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My bass sounds like a piano!

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Wattoosi, Nov 17, 2005.

  1. Nov 17, 2005 #1
    Wattoosi

    Wattoosi

    Nov 26, 2001
    Woodstock, Vermont
    I just got a MIM Fender Zone 4 string. I put new Fender Super bass strings on it. Set up rather low. checked pups and string height, set up so it plays nice for me. BUT the E string has this "piano" ring to it, not phat, rather thin I think, not like a bass "should" sound like. The other stings sound fine and the tone quality increases on the lighter strings I think. Suggestions please... :)
     
  2. Nov 17, 2005 #2
    anomalybass

    anomalybass

    Feb 6, 2004
    wichita kansas
    I personally like the "piano" tone, though it's not for everyone. I suggest giving it about a week for the strings to collect some oils from your fingers. Basically let them "die" a little bit. The string will naturally get lower over time. Have you used those strings before? Maybe those strings are just too bright for your taste. Try some DRs or another trusted brand. I favor Cirrus strings, but they tend to be kind of bright. You can also change your eq or play closer to the neck to get a deeper tone. -joe
     
  3. Nov 17, 2005 #3
    Wattoosi

    Wattoosi

    Nov 26, 2001
    Woodstock, Vermont
    Yeah I don't know what it is, I think my taste has changed. I am interested in doing some recording so that seem like a whole new ball game. That bright sound really cuts through for sure.

    No, have never used these - will try DR's next time. I know a lot of people on this board use them.
     
  4. Nov 17, 2005 #4
    Juneau

    Juneau

    Jul 15, 2004
    Dallas, TX.
    My bass always sounds like a piano with new strings. The above poster is right, just break em in a little bit and it will warm up some.
     
  5. Nov 17, 2005 #5
    ss81

    ss81

    May 29, 2005
    I know EXACTLY what you mean, I used to hate how "ping"-y new strings sound, and I was so happy once a month and a half went by and they finally wore down a bit. But that aversion to new strings caused me to go way too long without changing them until my precision ended up sounding really dead and flat, then I started thinking "Hmm, this is such a dull sounding bass, maybe I need to get a jazz..."

    Then the other night I put some new Ernie Ball super slinkys on and it's like a completely new bass! It's nice to hear it sounding lively, mean and aggressive again (and I don't mind that piano brightness so much anymore)...

    But I think I'll still get a jazz anyway :).

    Steve
     
  6. Nov 17, 2005 #6
    Wattoosi

    Wattoosi

    Nov 26, 2001
    Woodstock, Vermont
    Nice. it's the grit and growl I am looking for and maybe this bass won't quite cut it, although when I played one like it in a music store I thought it had the tone I wanted. Maybe it does and I just have to work out the kinks!
     
  7. Nov 17, 2005 #7
    kelbrihan

    kelbrihan Banned [Deceiving users with multiple usernames] Inactive

    Dec 2, 2004
    It must make playing Billy Joels "piano man" a breeze. :D
     
  8. Nov 17, 2005 #8
    Wattoosi

    Wattoosi

    Nov 26, 2001
    Woodstock, Vermont
    Yeah, I'll have to put some felt on my picks!