More bottom on "E" string

[ray]

I have a Music Man Sterlin HS. I always use Ernie Ball super Slinky Bass strings. My problem is that I can't seem to get enough bottom from the E string. It isn't as loud or as bright as the other strings. anyone know how I can achieve a little more bottom from the E string? Thanks...

 

[rhythmCity944]

Check your pick up heights and distance from the strings. You can find the specs on the ernieball website in the FAQ section. Without looking at the bass I cannot say for sure.

I doubt it's an electronic issue because you would then have the same problem on all 4 strings.

 

[ray]

pickup height

could the string height/action have anything to do with it?

 

[rhythmCity944]

yes, string distance from the pick up can cause this issue. I still recommend going to the FAQ section on the ernieball website and get the bass set up to those specs and then adjust pick up height if needed. Good luck

 

[ray]

Thanks

thanks, I check it out

 

[adouglas]

To be a bit more specific....

If the pickup is too close to the string, the magnetic field can dampen the vibrations.

This is a bit counterintuitive. It's tempting to think that it's like a microphone... closer is louder.

Not so.

 

[projectapollo]

If you play the e string a lot, maybe it's cruddy. Definitely less bright then. Did you ever boil your round wound bass strings in water? Try that then put them back on. The E string will be way way zingier.

 

[ray]

E string

Thanks for the feed back. I will try the adjustm,ents. the strings are new. Is it possible that since my cabinet has wheels on it, that it could take away from the E string having good bottom? The wheels/castors are removeable

 

[five7]

Will it walk around the room on the wheels? If it does, you have too much low end.

 

[ray]

No

No, I am thinking that maybe since it is sitting on wheels, rather that sitting directly on the floor, it may be taking away from low end vibration?

 

[Manfloozy]

If it is THE "E" on the E string, consider that this note actually sonically can seem like it has less bottom end then other even higher notes. Something that actually messed with me in the beginning. It has something to do with over/under tones, physics, resonance and a bunch of other stuff I can't really explain.

Your cab may also not be tuned to be boomy at the bottom end. Give the bass knob on your amp a little love too. Sealed cabs won't have the same low frequency range (generally) as ported cabs.

For instance, Ampeg 410HE... low E, not so much.... Ampeg 410HLF... low E, good stuff. Epifani PS-115, low E, injurs your neighbors dog.... etc.

YMMV, IMHO, & FWIW

 

[ray]

E String

Thanks for your feedbak. The open E sounds good, it's the other notes on the E string that don't seem to have as much bottom and volume. Kinda thuddy the higher up the neck I go.