Dead string, or electronics issue?

[DoctorZee]

This morning I plugged in my #1 (a Fender Performer Precision PJ) and noticed that the low E sounds like it’s missing all high-frequency content, as though the tone knob was rolled all the way off. It’s just that one string.

Coincidentally, or not, I heard a little crackling when I turned the P pickup’s volume knob, which has never happened with this bass before.

Does this sound like it’s just an issue with the string, or could there be something going on under the hood?

I’ll obviously try changing the strings but in the meantime I figured consulting this brain trust wouldn’t hurt!

 

[michael_t]

This morning I plugged in my #1 (a Fender Performer Precision PJ) and noticed that the low E sounds like it’s missing all high-frequency content, as though the tone knob was rolled all the way off. It’s just that one string.

What brand and type of strings? How old are they?

 

[DoctorZee]

What brand and type of strings? How old are they?

Slinkys, which I’ve used for years. I think I only got one gig out of this set; I usually change them after 2. Never heard just one go dead so much faster than the others, but lo and behold, that’s what it was. Put on a new set, and we’re back in business. Must have been a dud.

 

[tindrum]

Slinkys, which I’ve used for years. I think I only got one gig out of this set; I usually change them after 2. Never heard just one go dead so much faster than the others, but lo and behold, that’s what it was. Put on a new set, and we’re back in business. Must have been a dud.

Actually in nearly 40 years of playing I’ve had this happen a few times. In fact if I ever have any issue with a string it always the E. Maybe since it has the most wraps there’s more potential for a manufacture error?

 

[Yahboy]

Slinkys, which I’ve used for years. I think I only got one gig out of this set; I usually change them after 2. Never heard just one go dead so much faster than the others, but lo and behold, that’s what it was. Put on a new set, and we’re back in business. Must have been a dud.

EB Slkiny B and E get dull faster than the rest, it is pretty common issue on them. I dont think GHS fastfret do help now.

But you can try "ethanol solution" for E string before swap with new set.