"Thuddy" D String

[Zombbg4]

Hi,

I've recently picked up a Shen ply and have fallen in love with the DB, I've never had so much fun playing an instrument.The bass has a decent tone and the "mwah" and "growl" that I really dig. The only thing that is bugging me is the D string is quite a bit different that the others, more "thuddy" with less sustain and "mwah", though I only experience this problem below the Ab on the D string. Open D to G- thuddy, no mwah. Could the nut be too high for this string? Like I said, the others are fine. Would it be a terrible idea to file it down myself? I have the proper tools and experience for EB, but DB I'm not so confident. Any help is great, thanks!

And sorry for all the "tone words".

[Cody Sisk]

Your bass's setup is the cause most likely. These are the things that need attention to optimize the tone of your bass.

Soundpost
Tailpiece
Tail Wire type/length
Endpin type/weight
Bridge height/position
Type of strings

I'd get a good bass luthier to put a good setup on it for you. Properly setup, a shen can really sound good..