Warwick FNA 5 weak G string

ale29 · #1 06-20-2010, 08:35 AM

hi guys, I must admit I'm not entirely satisfied with my Warwick FNA 5 string 35" scale bass' sound.
My main problem is that G string sounds weaker than the others (and i have lowered the pup on the lower strings already), unless I pump up the mids (let's say above 300hz or just turn the mid knob on my bass), resulting in a sound that I don't really like in all situations. Also it is hard to bring out some treble, even though it may be a specific characteristic of the bass.

My Amplification consists of a Peavey Mark VI bass head and an Ashdown MAG 414 cab.
The thing has 9 band eq and 2 shelving knobs so if you have some eq suggestions they are welcome. I'd like to stay as much flat as possible anyway.

I was even thinking of trading it for a Spector BOB 4 DLX i've found in a shop here in Italy, I've played it for some minutes and it seems to be quite mid scooped but overall still more defined. However, I'd prefer not losing the 5th string and the playbility on the Warwick is just awesome, extremely low action, best B string ever tried and so on.

Webtroll · #2 06-20-2010, 08:42 AM

Have you tried a different set of strings? What are you using now?

ale29 · #3 06-20-2010, 08:46 AM

I've tried Warwick black label (mounted on the bass when i bought it) and D'addario nickel.
45-130 gauge.
Shall I try heavier/lighter gauge to get a more "meaty" g string and not a thin guitar-like g string?

Nurb · #4 06-20-2010, 08:55 AM

Ashdown MAG 414 cab: may be the problem. I have this cab and really dislike it. Changing the cab may not solve the weak G issue, but it will probably improve the overall tone.

ale29 · #5 06-20-2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nurb

Ashdown MAG 414 cab: may be the problem. I have this cab and really dislike it. Changing the cab may not solve the weak G issue, but it will probably improve the overall tone.

I'm sure it would improve the tone, however i can't change it in the short term.
Beside, I've tried both the Spector and the Warwick on a Markbass stack in the shop: didn't bother tweaking the eq, but the Wick sounded quite lifeless compared to the spector. This test isn't reliable at all anyway, just sayin'.

KsPiNeSh · #6 06-20-2010, 09:33 AM

Try adjusting the pups.

ale29 · #7 06-20-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

Try adjusting the pups.

That's what I've done already.
Pheraps you've some suggestions regarding this? Any specific measure?

jpTron · #8 06-20-2010, 10:17 AM

Are you talking about at home or playing with a band? I have/had the same problem with my Thumb. But at home it sounds even across all strings. But when I'm playing with my band I feel like the D & G strings are non existent. So friday I decided to stand across the room from my amp as opposed to right next to it or in front of it like I usually do. To me that was the difference. I have a love/hate relationship with my bass in the past. But after friday I have a whole new love for it. I always thought it would be the case since my drummer and guitarist would talk about how great some of my bass lines sounded (on parts where I'm using the D & G string) when I didn't even think they could hear it.

ale29 · #9 06-20-2010, 10:24 AM

It depends on alot of factors indeed.
I'm referring mostly to playing at home, standing in front of amp a couple meters away, when playing with a band i could hear very well the G string or not depending on where i stand, but i was also pumping the mids alot and the sound was quite horrible tbh.
This is even more evident when I plug in my cheap Precision bass copy: I don't like the sound of lower strings at all (too much mud), but hell the G string is so more present, almost overwhelming.

KsPiNeSh · #10 06-20-2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ale29

That's what I've done already.
Pheraps you've some suggestions regarding this? Any specific measure?

I want to say that Warwick recommends a height of 1-2 mm from pup to string, but I could be wrong. Pretty sure it's in the manual - check their site to be sure, as hte manuals are posted online. www.warwickbass.com

Bocete · #11 06-20-2010, 10:53 AM

The longer the scale, the better the B string but the thinner the G string, and vice versa. On a 6er it's even more pronounced, how much do the B and the C strings differ. The solution? Get a Dingwall, it's that simple

No, really

your mind will be blown away. Unless you've spent some time with one, you are probably not aware how much better can it get regarding string-to-string balance.

**lowendfriend** · #12 06-20-2010, 11:20 AM

try a heavy gauge G and tweak the pup spacing to the low end of tolerance.

If a GK user, try messin' with the bi-amp'ed horn....lots of settings to try there.

ale29 · #13 06-20-2010, 12:07 PM

How'd you consider a possible trade with the Spector BOB anyway?

This one. I'm wondering what's inside these EMG covers: P+J or J+J or 2 humbuckers?

LowB-ing · #14 06-20-2010, 01:38 PM

I used Warwick Black Label and Yellow Label strings for a few years because of their absolutely excellent B-strings, but eventually gave up on them because of the weak sounding G (and to some extent D). I now use pieced together sets of d'Addario ProSteels (.50, .65, .85, .110, .145) as well as CircleK "Balanced" sets.

I'd say Your string choice i definitely part of your problem, But EQ plays a part to. Scooped tone contributes to weak G-string.