E String sounds dead compared to other strings

[sheltjo6]

I have a Warmoth parts bass that has a issue with the E String's tone.
When compared to the A, D, and G string, the E string sounds dead or thuddy regardless of which brand of string I use.

I've increased the tension of the string by tuning up a whole step to F#
Tuning up to F# or even G improves the tone of the E string.

Typically, I use a .105 gauge E string.
I researched string tension charts from D'Addario and GHS, a noticed the average tension on a .105 gauge string that is tuned to E is approximately 40 lbs.

Tuning up a .105 gauge string to a F# or G increases the tension to approximately 50 lbs on average based on the GHS tension chart.

Both D'Addario and GHS offers a set of strings that include an E string that takes approximately 50lbs of tension to be tuned to pitch.
I am aware that the instrument's setup will need adjusting to account for increased tension of all strings.

Is this course of action a good approach at resolving my dead e string issue?
Is there any other action I can take that might resolve this issue?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HaMMerHeD]

What kind of pickup? Maybe raise the E string side, or lower it if it's too close.

 

[sheltjo6]

What kind of pickup? Maybe raise the E string side, or lower it if it's too close.

Jazz pickups.
the pickup height was adjusted during the initial setup.
I've played around with the pickup height when I was testing various pickups.
Other than a change in volume, I did not notice any drastic tonal changes.

The only action I've taken that improved the sting's tone was to tune the string up a whole step or step and a half.
I did this based on other posts I've read on Talk Bass.

I don't mind switching to a heavier gauge string because I'm heavy handed when playing. I prefer the feel of tight strings.

 

[HaMMerHeD]

Yeah, then I'd try a heavier E string. 105 is pretty common, though I find myself personally drawn to light strings lately.

Maybe go stainless if you want a lot more zing.

 

[sheltjo6]

Update: no joy with a heavier gauge E string. The tone sounded worse. More thuddy, doesn't ring.

Tried a set of GHS Bass Boomers 50-115 gauge and a set of D'Addario XL160BT 50-120 guage.
Neither set had a decent sounding E string.
The A, D, and G strings sounded great, although the increased string tension took some time to get used to.

Before someone asks, I did perform a basic setup to compensate for the increased tension.
I don't believe it is a setup issue, but I'm not ruling it out.

Any ideas?
Neck body joint, nut material (Graph Tech TUSQ XL), bridge saddle?

I've had this bass professionally setup. I just don't know why the E string does not sustain.

 

[bikeplate]

Is the string thuddy when played open only or on all notes? If open only its the nut. If all notes id check the E string bridge saddle

 

[sheltjo6]

The open E string sustains as well as the other strings.

I swapped out the D'Addario XLs with a set of DR Hi-Beams.
The tone opened on the E string somewhat, although the overall tone is thinner than the XLs.

Based on a Bass Player article from 2005 about bass strings, XLs tend to have a even response across the frequency spectrum, whereas Hi-Beams have a pronounced mid scooped tone.

I'm beginning to believe I was choosing the wrong strings for this bass.
I have four other basses, and each bass has a different set of strings installed based on what I perceived is the best sounding string for a particular instrument's configuration.

I'll try the Hi beams out for awhile.

 

[sheltjo6]

Trying a set of GHS Balanced Nickels on one of my basses that has the dead e string issue and I think I may be onto a potential resolution. The Balanced Nickels appears to correct the issue. I wondering if it is due to the E string only having two windings on a round core.