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

#21
Aside from string issues (installed twisted, just a bad E out of the box) or any mechanical issues (nut slots, bridge, etc.) and the fact that for now the low side of the pickup is fixed in place, I'd try lowering (if necessary) the treble side until you have equal space between the E and G strings and the top of the pickup and just see IF that reels it in. Do this pressing the E and the G down at the last fret, and just match the gap over the E with the G side.

See what you hear then.

PS: Use the RIGHT screwdriver.
 
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#23
newfuture said:
I've had two basses where this was the case. T-40 and a MIM squire series P. New strings never helped. Ended up selling both, but should have sought professional help.
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The outer strings definitely sound different on my T-40. Much as punk and doom bands seem to like T-40s, mine really just seems to require a lighter touch than I typically use for heavy music (which might get this comment of mine back on topic).
 
#24
Just as an aside for trying to get the screws loosened around the pickup. When turning the screw driver you can push down on the pickup so you have pressure on the springs which will reduce the pressure on the screws which hopefully will make them easier to remove (hopefully they're not too stripped.
 
#25
FWIW, I have both a Stingray (2003-era) and USA SUB. Both lose their E string freshness much faster than the other strings, though the 2-band SUB is certainly more aggressive on the E string than the 3-band Stingray is. In fact, I might like it better sonically.

In a recent rig rundown, Justin Chancellor's bass tech says they change the E string at the intermission mark of their show.
 
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#28
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).
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Use a stainless steel E string. Stainless strings give you an odd twang. That'd probably be what you're looking for on that string.
 
#29
Took pics. The windings seem okay?

IMG_2535.jpeg
IMG_2536.jpeg
IMG_2537.jpeg
 
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#31
Nebadon2000 said:
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?
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I have 3 different tones in mind I want from my low E. Listening back, some are zingy, some are more punchy, but they're all something I'd like.





 
#34
This is a real thing in a lot of cases - E strings are often a little less zingy than A's or D's, and G's can be unnaturally (too much) zingy at times. On a 5, (the B often has a bigger case of less zing) I will often use a B string from a "brighter" design to better match the set. Also, tapered strings help bigger strings retain some of their zing - they are often distinctly better than non-tapered strings.
 
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#37
lastminute said:
XT Nickel Plated Steel | Coated Bass Guitar Strings | D'Addario
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There are thousands of players happily playing D’Addario bass strings out there, but maybe you’re having the experience I’ve had with their .100–.120 diameter strings almost every time I’ve tried a set (though I’ve never tried the NYXLs): they’ve gone dead almost instantly while the rest of the set still sounds almost new. I’m not talking about the brand-new-string-zing fading; I’m talking dead. Maybe D’Addario strings just usually won’t work for you.

(I feel compelled to mention that the .095/.075/.055/.040 D’Addario set I recently had on my 34” EADG bass sounded good and held up quite well, contrary to my usual experience.)
 
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#38
micguy said:
If you have access to free strings, a tech to do the change for you, and are particular about your sound, it's not at all crazy.
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Yes but a string doesn’t wear out in an hour, otherwise it would be a really bad string. You will not hear a difference in sound after that short time unless you have a dogs hearing. Especially not if you use that much effects as Tool does. So why wayste a good string? Even if it’s for free.
 
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#39
Les Fret said:
Yes but a string doesn’t wear out in an hour, otherwise it would be a really bad string. You will not hear a difference in sound after that short time unless you have a dogs hearing. Especially not if you use that much effects as Tool does. So why wayste a good string? Even if it’s for free.
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If you sweat enough into a string, the liquid between the windings can deaden a string that quickly. It may recover after the concert, but if it's a bit dead sounding for the second half, the recovery is too late.

Even if the string doesn't usually deaden that quickly, there is likely some circumstance where he got bit by a string deadening fast, and the thought in his mind that a string might go dead is just as detrimental to the performance as one actually going dead. When you work around enough musicians, you realize we're not all completely logical, and keeping our minds free of concerns is something that we need help with. Reality isn't the thing that messes us up, it's keeping the thing between our ears happy that is the issue.
 
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#40
micguy said:
If you sweat enough into a string, the liquid between the windings can deaden a string that quickly. It may recover after the concert, but if it's a bit dead sounding for the second half, the recovery is too late.

Even if the string doesn't usually deaden that quickly, there is likely some circumstance where he got bit by a string deadening fast, and the thought in his mind that a string might go dead is just as detrimental to the performance as one actually going dead. When you work around enough musicians, you realize we're not all completely logical, and keeping our minds free of concerns is something that we need help with. Reality isn't the thing that messes us up, it's keeping the thing between our ears happy that is the issue.
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haha. Indeed. I highly doubt anyone will ever hear that in a concert mix. But if it makes him happy he should do it….
 

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