. It should be ~3/16" under the G string and ~1/8" under the B. Why? The more mass in the string the more electricity it generates when it disturbs the magnetic flux field in the pickup. More electricity means more volume. The B string (obviously) has more mass than the G string.

The wrap at the ends of the string are cosmetic. They used to be called silk, a holdover from the days when the strings were wrapped with silk. Serves no purpose other than to look pretty. Sometimes it gives you a clue to the manufacturer of the strings.

[fulouzero]

I did some adjustments today with some help with one of the sticky threads. I shaped up the sound a little better but there's still alot that needs to be adjusted. The volume difference is just too insane

Attachment is between the 5th fret string E and string A

Edit: Also found out that the G, B, and E are the same volume level. Plus the A is slightly louder than the G.

I have a camera if needed.

[fulouzero]

I'm very anxious to play, I got the rhythm and the notes, now I need the quality

So if you can give any additional advice that would be great. Our local shop charges $30 and I'm confident that I can fix it myself considering I already fix everything but the volume.