No tone on E, plenty on A, D, G

[Garth]

Hi all

Just took delivery of a Squier Matt Freeman Signature Bass and after a tune and playing with a Pic the E seems to be well a bit tone less. I got the tone on full and all others sound full, even tried my other Basses and it's definitely something up with it.

It's virtually brand new, real low action, probably too low, plays fine but just can't pin point why it's doing it. Would a new set of strings cure it or is it a Pick Up issue?

Any help would be fantastic so thanks in advance 👍

Edited September 6, 2016 by Garth

[ezbass]

Sounds like a duff string, try swapping over a spare if you have one, or pinching one off another bass. If still bad, I'd suspect set up or pickup.

[Garth]

Excellent I'll do that right now

Cheers mate

[HowieBass]

If the action's really low and the E string is good then it might be you need to raise the action a little... could be note choking that's affecting the tone.

[Garth]

Just launched a spare string I had, instant cure. Mega happy thanks guys

[dannybuoy]

It can also be if the string was put on with a slight twist in it. Some like to wrap the string around the tuner to speed things up, and if the ball end doesn't rotate to compensate, you end up tightening up a twisted string.

[discreet]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1473181298' post='3127763']
It can also be if the string was put on with a slight twist in it. Some like to wrap the string around the tuner to speed things up, and if the ball end doesn't rotate to compensate, you end up tightening up a twisted string.
[/quote]

This. It's important to put the string on 'straight'. Even more important with the B string on a fiver. Also if you're going to have a duff string in a 4-set it's usually the E, so if that's the case AND you fit it twisted, it all goes a bit tits-up. Thunk!

Edited September 6, 2016 by discreet

[Garth]

I knew it was a good idea joining here. I've learnt already 😀

Legends 👍

[Dood]

[quote name='Garth' timestamp='1473184854' post='3127817']
I knew it was a good idea joining here. I've learnt already

Legends
[/quote]

BassChat is awesome in that respect yes, but I'm afraid that now you are here, G.A.S is inevitable. Your wallet is already taking a shimmy to the nearest darkened cupboard wincing at the thought of whats to come lol

[Garth]

What does GAS mean?

Yeah, I bought another precision down the road last night at 10pm 😂

[hubrad]

[quote name='Garth' timestamp='1473245108' post='3128256']
What does GAS mean?

Yeah, I bought another precision down the road last night at 10pm
[/quote]
I think you just answered your own question.
Welcome to Basschat!

[discreet]

[quote name='Garth' timestamp='1473245108' post='3128256']
What does GAS mean?
[/quote]

Just to be pedantic: GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

[Marc S]

Glad it's sorted. Just to also add, when an action is set really low, if the string is a bit too close to the pickups,
the string can be damped by being attracted by the magnet - this will effectively reduce the strings' capability of moving freely / properly

How do you find the bass now the string problem is fixed?
I've heard great reports about the Matt Freeman Squiers. Nothing but praise from owners.
They are apparently built in the same factory as the Squier Classic Vibe range - and they are absolutely brilliant

[zbd1960]

GAS is an incurable disease. It afflicts many who have interest in specialist subjects. Music is severe, cases have been noted amongst photographers, astronomers, car and bike enthusiasts, fishermen, outdoor activity enthusiasts. It is particularly virulent amongst men of a certain age, but has been observed in men and women of all ages.

Edited September 8, 2016 by zbd1960

[discreet]

[quote name='zbd1960' timestamp='1473252604' post='3128345']
It is particularly virulent amongst men of a certain age...
[/quote]

Oi.

[Garth]

😂 Yep I definitely have that

It's fine now, in fact I can't put it down. I'll still buy some fresh rounds for it, as the spare E was old anyway. It's a cracking bass, wish I bought the black one a week earlier but I'm happy with the vintage white. May refin it in the future.