Help! Advice required: Pickup replacement for stingray 4 HH

[aybaraydin]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum. I own a dual humbucker stingray 4 with a rosewood fingerboard. I'm completely in love with this bass. The second humbucker adds a whole new dimension to the sound and great tonal possibilities.
The only problem is the low output of the D and G strings.
I either have to play hard on those strings or compress to death which I don't want to do neither
I know this subject has been discussed a lot in the forum but I couldn't find a satisfactory answer. I want to preserve the original tone as much as possible, bu want an even sounding bass all around.
I play rock and postrock and occasionally reggae.
I would especially like to hear from those who have a stingray 4 with rosewood fingerboard.
Cheers

 

[Aussie Mark]

I'm starting to think that the low volume G string thing that some people mention must be something to do with roundwound strings, because I've owned 6 Stingrays and have never experienced anything like the issue that a small number of people post from time to time. I use flatwound strings, so I'm thinking that somehow the flats mitigate this characteristic.

And yes, I have a 4 HH too.

 

[the unrepentant]

I've never got this at all, but if it really bothers you, just raise the pickups a little on the treble side.

 

[CFA]

Mark, Maybe it's time for some "Scientific research" into your theory and strap on some rounds to see if you have any volume problems

 

[r goldsmith]

Yeah, Mark, get with the program, buddy !!

 

[kylierider]

I'm starting to think that the low volume G string thing that some people mention must be something to do with roundwound strings, because I've owned 6 Stingrays and have never experienced anything like the issue that a small number of people post from time to time. I use flatwound strings, so I'm thinking that somehow the flats mitigate this characteristic.

And yes, I have a 4 HH too.

I don't believe it's the strings. both my SR's are TI flat converts that both wore rounds in their previous lives. In fact I think the G and D come threw louder with a fresh set of rounds. I do seem to loose some volume on the G and D when the treble and mid controls are set flat. I just roll them all the way up. Problem solved.

 

[maddog]

get a proper setup done on it and check the pickup height.

about all I can suggest.

 

[Bloodfist]

I have my pickups slightly raised on my HH torwards the D and G string, and they come through quite loud. I also have all the tone knobs turned all the way up, and and use my amp to control my tone. Sounds great for me.

 

[oli@bass]

Whatever you do, don't replace those pickups. And if you still do, do not get rid of the originals. You'll probably want to get back to them eventually.

I owned several 'Rays and didn't have that problem with any of them. That said, the D and G string have lower output, also when played unamplified -- which is how I practise most of the time. Perhaps I learned to compensate by plucking harder...

 

[aybaraydin]

Thanks

Thanks for your help

 

[stretch80]

One of my favorite things about my SR5 is that the d and g strings are stronger/bassier than on some other basses. Lots of good suggestions above. A few more:

= EQ and amp settings matter a lot. Don't cut your mids, and a little bass boost or low mid boost on the amp helps.

= Plucking near the neck gets you a more bassy sound on the D and G, which is helpful in a band where you don't want the bottom to drop out.

= Heavier guage strings can give you higher output on D and G too...

Good luck! You can solve it.