Fattening up the G&D strings

[plastik-bass[?]]

When I'm playing I always hesitate to use the D&G strings because I the sound they make is so much higher pitched and twangy than my E&A strings they just sound out of place.

What I'm wanting to know is are there any effects that I can use to give me D&G strings a fatter sound?

I'm already using heavy gauge strings and i have the low end boosted alot on my amp. If there is another solution other than effects im open for that too.

Thanks in advance

[JanusZarate]

Effects are useless in this regard, with perhaps one exception: compressors.

However... I wouldn't use a compressor in your case, because I'm betting your issue is really simple. Plus, compressors address volume differences - not tonal differences - between strings.

Have you tried adjusting the pickup height? Don't be afraid to lower the E/A side of your pickup(s), or to raise the D/G side. It makes a difference.

Also, you may want to try a different brand/type of string. What are you using now?

[plastik-bass[?]]

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

Effects are useless in this regard, with perhaps one exception: compressors.

However... I wouldn't use a compressor in your case, because I'm betting your issue is really simple.

Have you tried adjusting the pickup height? Don't be afraid to lower the E/A side of your pickup(s), or to raise the D/G side. It makes a difference.

I've tried raising and lowering both sides but I cant seem to a low enough sound. I know they aren't supposed to be as low as the E&A but I think they have to much of a high pitch sound and quite a twang to them that just doesnt seem like it belongs.

[JanusZarate]

That could be due either to pickup design or the strings themselves. It has less to do with gauge, IMO, and more to do with the overall design of the strings.

Are there other basses you've used that have a better string-to-string tonal balance than what you're using now? I'm curious about where you're coming from on the tone.

Another idea, which would probably help a lot: don't crank the Bass knob - crank your Low Mids instead. See if that helps. Those higher strings are naturally lacking in those lower frequencies, so if you boost elsewhere, it will help significantly.

What does your EQ look like, settings-wise?

[bongomania]

I def. recommend different strings. Don't be afraid to buy a bunch of different kinds and try them all- it's the only way to find out what will work. Also, don't be afraid to mix and match. You can go E and A one brand, D and G another. Or just one string from one brand- on my Fender 5'er I use one brand for my low B and another for the EADG.

[Jared Lash]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I def. recommend different strings. Don't be afraid to buy a bunch of different kinds and try them all- it's the only way to find out what will work. Also, don't be afraid to mix and match. You can go E and A one brand, D and G another. Or just one string from one brand- on my Fender 5'er I use one brand for my low B and another for the EADG.

+1

I like round sounding rather than piercing string. Some broken in DR Sunbeams might be right up your alley.

Or even flats.

[ehque]

LIGHTER strings actually have more fundamental usually, as they are strung to lower tensions. Maybe try that.

[varunkapahi]

yea, try some other sets of strings
there could also be some issue with your playing technique or the pickups which makes the higher strings sound so

[tdurden]

Check your EQ and tone knob on the bass. could also be your bass. Go to a music store and try other models including the one you play and see if there is a difference. maybe get a tech to set up your bass.

[ubado]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I def. recommend different strings. Don't be afraid to buy a bunch of different kinds and try them all- it's the only way to find out what will work. Also, don't be afraid to mix and match. You can go E and A one brand, D and G another. Or just one string from one brand- on my Fender 5'er I use one brand for my low B and another for the EADG.

+1

Try DR coated strings for the D & G ... heck, even try flatwounds (chromes) to deaded your tone a bit.

[JohnDavisNYC]

TI jazz flats will do the trick...

[Jim Breece]

I play mostly fingerstyle, and what works best for me is moving my right (plucking) hand closer to the bridge on the low strings and closer to the neck on the high strings. It makes way less difference with a pick, since you have the initial "clicky" attack no matter what.

[baalroo]

1) If you play fingerstyle watch you hands when you move to the D & G you may be lifting your hand and plucking the string in a fundamentally different way when reaching to the lower strings.

2) Try different strings, maybe something A LOT different than what you have now...like some lighter gauge flats, just to help understand the differences that strings can make to the sound.

3) You may be EQing "wrong" for the sound you're looking for. When you ramp up the lows you may be accentuating the differences between the strings because they have different fundamentals. In response you further ramp up the low to compensate and the problems get worse.

4) Effects will NOT fix this, the culprit is somewhere between your hands and the amp, don't add an extra level of complication it'll only make things worse.

[DyingatGrace]

buy a dbx 160 and be done with it

[tomhanzo]

this may be dumb but im farely new to playing instruments. Could a person just get a bigger gauge for the top two strings then a smaller one for the bottom two strings or vice-versa?

[bongomania]

Yes, you can mix-and-match different gauges by either buying the strings individually, or buying different sets that have different gauges and mixing them "to taste".

[sikamikanico]

I had that problem with my Musicman - it was EQ... compressor did not solve that!

try eliminating the sources of the problem(s)!

1.) fingers and technique (get someone else to play, use a pick...)
2.) strings (imo, a decent set should be fine, like a set of (nickel) DRs... or flats, really, as some have suggested!)
3.) bass (what bass are you using anyway?)
- bridge (quality, string height)
- pickups (quality, height)
- preamp (quality, EQ)
4.) other devices
5.) amp (and its EQ...)

Well, basically, if you have this problem using a properly set up, decent mid level passive bass (P bass copy should do), with nice strings and a good amp (EQ flat) in a decent room (not too big, solid floor...), then it's probably (99%) your technique

I speak from my experience here only, but I made many mistakes and learned what works for me - I use passive basses now, good pickups and bridges, Pyramid nickel strings (flats and rounds), and run my Ashdown flat (in rehearsal place; on stage, I set the EQ if needed) and try to get the sound I want using different playing techniques. No more problems and I can enjoy and focus on playing now

[Ba55Man1ac]

Fools, you're all fools I say! The solution is always MORE FX!!!

A dual or multi band compressor will do the trick - a Digitech Bass Squeeze works for me. If you get the setting right it will add meat to the higher strings while leaving the lower ones as is.