What are common causes of a weak E string?

[J.D.B.]

I've had two that behaved like that and going to a lighter gauge string helped the most. I agree the break angles make a noticeable difference at both ends of the string, whatever the gauge. Set-up is more than half the battle with some instruments. It is possible you won't get these fully to your liking ever, but it's worth a shot to try. No luthiers down there? You could(if money's good) ship it to someone, too. I recommend Mark Balash at The Berkley Music Co. in MI. Guy's a wizard, even on Ricky's.
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Josh

 

[Phantasm]

After looking at suggestions from the thread and adjusting the bridge saddle for the E string I was able to firm up the sound. The break angle was a big component of that. Thank you to everyone for the advice.

Having said that, I also realized it's partially that I'm just not a Fender Jazz man. Off to the classifieds it goes!

 

[old-fashioned]

One thing I've found makes a huge difference for me at least... especially with larger diameter E or B strings...

Push the string down firmly where it makes it's break over the bridge. I actually do that now to all my strings after I restring a bass, but I've definitely see it make a difference on E and B strings.

Did a search and found this wonderful thread! My new Shuker bass was sounding weak on the E string but the advice above solved it.
Thank you. Talkbass is just great.

 

[Davo-London]

I have exactly the same issue with my 76 Precision. Always been the case about a week after new strings. I've never tried the bridge string bending trick. I have a 64 Precision and that's fine!

Cheers
Davo

 

[RED J]

I have found in some cases, cutting the string a little longer so that more winds push the string farther down the post for a sharper break angle over the nut helps.