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Quiet string, what's the problem?

G

gwreid

Apr 8, 2005
165
19
Utah
#1
Okay, I have a new (used) 55-94 Lakland 5 string which is great, with one exception, in certain circumstances the A string isn't as loud as the others. I know it's not a pickup issue beause the same problem exists on each pickup (Bart's) and on all three settings of the bridge PU. After checking that out I thought it might be the nut but the problem exists on open AND fretted notes. Yes, I've changed the strings and still have the problem. I've also raised the action. An obvious possibility is the saddle, but that looks fine. One last refinement of the problem description. I tend to pluck the strings between the neck and the neck PU or, if muting, near the bridge. When using fingers the volume difference is not at all noticable BUT, when I use a pick for some rock numbers, thats when the difference can easily be noticed. Weird. Any thoughts???
 
#10
Come on guys, read the original post. :hyper:
The entire string (Yes, I've replaced it and all others.) is quieter than the other strings ONLY when I use a pick between the neck and the neck PU. Using fingers anywhere or using a pick near the bridge shows no problem. It's ONLY when I use a pick, which I do for a bunch of old rock stuff, near the neck. Weird, :hmm: Must have something to do with the wider vibration that takes place when plucking nearer the middle of the string. I've changed the entire setup but no change. I'm stumped.
 
#11
gwreid said:
Come on guys, read the original post. :hyper:
The entire string (Yes, I've replaced it and all others.) is quieter than the other strings ONLY when I use a pick between the neck and the neck PU. Using fingers anywhere or using a pick near the bridge shows no problem. It's ONLY when I use a pick, which I do for a bunch of old rock stuff, near the neck. Weird, :hmm: Must have something to do with the wider vibration that takes place when plucking nearer the middle of the string. I've changed the entire setup but no change. I'm stumped.
Click to expand...

then it is your tech or the string height... thats it solved.
 
#13
Did you re-string with the same guages & type? I took a pick to my '94 in the position you mentioned. I am using TI jazz flats, which are not standard guages. I'm getting very even response which you should be. Have you talked to anyone at Lakland?
 
#14
spiritbass said:
Did you re-string with the same guages & type? I took a pick to my '94 in the position you mentioned. I am using TI jazz flats, which are not standard guages. I'm getting very even response which you should be. Have you talked to anyone at Lakland?
Click to expand...

I put same gauge back on and a matching set of course. As for PU height, I've also played with that to no avail. I'll be calling Lakland first thing Monday. Thanks for all the suggestions. When I get a resolution, I'll let y'all know. I've never seen (heard) something like this before in my 40 pkus years of playing guitar and bass..
 
#15
I eventually got through to Dan at Lakland and I'd barely completed the description of the problem before he said "Oh yes, we know about that problem, you will need to replace the pickups." He went on to tell me, to my surprise, that some of his 5 strings actually had 4 string PU's installed so I would need to measure mine to determine which I had. Apparently, that had no bearing on the problem as it occurred with both 4 and 5 string pickups but only effected the A string. However, both pickups need replacing to cure the problem. Still weird (that both PU's must be replaced.) but at least it's an answer.
 

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