When blending 50/50, the low B decreases in volume

[azzyrazzy]

As it says in the title, I got a 5'er where when blending the bridge and neck pickup equally, the volume drops significantly on the low b. Panning to neck or to bridge helps a lot, but not fully up to the volume of the E or A string.

I have ordered a tapered b-string single, but any guesses to what may cause the volume drop? I know there is a scoop when you blend two pickups, but this is not normal.

I also have a Warwick 5'er that doesn't have this problem. I borrowed the DR Hibeam b-string for that but it didn't help.

[smeet]

Sounds like maybe your pickups are out of phase?

[walterw]

yeah, does it get kinda thin and snarly-sounding?

[JimmyM]

Just dial it off a little favored toward the neck pickup. Sounds about the same as a blend but a little bit fatter and doesn't decrease volume nearly as much.

[azzyrazzy]

Originally Posted by smeet

Sounds like maybe your pickups are out of phase?

It only happens with the B-string, so I am thinking no to the out-of-phase?

[azzyrazzy]

Originally Posted by walterw

yeah, does it get kinda thin and snarly-sounding?

Not really, just softer and lower in volume.

[azzyrazzy]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Just dial it off a little favored toward the neck pickup. Sounds about the same as a blend but a little bit fatter and doesn't decrease volume nearly as much.

Yes could be a compromise. Looking forward to receiving the tapered b-string, just to check

[azzyrazzy]

I have found the reason: As I was tapping the pickups with a screwdriver, I realize that the B-string is located on the edge of the internal bar magnet of the Bartolinis and thus does not get full coverage, so to speak. This gives out lower volume.

Looks like I need to find another type of pickup or route for a slightly bigger size pickup (EMG45 as opposed to EMG40)

It's a custom bass so the luthier got unlucky here.