I've tried a bunch of solutions with the nut...changed strings to brighter strings...different bridges just to name a few I'm new to this site so if anyone wants to be a dick and respond with pissy comments about that fact just be cool and save it. For everyone else...you are awesome for sharing any solutions. I'd like to avoid a guitar tech/luthier because I like maintaining my own instruments. Merci!!!
What kind of bass? What solutions did you try with the nut? Did you check witness points? Pickup(s) close to the strings?
If the string sounds flat when you go up the string, it means the E saddle probably is too far back on the bridge, bring it closer to the neck.
It's an off name Korean bass I got for 170$ in Seoul. The nut..replaced it which worked for a bit then came back. Stuffed some paper under it to raise it up. What are witness points? I've moved the pick ups but it hasn't help with note clarity.
That's interesting. Every note on the E string sounds flat include the open note. Will the saddle position fix the whole string?
The open note sound flat? Obvious question but are you sure it's tuned properly? Do you know how to intonate the bridge? If not there are tutorials on the 'net. A witness point is created by pressing down on the string just in front of the saddle and on the fingerboard side of the nut. It eliminates any arching of the strings at those locations.
Not to be picky but -- does it _sound_ flat (compared to what?) or is it flat? What are you using for a tuning reference?
This is my suspicion as well. I don't think we're talking pitch here, folks. I think we're talking tone.
Exactly precisely this. I picked up a used Precision sight unseen many years ago, and the E string was lifeless. Drove me crazy for the entirety of five whole minutes until I simply unwound it, trimmed it slightly (too many wraps) and strung it back up. Not only were there too many wraps around the string post but it was also twisted. Seems like the seller swapped out strings in a hurry before shipping (he gave me the choice of rounds or flats.) Anyhow, just buy new strings and see if that fixes your problem.
If it's a new string, I'd say something is wrong with it. Get a new E string on there and report back. EDIT: Never mind, I see you've already done that.
I threw some new GHS Boomers on there and they immediately sounded lifeless. Next was some D'Addario NY (I can't remember the whole name) which I love but didn't do much. Next I just put on some DR Hi Beams Steel strings. Still a little lit bland on the E string
Sometimes when you have tried everything in a logical manner, you have to come to the conclusion you have a piece of wood that just doesn't want to be a guitar. Not every tree gives up musical wood.
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