Thin low E sound

[buddhakermit]

I have a Peavey Grind Bass 4 BXP with a smallish Peavey Minx 110 amp. The bass is new and I just picked up the amp used, so both are unfamiliar to me.

I like the sound quite a lot, except the low E sounds very weak. Is this more like an amp problem, a stock string problem, a string adjustment problem, or a pickup adjustment problem?

I've ordered some new strings but wonder if I shouldn't adjust the pickups or the string height. I suspect it's the practice amp, but would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks.

[allexcosta]

Maybe your amp can't handle that frequency. Maybe the bass needs a basic setup/strings.

[202dy]

Always seek the simplest solution before moving to the more complex.

Measure the pickup height. It should be ~1/8" and 3/32" from the top of the pickup to the bottom of the string bass and treble side respectively. Bridge pickup can be slightly higher to compensate for the the decreased string movement due to proximity to the bridge.

Your assertion that the strings could be the problem is also viable.

As Alex pointed out, the Minx 110 is not going to deliver thundering lows. It is a practice amp and as such is designed to enable the student to be able to hear the pitches clearly but not as a performance unit. If the amp is the problem the solution will be to step up and buy a larger amp.

[kipsus]

Is it just low E note or the whole E string? If it's one note then check your setup. Might be a broken/worn out nut.

[buddhakermit]

Thanks for the replies. Most helpful. I'll measure the pickup height, 202dy. I'd hoped that even being a practice amp that the Minx wouldn't be quite so thin--and it's not just the low open E, but all along the string. Better strings and some adjustment will help, I suspect. Thanks again, all.