Bass_Guardian Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 I've noticed twice now that when i change strings on a bass that the E string sounds dead and flat compared to other strings. Almost as if its being muted. Yes i strung it the same way as the others strings. No theres no foam of any sort on the basses. Could it be the intonation or something??? Any ideas whats up??? Thanks Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ObscureRyan Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 I seemed to have this problem when restringing the last time. I was using GHS Boomers, the E just seemed dead. Maybe just faulty strings eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 I doubt if intonation has anything to do with it. Does the string rest firmly in the nut and saddle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davetbass Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Bass_Guardian' post='1078454' date='Jan 5 2011, 12:22 PM']I've noticed twice now that when i change strings on a bass that the E string sounds dead and flat compared to other strings. Almost as if its being muted. Yes i strung it the same way as the others strings. No theres no foam of any sort on the basses. Could it be the intonation or something??? Any ideas whats up??? Thanks Alex [/quote] I'm guessing but the bass might have had a heavier gauge on at some point and it's maybe worn away the nut enough for it to not seat the string properly. I've got a pbass copy with a brass nut that does the same. Just a suggestion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spinynorman Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 I've had that a couple of times. Once it was a set of LaBella flats where the E string sounded dull and also looked different from the others, metal a bit darker, even the silk was darker. So I thought that string was probably from a different batch than the others. The other time it was just that the silk was on the bridge saddle. I've found this is common with Rotosound and a bit of hacking with a craft knife fixed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime_BASS Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 I've had this with a few sets, and on guitars, it seems to be the G string doing it. Check that the string is making contact with the nut properly. Could also be the break angle between the nut and tuning post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor J Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Used to get this a lot with Rotosounds, stopped using them and haven't experienced it since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffo Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Prime_BASS' post='1078495' date='Jan 5 2011, 12:56 PM']I've had this with a few sets, and on guitars, it seems to be the G string doing it. Check that the string is making contact with the nut properly. Could also be the break angle between the nut and tuning post.[/quote] A dogdey string, I've had it countless times, normally the cheaper strings tho, hartke strings do the same or they have a dead g string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_Guardian Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 Its Laklands factory strings 45-105 stainless steel. It meets the nut and bridge fine from what i can see. The string gauge hasnt changed since it left the factory. sad me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Does it change if you apply downward pressure behind the nut? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_Guardian Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Ou7shined' post='1078631' date='Jan 5 2011, 02:54 PM']Does it change if you apply downward pressure behind the nut?[/quote] nope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Sussed it. Does it have a proper thumb rest fitted? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_Guardian Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Ou7shined' post='1078654' date='Jan 5 2011, 03:11 PM']Sussed it. Does it have a proper thumb rest fitted? [/quote] nope lakland 44-01 no thumb rest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fingerz Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Wow, this is a can of worms eh? Is it like it all the way up the E string? or just open? and, is the bass active? I would: Unplug it and listen to it acoustically. If it's noticeable still - can of worms, specially as you've had it with two sets of strings. If the pickups are too close then the magnetic pull will effect the string, the E is the biggest so will have most effect. Are they close to the strings? If it's not noticeable acoustically then it must be an electrical/pickup issue... Interesting.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 I wouldn't be like these and have odd position on the pickups would it? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=105735&hl=lakland"]Odd Lakkys[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Bass_Guardian' post='1078672' date='Jan 5 2011, 03:34 PM']nope lakland 44-01 no thumb rest[/quote] Yep thought so. Put one on and take your thumb off the E. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_Guardian Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 I use the pickups as my thumb rest They are all straight and not abnormal going over the pickups. Pickups are nice and flat. It was on two different basses i had the dull E problem. The pickups are fairly close to the strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fingerz Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Bass_Guardian' post='1078754' date='Jan 5 2011, 04:29 PM']I use the pickups as my thumb rest They are all straight and not abnormal going over the pickups. Pickups are nice and flat. It was on two different basses i had the dull E problem. The pickups are fairly close to the strings[/quote] If it's on two different basses then it must either be whatever you're plugged into, leads or a dodgy batch of strings?? Mustn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Bass_Guardian' post='1078754' date='Jan 5 2011, 04:29 PM']...It was on two different basses i had the dull E problem...[/quote] Hmmmm that would make the common denomiator... you. Are we talking finger style playing? If so do you change the angle you fingers pluck the E compare to the others? If we're talking slap style then I'm out of my depth. New thumb? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_Guardian Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 Its only with slap.. Ive just replaced the strings again and its fine now strange.... My slap is fine so it must just be my stringing technique haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Have you considered [u]not[/u] slapping problem solved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass_Guardian Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='charic' post='1078846' date='Jan 5 2011, 05:32 PM']Have you considered [u]not[/u] slapping problem solved [/quote] How dare you!!!! YOU MAY TAKE MY E STRING BUT YOU'LL NEVER STOP ME SLAPPING!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spinynorman Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 [quote name='Bass_Guardian' post='1078779' date='Jan 5 2011, 04:53 PM']Its only with slap.. Ive just replaced the strings again and its fine now strange.... My slap is fine so it must just be my stringing technique haha[/quote] I seem to remember reading something about it mattering how many winds you have round the post, though I've never noticed a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Had this on a set of La Bella super steps.. and then the D string broke at the bridge. First time I had broke a string in eons..and I means eons..I have only broken 3 in 35 yrs of playing. The set was only on 2 days I put this down to a dodgy string so it doesn't auger well for this maker, AFAIAC. I will have to buy a single D, or write off the whole 5 str set. Never had a problem with DR and a few others. Not happy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Rich Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 DR strings say to put a 90 degree kink where you think the string will go into the tuning post [b]before[/b] cutting it to length. This is to stop the windings unwrapping from the core wire, maybe you could try that with whatever strings you're using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.