Quiet E string

[Ethan Rooney]

I play a '78 Rickenbacker and I recently got a set up done on it, but it seems like the E string is a little bit quieter than the rest of the strings, which makes me play it harder which gives it a harsh and bad sound. Any ideas on what could cause this and how to fix it?

Thanks oodles
Ethan

 

[bassboysam]

So it was fine before the setup? If so then take it back and have them figure it out.

 

[EricssonB]

The solution lies somewhere between the action and the pickup configuration/adjustments; relative distance between each string and its pup.

What kinda pickup? Adjust the height of the magnets. Should be a screw for that. I'm not too familiar with Ricks.

Oh wow, look, it's 5:30. Only an hour and a half till I can go home and sleep.

I was playing the Jazz at the Chapel here on base (the base's bass) and the E/G were a much lower than the A/D and also much louder. So I took it home for the weekend I leveled things out - helped a lot! The output for all strings is about even and I don't have to adjust my playing to consider inconsisten volumes.

 

[darkstorm]

Sounds like the E string got raised or that side of pup/s got lowered. Ok, Look at the string relative to the A string at the saddles. The E string saddle should be a little bit lower then the A string. Saddle maybe just barely lower the A's, but still a bit. If not, lower it so it is without causing excessive fret buzz. Also look at the pups, is the E side lower then the G side on either or both? If so, raise that side so its even with. Hopefully that will fix volume problem for E string.

 

[EagleMoon]

Known problem with older Rickenbackers. That's why they went with the adjustable pole pieces on the newer ones. But if it's a new issue since the setup then try adjusting the pickup like the others have said. Or if you got new strings when you got the setup, maybe it's the string? Try another E string.