Tonal variation with same EQ relative to 4 or 5 string(?)

[Solarmist]

Hey guys

Why does my E string sound less bassy' on my 5 string - than on my 4 string with identical pickups, and EQ. There's a definite difference in sound between the two basses, and it's not just these two. Both are Ibby SRs (SR600/SR705) with the same strings.

What's going on here?
Is this common among other brands with Identical PU's & EQ?

 

[megafiddle]

One difference is that the E is closer to the end of the coil on the 4 string, and more within the coil on the 5 string.

The bridge and neck pickups are also different; there was mention on another thread that they may have swapped them on certain models.

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[line6man]

Don't discount construction differences. A 5 string neck has more wood than a 4 string neck.

 

[Toptube]

Hey guys

Why does my E string sound less bassy' on my 5 string - than on my 4 string with identical pickups, and EQ. There's a definite difference in sound between the two basses, and it's not just these two. Both are Ibby SRs (SR600/SR705) with the same strings.

What's going on here?
Is this common among other brands with Identical PU's & EQ?

probably just the fact that different basses usually sound different. Even the same models with all the same specs.

However, how's the setup on your 5 string? Which neck is set straighter? Are the string setups/saddle heights about the same? Higher saddles and a little bow to the neck generally means more bass to the string tone. If the 5 is set straighter or lower, that could be it.

Does the E feel floppy compared to the 4? (sometimes this can happen, due to the extra pull from the B string. Sometimes tweaking setup can help it. I like to just get some strings which are balanced.)

 

[lz4005]

The pickups aren't identical, and the EQ is probably voiced differently as well.