Weird Issue

[BulbousMoses]

So I have what appears to be a strange issue with my Gretsch G2224. The A D and G strings are all fine but the E string sounds almost like it has a phaser effect applied to it. Could this simply just be a bad string? I can't imagine what else might cause it.

 

[bholder]

Could be a bunch of things: a bad string, a good string twisted during installation, or even a pickup polepiece too close to the string, probably others. Does it go away if you lower that side of the pickup a bit? Might try removing and re-installing the string making sure it's not twisted and also remember to set the "witness points" (do a search if unfamiliar, basically ensuring the string is seated correct in the saddle during installation).

 

[BulbousMoses]

Could be a bunch of things: a bad string, a good string twisted during installation, or even a pickup polepiece too close to the string, probably others. Does it go away if you lower that side of the pickup a bit? Might try removing and re-installing the string making sure it's not twisted and also remember to set the "witness points" (do a search if unfamiliar, basically ensuring the string is seated correct in the saddle during installation).

I can have that checked. It was purchased new and I then had it professionally set up and restrung. The pickups are mini humbuckers so no pole pieces. I just find it odd that it's on one string only, which is why I immediately thought it could be a bad string.

 

[Drifter_Bass]

Ah, the dead/hollow/phaser-sounding E-string dilemma!

This reminds me of an issue I had once with a specific bass. Every time I put new strings on it, the low E would be almost "hollow" sounding, if that makes sense. Kind of like the phaser effect you describe. I went crazy trying to figure out why one string sounded less full, weaker, incorrect compared to the other 3 strings. I am not sure what kind of bridge you have, but the best fix I found was someone here on TB mentioning that this issue can commonly be cause by the string not having a tight-enough bend at the bridge saddle that it rests on. Basically, go to where the E string sits on the bridge and give it a solid, hard push down with your thumb so that it melds a slightly more acute angle. I don't know the science behind this or if it's even the most correct answer, but it really worked in my situation.

A quick search yielded these results that sound similar to your situation:
- 'hollow' sounding e string
- Dull E string
- Weak E string on MIM Jazz standard?
- The Great Dead E String phenomenon
- What are common causes of a weak E string?

 

[Drifter_Bass]

I can have that checked. It was purchased new and I then had it professionally set up and restrung. The pickups are mini humbuckers so no pole pieces. I just find it odd that it's on one string only, which is why I immediately thought it could be a bad string.

Did the professional who did the setup also notice this issue? If so, hand it back over and tell him/her that the setup is not complete. If they didn't notice it, then consider finding a new tech.

 

[BulbousMoses]

So I have what appears to be a strange issue with my Gretsch G2224. The A D and G strings are all fine but the E string sounds almost like it has a phaser effect applied to it. Could this simply just be a bad string? I can't imagine what else might cause it.

So to update, the core on the E string had slipped. I had my tech restring with new La Bellas and the problem is now gone. This is the first time I try La Bells. So far, I like them.

 

[bholder]

So to update, the core on the E string had slipped. I had my tech restring with new La Bellas and the problem is now gone. This is the first time I try La Bells. So far, I like them.

Glad you got it sorted!