Not A Quiet G string on Stingray...

[bob atherton]

Well I just played my first gig with my new Stingray 4. In the past I have always used two basses during a set to get me the variety of tones that I am looking for. The Stingray did it all by itself and on the whole I think I preferred just using the one bass for the whole gig.

There was though a big problem with getting any decent volume and projection out of the G string. It was as if the whole string was a dead spot! I don’t think anyone but me really noticed, but I noticed big time.

Is there any way to boost the G? A thought I had was maybe I should put a different make of string for the G, one with more punch. That would be a shame but I’m not sure I can live with the G falling out of the mix. FWIW I’m using DR Sunbeams 45-105.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

[maddog]

might want to check the pickup height. From the FAQ

Q: I just bought a new Music Man bass, what is the recommended string height on the neck and over the pickup?
A: If your truss rod is adjusted properly, the string height above the 12th fret should be 3/32 from the bottom of the string to the top of the fret. 6/32" or 4.8mm from the bottom of the string to the top of the pole piece on your pickup.

 

[Ostinato]

I set my pickup height on a tilt, the closer side under the G is 6/32". Under the E it's 7/32"

Basically a Fender setup, and I find it helps out a lot to balance the string volume

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

The PUP should be closer on the G side. I use 5/32" for the E string and 4/32" (plus or minus a tad) for the G string to get even volume.

Oh...and Regular Slinky strings 50-105

 

[bob atherton]

Thanks guys, I just checked the distance on the bass with a with a drinks coaster (!) The G is closer than the E . I would say the E is about 4mm and the G 3mm. Is it possible that if the string is too close you can get this tone fall out effect? I think because my last bass was a Fender P I was spoilt with PUP set up. On the P you can set each pole to whatever height you want.

I was still really pleased with the tone last night. The bass certainly punched through the mix much better than the P. I will give the PUP a tweak over the next couple of days.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

If too close to the strings the magnets will affect the vibration with weird results. Try and get a 6" metal rule from the hardware store. It's only a few $$$. That will make adjustments a breeze

 

[bob atherton]

Just a quick update to the quiet G problem. Well in a nutshell it has all but gone. Don't know why but after about another month with the same set of strings on the G is now cutting through.

I'm more than thrilled with the Ray and have played quite a few gigs with just this one bass. In fact I really can't find fault with it. Over the years I've always had a few basses and felt they all had their place but never has one bass covered so many areas. The only thing the P does better IMHO is a good old fashioned blues, but then the P always was THE bass for that.

I'm one happy bunny....

 

[T-bone]

This is where Koogs tag line comes in. Koogs?

There's no doubt in my mind GAS will be next. Just watch out for the Bongoloids.

tbone

 

[oli@bass]

Don't know why but after about another month with the same set of strings on the G is now cutting through.

Let me guess... you adapted to it and adjusted your playing style...

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Hmmm, maybe that is why Tony Levin had a 3-string made!

 

[ach]

I had found interesting thing: my Ray works without a battery! Very silent, but works. and the G string DOES sound!