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Low E on Stingray not as zingy as the other 3 strings...technique issue??

L

lastminute

Dec 25, 2007
536
185
#1
I've got myself a Music Man SUB USA bass and while I love the heck of its sound, the Low E doesn't ever seem to have as much cut/zing as the other ADG strings. I feel like they cut through, where as I have the hit extra hard on the E to get it to do so. ANy suggestions on remedies that maybe it's a technique issue?

(I can't try moving the pickups on the bass side just yet, as I found the screws for that are stripped (I need to figure out how to get them out).
 
#2
Did you buy the instrument used, or from a store where it may have been played extensively? Stripped screws suggest it has been monkeyed with; quality control was supposed to be pretty good on those. The E usually loses its zing and wears out first. If you feel confident it has new strings, it could be technique; but I suspect it’s the string, and it would be neither difficult nor terribly expensive to try a new set of strings.
 
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#3
Riff Ranger said:
Did you buy the instrument used, or from a store where it may have been played extensively? Stripped screws suggest it has been monkeyed with; quality control was supposed to be pretty good on those. The E usually loses its zing and wears out first. If you feel confident it has new strings, it could be technique; but I suspect it’s the string, and it would be neither difficult nor terribly expensive to try a new set of strings.
Click to expand...

I already put new strings on it to rule out, so it's not the cause.

Oh, and yes, I bought it used off Reverb. No doubt, somebody messed up with the screws at some point.
 
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#4
Huh. The usual complaint with Stingrays is a weak G string. Are you playing it backwards upside down lefty or something? :laugh: … but seriously, I’m afraid I don’t have much. As you likely know, a thicker string will have more low end and less high end than a thinner one, but usually not so much in a packaged set that it sounds “wrong” (until you throw in a low B). I’ve gotten particularly thud-y .095–.125 strings more than occasionally from certain manufacturers (which led me to stop purchasing them), so it is possible you’ve had two bum strings in a row, though unlikely.
 
#6
Riff Ranger said:
Are you new to playing bass? If so, maybe it is technique, but it’s pretty hard to assess that without video.

Do you have the same problem on other basses?
Click to expand...

Nope, been playing 15 years. Not sure if other basses have the same issue, haven't looked yet.

If it helps, the context in which I'm playing is at my church. Straight to PA, monitors are all through in ears.
 
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#7
lastminute said:
I've got myself a Music Man SUB USA bass and while I love the heck of its sound, the Low E doesn't ever seem to have as much cut/zing as the other ADG strings. I feel like they cut through, where as I have the hit extra hard on the E to get it to do so. ANy suggestions on remedies that maybe it's a technique issue?

(I can't try moving the pickups on the bass side just yet, as I found the screws for that are stripped (I need to figure out how to get them out).
Click to expand...
What are the string gauges
 
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#11
lastminute said:
Hmm..I had the guy at my local shop install the strings (free service they do for every string purchase). I'd hate to think they'd make such a basic mistake...
Click to expand...
It’s easy enough to do, but usually also something you’d notice before handing it back to a customer. If you’ve got a warbly, chorus-y effect with reduced low end and output, then there you go, but you’d probably have described that if that was the case.
 
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#12
lastminute said:
I already put new strings on it to rule out, so it's not the cause.
Click to expand...

Still could be an issue: Ive bought strings with duds in them before. Also, depends on the string (composition materials) itself: budget strings (many from China) are the worst and there are lots of counterfeits that have showed up in music stores. Theres other mitigating factors too: All Im saying is, great that you changed strings, but dont completely rule out strings as the culprit yet
 
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#13
When you say not cutting is it at your position on stage? Bass has a longer wave and it may be cutting fine in Venue.

I have never heard 'Zingy' from E String on my Special or any Bass for that Matter.[maybe tight focused]

Do you have example of E Zing your expecting?
 
#17
lastminute said:
Hmm..I had the guy at my local shop install the strings (free service they do for every string purchase). I'd hate to think they'd make such a basic mistake...
Click to expand...

You'd be surprised.

I'd re-install the existing set to spec including break angles, witness points, etc. Also the perfect opportunity to revisit the entire set-up as any short-cut or omitted step...and there's a bunch...can cause problems.

Riis
 
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#18
lastminute said:
(I can't try moving the pickups on the bass side just yet, as I found the screws for that are stripped (I need to figure out how to get them out).
Click to expand...
Try putting a rubber band on tip of screwdriver. When the rubber compresses between screwdriver and screw it often gives enough grip to turn a stripped screw.

FWIW I’ve become an amateur luthier because I can’t really trust the people around me. Tbh, it saves you money and will make you closer to your instrument.

edit: amateur guitar tech would probably be a better description. Repairs/setup is what I’ve been successful at. Refinishing is a whole different game…
 
Last edited:
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#20
Things to check:
  • Bridge. Make sure screws secure it tight to the body.
  • Bridge: Make sure saddle screws are making even contact with the bridge.
  • Neck: Make sure neck plate screws are tight
  • Nut: Remove strings. Make sure nut is set and properly glued down.
Also try pressing down on the E string above the nut. Does the zippiness return? Do same behind the saddle. Did that help?

Finally get a new set of round wounds, and string them yourself. Be sure to watch a video on how to properly string a bass on YouTube before you start.

Finally: If nothing else works take it in to a good luthier. The MM Subs are fantastic instruments. I’m sure whatever the problem is it can be straightened out.

Good luck.
 
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