Weird Problem With My Low E String

[MichaelThomas]

This might be a really lame n00bish question. I joined a band that tunes down to C# so this is my first time down tuning a bass. I have a 96 american jazz bass and I can't seem to keep the low E string from sounding "rubbery" when I downtune. All the other strings sound nice bright and warm but the low string sounds like crap. I never set up my bass to down tune, and also the slot for this low string on the nut is a little worn down. Could this be it? Any tips for getting this to sound right? Do I need a new nut? A good set up? This string sounds like crap even though its brand new. I'm putting Ernie ball hybrid slinkys btw. I'm primarily a guitarist so sorry for sounding like a total noob lol.

[Sijjvra]

New nut, setup, try different strings, maybe adjust the pick up height. Could be any number of things. Could even be your amp.

[dmusic148]

A heavier string usually helps this, so it has more tension. Try a .110 E string.

[JLS]

"low E string from sounding "rubbery" when I downtune"

Gonna happen, sorry.

[kingbee]

There are other options that might work, like getting a 5-string or an octave pedal.

[testing1two]

The lack of tension in a drop tuned E string makes it very challenging to get good tone/intonation and even response. I would suggest stringing your bass B E A D. This will require a new nut (save the old one in case you decide to go back to standard), neck relief adjustment, and bridge adjustment for string height & intonation. However, this will give better fundamental tone and better tension across all 4 strings.

[Papazita]

Originally Posted by testing1two

The lack of tension in a drop tuned E string makes it very challenging to get good tone/intonation and even response. I would suggest stringing your bass B E A D. This will require a new nut (save the old one in case you decide to go back to standard), neck relief adjustment, and bridge adjustment for string height & intonation. However, this will give better fundamental tone and better tension across all 4 strings.

+1

That, or get a 5-string and tune the B up to the C#

[sickest beast]

this might be a bit off topic, but i hate when a guitarist will ask you to drop-tune and will fail to realize that if you do it will sound like garbage. they fail to understand that the string tension over 4-strings when downtuning is a lot different from 6-string downtuning.

[Pilgrim]

Get a 5-string, or play the lowest notes up one octave. There's a nice C# on your A string.

[MichaelThomas]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

A heavier string usually helps this, so it has more tension. Try a .110 E string.

Got it, the .110 did it. Thanks for the help guys.