Hollow Sound

[pharmakon]

Sorry that my technical knowledge is lacking so that I can't properly describe what's going on, but I'll give it a shot!

I have a 2006 MIM Fender Jazz, all stock parts. I've noticed that I'm getting what I call a "hollow" sound from it. It's a kind of percussive, echo-y sound, and it happens on both pick ups. I play mainly with my fingers. I thought it might be my strings, but it's still there after changing them. A guitarist in one of my bands suggested it may be that the pick-ups are too high.

Does anyone know what I'm trying to describe and how to fix it? Thanks!

 

[Lownote38]

Without pictures, I can't say if your pick ups are too high, or not, but that could be the issue.

 

[pharmakon]

I'll take some when I get home and post. Thanks

 

[Tbone76]

If your pups are too close to the strings, it can make your bass sound like it has a chorus effect engaged. Just a possibility.

 

[pharmakon]

I lowered the neck pup (the worst culprit) and it didn't change. Just going to take it in to my friend at the music store. I have a feeling I may need new pups. It's frustrating not getting the sound that I want out of my instrument now!

 

[pharmakon]

So it looks like a couple of things. First, the neck pup is probably bad. It's losing a lot of power. Second, the strings were a bit too low, and we think they were just barely touching the last fret when I plucked, and the sound I was hearing was the overtones it created. I haven't tested it on my main rig yet (I will tonight), but at least I think that part is solved! So now to save up for a new PU! My friend who worked on it suggested a seymour duncan quarter pounder jazz, so I'll be looking and listening to that.