Being new is always a little daunting...

[Nadzilla]

Hi everyone!
I'm fairly green when it comes to Bass gear etc. I used to own a Bass purely for writing and recording my own music in my small home studio set-up, as I'm mainly a Guitar guy. A few months ago my friend asked me to play Bass in his band, and since then I've been more committed to Bass than Guitar and my playing has come along in leaps and bounds. I'm much more confident than I used to be, but when it comes to gear and shaping my sound, I'm still pretty inexperienced and it's a lot of new information to try and cram in all at once.

My current predicament is trying to find a set of strings that sound as uniform as possible across all four, as when I'm playing the A, D and G strings they sound really clear and piano-like, but when I come back down to the E it just makes a really disappointing thudding noise. :/
I've heard Kalium strings get closer to solving this issue, but being in the UK, I can't justify an order of one set of strings costing me around £43 at the moment.

Hopefully I can find an abundance of info on this forum to help solve my problem, but I'm sure there'll be plenty more hurdles to bug you all about in the future!

Cheers!
Nadz

 

[James Collins]

I wonder if it is your bass or pickup causing the issue. Especially if you have had it be consistent with multiple strings the same way. Also, it could be poor muting technique. The E string will cause the other strings to vibrate a lot and lead to mud.

Good luck.

 

[Nadzilla]

Thanks, James! It happened with the stock pups I had and is still happening with the Quarter Pounders I replaced them with. I'll review my muting technique as I'm sure it could do with some work.

 

[James Collins]

One difference with guitar is on bass in general you must only play one note. I play both. On guitar, I feel like I play only the notes I'm intending. On bass, I feel like I have to manage all of the strings to a greater degree.

Also, some basses tend to have more piano like notes. This may have to deal with tone woods and construction to some degree. I know all of my instruments have their own sound. If it is the bass construction then it you will have to entertain GAS.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I'd suggest going to your local music store, with your bass, and talk with the set up guy. Tell him/her about your E string and see what set of strings he would recommend, or what fix could be done.

Welcome and good luck.

 

[Nadzilla]

Cheers for the suggestions so far, guys. Looks like a trip to Manson's is on the cards, then... A dangerous prospect for the bank account! ^_^