Dead "Ray"

[Johngh]

I'm new to the forum and I've just bought my first "Ray" after wanting one for a long long time. Its only 4 months old, and is a 4 string 3 band model in white.
But there is a problem. With the treble and bass pots set to full boost and the mid set midway cut. The "G" and "E" strings have no zing to them when playing up and down the neck. The "A" and "D" zing away, and the sound is great on these two strings. The sound on G and E is very dull by comparison.
Is it just a case of changing battery and strings ? The strings that are on it look new.

Many thanks for any help offered

John

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hi John and welcome to the Forum.

Check HERE to make sure your pickup is set to the correct height.

Perhaps try a fresh set of strings and new battery also.

 

[Johngh]

Many thanks for the reply Gav, when I hit "A" on the 5th fret "E" string yesterday the note was almost completely dead, it may need a set-up. Are the necks on Rays prone to movement or are they steady once set up ?

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

As the necks are gun oil and wax finish only they can move around a little. From your description, it sounds like your neck has a slight back-bow and is choking the strings vibration. In any event, a good setup wont hurt. Setup tips can be found in the FAQ link in my last post.

 

[bovinehost]

With the treble and bass pots set to full boost and the mid set midway cut

Do you have the same response when the EQ knobs are all set to 12 o'clock?

Gav may be right about the neck adjustment, but I'd try new strings first. It may be only a few months old, but that doesn't mean it didn't sit in a shop for much longer than that.

And when it comes to EQ, a little is a lot.

Jack

 

[Johngh]

I agree with Gav's comments, I thought the neck was out as well. But like I said, the middle two strings sing and the outer 2 sound dead. I even took the action up on the bridge saddles on the E and G strings, but it still sounded very flat between the 5th and 8th frets on E and G. I will change the battery tonight, and check the factory recommended bridge and action settings.

 

[Big Poppa]

Please contact your dealer who can get in touch with our distributor Strings and things...

 

[Blind Lemon]

Yeh John,

Do make contact with us here at Strings and Things and we'll do our best to help you.

Blind Lemon [email protected]

 

[Johngh]

Pete

Many thanks, I spoke to your tech yesterday who helped a lot. The set up is per EB recomendations (string - pickup height) and I changed the battery. So its not any of those. It looks like it might be the strings so I've ordered a new set.

Thanks
John

 

[kirkm24]

You might also consider adding compression to your rig. I use an EBS MultiComp set at about 9:30 and it really evens everything out nicely. When I don't use it, I notice a similar effect as you are describing.

 

[kirkm24]

4.76 mm? That is really close to the pickups? Is this right?? I lowered mine because it was picking up clicking and fret noise and everything at that height. I have a tendancy to tap the strings on 2 and 4 to keep time and with the pickups that high it would pick up all that annoying clicking and tapping.

 

[Johngh]

Sorted

Many thanks for all the help, the Ray is now sorted, it was the strings. I've been playing for 30yrs and have never known strings to go off the way these did. Ya never stop learning.....Thanks...John

 

[Big Poppa]

and know it is for sale.

 

[Johngh]

and know it is for sale.

Being as it is up for sale in the Musicman Basses for sale section, its no secret !!