Question for the Bartolini Experts

[Aram]

I have an Ibanez BTB1006e that is equipped with USA Bartolini soapbars (I believe dual coil wired in parallel), and a USA 3-band 18v preamp (the one with the 3-way mid shift).

I've had the bass for a few years, but in the last several months, I notice I'm 'losing' the notes on the B string. In other words, the volume is very balanced across the strings until I get to the B, where it seems to be noticeably quieter than the other strings. I dont ever remember this being the case -- does anyone know what might be causing it? Do pickups sometimes lose their sensitivity?

I tried the obvious fixes (raised the B-string side of the pickups as high as they will go without making the string bottom out), and tried a little EQ boost on the 30hz knob of the onboard preamp. No luck.

Anyone have some insight?

 

[allexcosta]

They're dying?

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Do pickups sometimes lose their sensitivity?

Not unless they have a magnet for each string, and that one magnet is demagnetizing.

But Barts use bar magnets, so it would affect all the strings.

Is this happening with both pickups? Sounds like the B string to me.... how old are the strings, and what brand are they?

Have you changed string brands, especially when the problem started?

Some brands have weak low B strings.

Also, how does the bass sound unplugged? Is the low B weak? Does it buzz or fret out?

 

[gjooro]

Maybe the B is much higher on your bass, like much higher than E?
btw I have btb1206E too

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Maybe the B is much higher on your bass, like much higher than E?
btw I have btb1206E too

He said he raised the pickup on the B side. Actually having the string higher will make it fuller sounding. Too low will choke it.

I think it's a bad string.

 

[Aram]

Doh! I probably haven't changed the strings, that's a very good point. I shall do that post haste. I can also experiment with actual string height...I didn't notice it was bottoming on frets or anything, but maybe it's generally too low.

Thanks guys!

edit: the strings are Elixir, and they have a tapered B. I hate tapered B's, but I love Elixers...

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Yeah the low B's get thuddy after a while.