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Bass VI E-string problem

S

salsaslas

Jan 6, 2010
24
2
#1
Hi
I have a Squire VI (6-stringed). Im not comfortable with the low estring. When I tune it, it all over the place. The only way to do tuning is using harmonics at the twelfth fret. And it seems like I have to play very soft on that string.

Is there any way to fix the problem. Dont know what strings it is on the bass. The came with it. I buy new ones if it helps. What is the recommendation? Or is it the neck, could i adjust it in any way , thighten the bolts ...
 
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#6
The strings that come on it are Fender NPS (.025-.084). You now have a starting point. Here is the only Fender set I could find, there's a big, BIG difference in sizes there; you'll need nut work at the least.
Invalid Link Removed
 
#7
Dont think I dare to go that far. But inspired by you I found following site [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I probably try a set of LaBella (0,026-0,095). Its seems like if the E-string is >0,1 there will be problem with the post-hole of the tuner, and that would to much for me.
 
#8
LaBella have is three different types av stings for Bass VI:
La Bella 767-6S Bass VI (Steel)
La Bella 767-6N Bass VI (Nickel)
La Bella 767-6F Bass VI (flatwound)
Don't know which one to try. Maybe i try the flatwounds, but most important is that the E-string will work

 
#9
salsaslas said:
LaBella have is three different types av stings for Bass VI:
La Bella 767-6S Bass VI (Steel)
La Bella 767-6N Bass VI (Nickel)
La Bella 767-6F Bass VI (flatwound)
Don't know which one to try. Maybe i try the flatwounds, but most important is that the E-string will work
Click to expand...
Well since you're striving for less compliance on the string, that's the best choice.
 
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#11
sissy kathy said:
First have you set your witness points? That'll help tuning it. Why do you have to play that string softly? High output; Clack; chorusing just what is the problem?
Click to expand...

I don't see where your question was answered so allow me to elaborate...

First thing that comes to mind, given the OP's description, is a bad string install. Before I'd go throwing any money into new strings, I'd check the following:

*Adequate string wraps (3+).
*Nominal break angle over the nut & bridge saddle.
*Set witness points (!). The thicker the string, the more problematic IME.
*No twists in the string. Again, frequently problematic. De-tune the string, pull the "coil" from the tuner post, and allow it to assume a near-normal orientation before re-attaching.

To the OP: if unfamiliar with any of the above, please let us know. We're here to help. In all fairness, it could be a bad string but let's rule out the simple stuff first.

Riis
 
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#12
Aren’t those tremolo bridges notoriously difficult to get set up and stable? I don’t have all the how-to references at hand, maybe there’s some YouTube how-to’s, or another thread. My buddy chose to replace the bridge on his because the stock height action screws wouldn’t stay put. They would creep down during playing. And he said it was tricky to center the bridge pins so it could move freely without the string slipping. He also bumped the low E up to a .95.

Bottom line, bass VI set up is more complicated than the standard fixed bridge set ups we are more familiar with.
 
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#13
Thanks Zooberwerx
I will go through your suggestions
Wraps: 2,5
Breakangle: its the E-string so it has the best breakangle of the strings at the nut. At the bridge the angle is rather poor due to the construction of the tremolo bridge.
Witness points: Ive tried to find malfunction related witnesspoints, but couldnt find
No twist: the strings does have any extra length, so I dont want to try. I'll wait for my new ones and then I'll try to avoid twists.
 
#14
Thanks dab12ax7ef
I dont use the tremolo and does have the tremoloarm installed, so I didnt consider that possiblity. And maybe this setup is to complicated for me. I will look for more on Youtube. But I'll begin with a stringchange. Maybe thats enough :-)
 
#15
Seems that some and including yourself had already answered the problem... You need thicker low-E.

I'm using the La Bellas on my VI (well... mine is Ibanez SRC6, which is Ibanez take on the Bass VI. It's essentially the same 30" scale 6 string tuned E1 to E3). The La Bella has .095 low-E instead of .084 of the stock strings.

With the stock strings, I also had problem with low-E string being undefined. Now it's good with .095 low-E.


salsaslas said:
LaBella have is three different types av stings for Bass VI:
La Bella 767-6S Bass VI (Steel)
La Bella 767-6N Bass VI (Nickel)
La Bella 767-6F Bass VI (flatwound)
Don't know which one to try. Maybe i try the flatwounds, but most important is that the E-string will work
Click to expand...
This goes all way back to your own liking.

In my case, I choose the La Bella flatwound set cause flats would give me more of fundamental bass sound which fits my goal to use the SRC6 as a true bass guitar with occasional high notes chording and melodic fills.
 
#16
On my Pawn Shop VI I actually replaced the E string which was designed for baritone guitar use with one from a 4 string bass set. It needs strings for a 32" scale because of the distance between the bridge and the tailpiece. I bought D'Addarios, similar to what originally came on the bass. So Fender is selling strings for the VI again?
 
#20
View attachment upload_2024-3-29_19-22-35.webpHere they are
b09d663484QAkvwImXO6KCv4QDcEy2d2TFp6WUzU.wm-dh.jpg
 

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