Constant dead E string problem

[RandomBox]

This has been an ongoing issue. Everytime I get a new pair of strings, they sound fine and punchy. But after a while the E string just sounds dull and flat, even when the others are still bright sounding.


This has happened with Rotosounds, TI flats, and D'addario roundwounds (happened only after a week on the D'addarios)

Is there any way to prevent this? I've tried cleaning the strings after everytime I play, and washing my hands before playing. But everytime its just the E string that sounds dead, none of the others.

 

[pfox14]

Have you tried adjusting the height of your PUPs? Maybe it's not the strings

 

[RandomBox]

Have you tried adjusting the height of your PUPs? Maybe it's not the strings

I've tried lowering the string closer to the pickups and it still sounds dull/not as bright.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Tell us more about your string installation technique(s). Installing a good string on a bad set-up (including lack of witness points, poorly cut nut slot, etc) will kill your tone in no time.

Riis

 

[neo 7]

Are you playing a short scale?

 

[RandomBox]

Tell us more about your string installation technique(s). Installing a good string on a bad set-up (including lack of witness points, poorly cut nut slot, etc) will kill your tone in no time.

Riis

It happened on my rickenbacker, and it was professionally set up.

 

[RandomBox]

Are you playing a short scale?

Nope. A rick 4003, fender, and a fretless, all normal scale.

 

[markanini]

Try some different brands, some manufacturers use a larger core wire for the Low E which causes tonal disparity to the rest of the set.

 

[RandomBox]

Try some different brands, some manufacturers use a larger core wire for the Low E which causes tonal disparity to the rest of the set.

I've tried 4 already, and moneys kinda tight so I can't keep switching strings.

 

[Zooberwerx]

It happened on my rickenbacker, and it was professionally set up.

Ask your tech. FWIW, "professionally set up" doesn't hold a lot of water IMO. I've seen some real botch jobs.

The same questions that I posed earlier should be addressed when you take it back...or you can answer them yourself. You do change your own strings, correct?

Riis

 

[Gwardar]

Once I had 5 packs of Rotosound flats all with dead E. It was the strings, cos the next 5 packs were fine. So it does happen.

I doubt your setup would be so bad that would cause the E string to sound dead. Not sure if setup can do it at all.

You mentioned D'addarios, they can die pretty quickly, so I wouldn't be surprised here. The E string would be the first to go. Rotosounds can vary, but flats go quite dull after a few days of playing (that's why Steve Harris always puts a fresh pack). So if you want a zingy sound from them you'll be up for some expenditure.

Are you sure that what you are observing is abnormal? The E string is usually not as bright as the others possibly due to a different core as markanini pointed out.

Have you tried different bass or different amp?

 

[bigbottomend]

I use Elite Stadiums now because i had quality issues with rotosound. The Elites are definately the best strings ive ever used and a damn lot cheaper.

 

[Violen]

Seriously, Are you playing the other strings?

 

[knuckle_head]

Is your E tapered? And is it as tight as the rest of the set?

 

[mickster2]

I've tried lowering the string closer to the pickups and it still sounds dull/not as bright.

Try lowering the *pickup* on the E side. If its too close it will choke the string and can reduce volume.

This is unlikely to be a string issue as you've tried so many sets. Eliminate that and you're left with setup, amp EQ'ing and psychoacoustics (ie new strings sound zingy & brite cos they're different; when you get used to them you stop noticing the zing).

 

[RandomBox]

Try lowering the *pickup* on the E side. If its too close it will choke the string and can reduce volume.

This is unlikely to be a string issue as you've tried so many sets. Eliminate that and you're left with setup, amp EQ'ing and psychoacoustics (ie new strings sound zingy & brite cos they're different; when you get used to them you stop noticing the zing).

Again, it happens on all 3, I tried lowering the pickup yesterday and still it sounds dead. Even after weeks its just the E string, none of the others.

 

[RandomBox]

Seriously, Are you playing the other strings?

Yep, and the E string still always goes dead quickly.

 

[RandomBox]

Ask your tech. FWIW, "professionally set up" doesn't hold a lot of water IMO. I've seen some real botch jobs.

The same questions that I posed earlier should be addressed when you take it back...or you can answer them yourself. You do change your own strings, correct?

Riis

I do now. When I first started playing again last year I had a tech do it, but now I string them myself.

 

[Duckwater]

Most string sets have a duller sounding E string, I remember Circle K's sounding consistent all over though.

 

[mickster2]

Again, it happens on all 3, I tried lowering the pickup yesterday and still it sounds dead. Even after weeks its just the E string, none of the others.

In which case see my 2nd para. You're left with installation / setup, an amp EQ issue or else it's in yer head

- Twisted string when installing?
- Pickup issue on bass?
- Are you using the same rig / playing in the same space each time?

Look for the common denominator. It's not the strings if you're getting the same issue across multiple brands / types.

hth