Help! New to musicman basses , sadly.

[unknownkp23]

hi guys! im new to the forum...and i recently purchased a 4 string stingray with the single pickup....

my problem is, i cant seem to slap the G string too well. ive heard that the flaw in stingrays is that the g string is much more quiet when slapped than the other strings.... and from my exp, i think it is. (might be due to technique, not sure)

so i tried lowering the action with the saddle height, and rasing the pickup on the G string side to try and get a better sound out. it works but, when i hit(not slapped) the highest notes on the D and G strings, it sounds kinda like the magnets on the pickup are too close to the strings, therefore the sound comes out all nasty and muddled. .. .. . .then i tried to fix that by raising action a little bit and lowering the pickups just a bit, and now i cant slap the g string anymore . .. .. any suggestions? i havent moved the truss rod at all either...

this has been bugging me so much lately :[ its a beautiful sounding guitar but i wish i could solve this mystery!

thanks in advance guys.... i know its a long read but i tried explaining in full detail haha..

 

[Duarte]

First of all, welcome to the forum. Congratulations on buying one of the best basses in the world!

Regarding your problem, do a search. This topic has been done to death and there is plenty of info here. It is solvable, and I don't think any of the regulars here have the problem. That's what you get for hanging here...a massive and extensive knowledge of music man basses and the ernie ball company.

Zak

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Not true! Get it set up by a pro and live to tell the tale.

 

[maddog]

From the FAQ:

First of all - almost all of the adjustments to string height can be made with the truss rod. Turn clockwise to raise the fretboard (resulting in lower action), counter clockwise to lower it. The factory string height for our basses is 3/32" or 2.4mm between the bottom of the string to the top of the fret on both the E and G strings at the 12th fret. The G string can be slightly lower due to the fact that it is the smallest string. Of course, tightening or loosening the trussrod affects the bow of the neck, which is how desired action is generally best achieved.

The factory specifications for the pickup height is 6/32" or 4.76mm from the top of the plastic between the pickup covers to the bottom of the G string. The angle of the pickup is set fairly level, so the larger strings are naturally a bit closer. If you haven't already adjusted the pickup or changed to a very heavy gauge string set, you shouldn't have to do any adjustments on the pickup.

On the new 2-pickup basses, the measurements are virtually the same on the bridge pickup and the neck pickup is further away, about 8/32" or 6.35mm from the string to the pickup.

If setup using these specifications, should have no problem with the G string. If you aren't comfortable with doing setups, best to take it to a reputable luthier.

You may also want to revisit your eq. settings if you aren't accustomed to active basses. Start from everything flat and make small adjustments.

 

[unknownkp23]

hmm

im not sure if i shouldve used the truss rod instead of the saddle. whats the difference though? (im kinda new with all the technical stuff, i just jam till my fingers hurt )

 

[Big Poppa]

Tell early flea and louis johnson that sting rays g s are weak for slapping.....

there are a ton of ways to fatten your g

 

[TheAntMan]

Gee, no problems here

Hang in there, you will be assimilated and all will be well. Resistance is futile!!!

Welcome!

- Ant

 

[agplate]

Unknownkp23, I would definitely explore this site for more information and many possible solutions to this recurring issue, and do have a professional setup done to be sure.

Then let us know how you solved the g string problem.

Bongo

 

[unknownkp23]

sure :] ill take it to a luthier.... just needa find one near my area haha..

 

[unknownkp23]

'nother quick question.... the EQ on my bass really does not sound like it is doin anything. . . . i mess with the EQ by putting the treble,mid, and bass up/down to how i want it, but the sound is all the same. im so confused. haha ...when i mess with the EQ on my fender jazz, it makes huge changes to however i set it

Is my bass messed ? :[

all ive been getting are problems with this bass ever since i got it. i just want to get everything perfect so i can play in peace

gaaaahhhh

 

[Grand Wazoo]

First port of call: check to make sure the battery is fresh and that the wiring is attached to the battery compartment, if that is the problem, then that would also explain why your strings sound is unbalanced.

 

[unknownkp23]

i have found the solution to all my problems....

the 3band EQ was messed up.... they said something about the wiring inside the bass was screwed up so the EQ on the bass wasnt even responding and the volume level of the whole bass in general was much much lower.

i got a brand new musicman stingray today it plays like a beast too. hooray

 

[oli@bass]

Ah.... good!