Hey guys. So I bought a Fender Standard P-bass and I really like it. Its kinda soft but I though it could just be adjusted in the amp. Now when I play I have to plug in to a direct box and my friend mixing everything says the bass is really soft and the signal is weak. Is it the pickups or wiring or something else that's the problem?
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Bass problems
- Thread starter Shazam
- Start date
The pups. Replacing with ones like dimarzio P pups will both increase the output and broaden the tone.
FIRST...read the stickies and do a web search on "How to set up a bass".
After you have done that complete process, start over. Chances are it's not the pickups, but something in the setup, strings or pickup adjustment.
It makes no sense to suggest that someone change pickups when we don't even know whether their bass is set up in any way that's remotely correct.
After you have done that complete process, start over. Chances are it's not the pickups, but something in the setup, strings or pickup adjustment.
It makes no sense to suggest that someone change pickups when we don't even know whether their bass is set up in any way that's remotely correct.
I noticed that it was 'your friend' doing the mixing. I suppose he's a professional, and you are recording the bass directly (not mic'ing a bass amp) -- that leaves the problem with your bass, your direct box, or the cable connecting them.
Have you tried using another cable, or an alternative DI? You can even try to use another passive bass to see if the signals are still "weak," too.
A passive bass may produce less output than an active one, but it is capable of doing the recording job very well.
If you have doubts and just bought the bass, why not take it back to GC? Someone there should be able to help you track down the problem. Then, if it is a bad pickup, GC should take care of it for you.
@carlis I actually tried playing an Ibanez SRX 700 and the volume seemed fine so does that mean it's my bass that's the problem?
@emibass thanks for the tip that seems like something I could suggest to my friend.
See other valuable advice above. To sum up, I suggest you try turning up the gain level on your direct box first. If all attempts fail, bring your new bass to GC and let the staff figure out what happens to your gear.
