My First EB Bass

[Old Nev]

Hi Everyone,
I just purchased my first (used) EB Sterling on Ebay. It's a 4H. It is a lot different from my Fender Jazz. I love the Sterling's tone, but it will take me a while to get used to it. Playing so close to the bridge is difficult for me. Right away I put Super Slinky 100-45 strings on and it was alot easier. I have a few questions: there seems to be some corrosion on the pickup poles. How do I clean it and does it affect the pickup? I am finding that I am not hearing the D & G strings as loudly as the others. It seems as though I can press the pickup and it will sink in and when you let it go it pops out again. How far should the PUP be from the strings? And the EQ, how will I know when the battery is dead or dying? What symptoms will occur? I want to get a white pearloid PG. I guess I need 9 white screws. The PG I have is black & has 9 screw holes. I also need a case. When can I get these items? Thanks for the help.

 

[adouglas]

Welcome to the addiction!

The answers to most of your questions are in the manufacturer's FAQ:

Music Man Basses | F.A.Q. | Table

Super Slinkies are what come on the bass when new. From what you wrote I assume that the previous owner had put something else on there... if that's correct, then you should check and if necessary adjust the intonation (the bridge saddles...and this is the only reason to adjust them). If you don't know how to do this, I suggest finding someone who knows how to do it right. It's not hard but you can wind up with a less-playable bass if you screw it up (though you won't actually hurt anything).

I'd also recommend learning how to use the trussrod wheel. It's the coolest thing since dry white toast, and it makes keeping your action height exactly how you like it child's play. There are lots and lots and lots of threads here about that, complete with lurid pictures.

The FAQ says to try a scrubby pad to remove corrosion. It won't affect the sound. DO NOT use steel wool!

A springy pickup is normal. This is how most pickups are mounted. For specs regarding pickup height, check the FAQ. The info is there. Do not put the pickup too close to the strings...the magnetic field dampens them and kills their sound. Follow the manufacturer guidelines and you'll be fine.

The bass will sound like, well, a$$ when the batteries go dead. Just put a fresh one in now, and again every six months or so and you'll be fine. The battery will probably last a lot longer than that, but it's cheap insurance.

WHITE screws? Dunno. White pickups come with chrome screws from the factory. A good hardware store should have screws that match what you've got, or you could give EBMM customer service a call.

Any MM dealer can order a case for you. This includes the big on-line dealers, but you know it's good karma for you to support the little guy.

 

[DTG]

congrats on your new bass......now show us a picture !!

 

[koogie2k]

Welcome to the Addiction! Congrats on the new bass and have fun here. BTW...no pics no bass.

Adouglas...that will be a nickel...lol.

 

[adouglas]

Adouglas...that will be a nickel...lol.

I'm sure I must owe you at least $1.65! I better check my credit limit....