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ABG Low Output on E String

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by bassopotamus102, Jul 12, 2013.

  1. Jul 12, 2013 #1
    bassopotamus102

    bassopotamus102

    Mar 28, 2009
    Doing a semi-acoustic set for a youth gathering at church. one of our guitarists had an AGB laying around and he is letting me use it.

    during rehearsal, I found the E string has very low output compared to the others.

    Any suggestions on what it might be and what i can do to make it better?

    any and all help is much appreciated!
     
  2. Jul 12, 2013 #2
    maturanesa

    maturanesa

    Feb 6, 2010
    Buenos Aires, Argentina
    check the distance between the E string and the pickups in comparison with the other strings...rise the pickup at the E side until you get balance,,,
     
  3. Jul 12, 2013 #3
    bassopotamus102

    bassopotamus102

    Mar 28, 2009
    unfortunately, this is an Acoustic Bass Guitar and only Piezo in the bridge saddle.

    any thoughts?
     
  4. Jul 12, 2013 #4
    JTE

    JTE Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 12, 2008
    Central Illinois, USA
    Piezo pickups sense pressure. If the E strings seems to match in acoustic output, this problem generally means the pickup isn't flush with the saddle slot and/or the bottom of the saddle. It's a common problem on inexpensive guitars with under-saddle pickups.
    The other cause is the pickup isn't lined up with the saddle exactly right.

    Fixing it is a protracted trial-and-error process. Make sure the bottom of the saddle is dead flat. Precision machining is the best way, but using a thick pane of glass as a base to sand the saddle works. Ensuring the slot is also flat is a guitar tech problem. Find one who knows and has experience with piezo under-saddle PUPs.

    John
     
  5. Jul 15, 2013 #5
    B String

    B String Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2002
    Los Angeles
    I have a wonderful but cheap ABG. When I got it the string volumes were all over the place. I took it to Norik Renson and had Brett work on it. He said it was no big deal but I realize it's due to big skills.
    Find a good acoustic guitar repairman and he should be able to fix it with relative ease.