How to fix an overly quiet A string when pole piece adjustment is not an option?

[PlayItAway]

Hey all,

I have a 4-string luthier-made bass that is basically a J copy with a few aesthetic differences. I currently have Bartolini pickups in it, which are sealed in epoxy and thus I cannot adjust the pole pieces. The A string is much too quiet compared to the other strings, and I'm not sure what to do about it. I've tried adjusting the action of that string, but that ends up being impractical as far as playability/buzz concerns. I'm okay with the action being very high, but it may buzz if I try to get it closer to the pickup.

The strings I have on it right now are a tension-optimized set, so the E string is particularly heavy and vibrant. Because of this, I have angled the pickups so that they are further away from the low strings. So the E is balanced with the D and G strings as far as output, but the A comes up short. I don't want to change to a lighter E string since they quickly become too floppy and undefined for my tastes.

What do you think the best option is?

Thanks

 

[Arie X]

is this a new problem or has it been happening from day one?

 

[sissy kathy]

A heavier A string sounds like the optimum choice

 

[JGbassman]

Go with a heavier a string and see if that helps. You can get custom sets at bassstringsonline.com

The owner is a member here and will do his best to help you with your needs.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

One other option is to play with adjusting the magnetic fields of the pickup's pole pieces. For example, sticking small steel washers on the underside of the pickup, right under the individual magnets, will usually weaken or change the shape of the fields around the strings. Sticking washers under the E, D and G magnets may soften them enough to make them equal to the A. You could also try sticking a small Neo disk magnet on the underside of the A pole, to see if it will boost it. It may or may not.