Stingray G string

[Andy Martin]

I've got a Stingray bass and while I am generally happy with it, I find the sound of the G string to be too thin and with less sustain than the other three.

Can anyone give me some tips on how to rectify this.

It has been suggested to me that I need to replace the pickup with a Bart or Seymour-Duncan, but having just spent £1100 on the bass I would be extremely pissed off to then spend another £100+ on making it sound better.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Have you tried a new set of strings, a fresh battery and a pickup adjustment?

 

[Andy Martin]

I am going to try different strings. Although the ones on there are are slightly heavier on the D and G strings at 100-80-65-45, maybe the tone of the strings may make a difference.

The battery is ok and I have adjusted the pickup to EB's recommended distance from the strings and it hasn't cured the problem.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Plug a set of headphones into the Basses lead socket and listen to that...it may be the characteristics of the venue where you're using the bass.

I also use them to balance string volume when adjusting the the pickup. If you have 3 band EQ adjust the mid range to 3/4 or full on.

P.S. I had an experience recently where the A and D sounded RS...10 or so feet away from the amp and all was ok...combination of closeness to amp and room dynamics!!

 

[bass4Jesus]

Andy,
Let me know when you figure it out. I've got a '78 StingRay that does the same thing. I've tried different strings, pickup adjustments, everything. In fact I even tried to EQ the problem out. After awhile I just got used to it. Since then, the Ray has been retired and now I use one of my two Sterlings or my StingRay5. I sure would be interested in hearing what your solution was!

Thanks,
b4J
p.s. I don't think it's the pickup!!

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

How does the open G sound????

 

[bass4Jesus]

Rod,
It sounds really weak and thin. Kind of hard to describe, actually. One thing I have noticed is that the two pole pieces for the G string on the pickup are noticably lower than the others. Any ideas? Also, I read your post about the micro-tilt adjustment, good idea! I will try that soon myself.

Thanks again,
b4J

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hi b4J.....


>>>>One thing I have noticed is that the two pole pieces for the G string on the pickup are noticably lower than the others. Any ideas?


http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=733

 

[Andy Martin]

Well I haven't figured it out yet bass4jesus. Maybe this is the way that Stingrays sound and I'm just not eqing it right, or maybe cos I'm used to playing a Precision which has quite a fat sound I'm just expecting too much.

I've tried changing the strings and adjusting the pickup height and the G still sounds thinner andhas noticeably less sustain than the other three.

It's definitely not the venue either, it's the same wherever I play it.

 

[bass4Jesus]

Hmmm...
Like I said, sounds like mine. Something I lived with for a long time. But still, a great bass. Ever play a Sterling? I recently purchased my second and that's what I play now (along with my SR5). Love those Music Man basses - is "Music Men" appropriate?

Later,
bjJ

 

[Augusto Lopez]

Stingsrays come with a parallel pickup configuration, the sound is normally bright a bit "scooped" on the midrange, if on top of that you add the fact that your're used to the Pressicion sound that is very thick on the mid range realm, would definitely are felling a strong contrast in sound.
I also have an stingray and had rewired the pick up in series and fitted a Seymour Duncan pre-amp, (don't rewire the pickup in series without changing the pre-amp or else it'll loose it snappines)I personally think that the bottom end and versatility had increased dramatically, I know it sucks thinking in spending more money on a professional bass, but that's the way it goes. Having said that, a lot of players are quite happy with the way they sound without modifications full stop. One more sugestion, try thicker sounding strings like DR's Hi Beam, or DR's Marcus Miller I find they have a well defined mid range tone from the word go without being too trebbly at first.
All the best
Gus

 

[Andy Martin]

Yes it does suck, having to spend more money on a pro standard bass, but I don't mind too much because I am so pleased with it in every other respect. I'll definitely try some hi-beams. I've used them before and they're nice sounding strings.

I'll have to look into the pickup thing. See what's available over here. Thanks for the advice.

I think it's Musicmans isn't it b4j.

Yes I have tried a Sterling but couldn't get one with a rosewood board, which I prefer and also I just like the look of the chrome control knob cover.

Great bass tho. I've always played a Precision but going back to it now it feels a bit like a lifeless treetrunk (Fender owners club send lynch mob to Portsmouth). But I still love the sound.

 

[Augusto Lopez]

Just one last piece of advice, lately I've been checking on EQ units, pre-amp pedals and Tone enhancers; they can really adjust your tone to your liking at a very reazonable price. I'm currently using a Boss limiter enhancer, that increases sustain; serves a basic compressor and sharpens or mellows the overall tone of the bass; my already ballsy Musicman sound as if on steroids. Another pedal that is worthwhile checking (trust me) is the Aphex Aural Exciter, costs about US$200.00 and makes your overall tone jump into another dimension, it'd be a bit hard to explain in this e-mail but in summary increases the sustain and blends the lower & higher midrange frequencies.
I hope I didn't confused you too much
Cheers
Gus

 

[Andy Martin]

No not confused at all. I'll have a look to see what's available.

I'm about 20 years out of date when it comes to effects. When I started playing, bass effects were a bit of a joke and I've not really caught up. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Why not email EB and have them refer it to one of their techs...they may know exactly what the prob is. I'm pretty sure the'll do that for you. (I was going to say...ring them...untill i saw where you live).

 

[Brian]

Contact EB

Hey there,

Contact EB toll free at the following #

1-800-543-2255

Or email [email protected]

Thanks

Brian

 

[Andy Martin]

Now that's what I call customer service!! I'll see what they say.

 

[SWR_n_EB]

now, i have to ask this question, what amp are u using..becuase i have noticed some amps can make my g sound thin too. GImme some more feed back, and i may be able to help, because i ran into this problem, but now i have some meat to my G...and lets be mature when talking bass here..i know it crossed ur ming, but this is neither the time nor place.

 

[Andy Martin]

I'm using a Trace Elliot AH400SMX. I always use the pre shape which gives a boost at 50hz and 3-5khz and a midrange cut, but I boost the midrange on the bass. This makes the A and D strings cut through but the G is just not there. I might as well not play it at all.

 

[SWR_n_EB]

well, i'm not familiar with the amp, but if u can turn off the midrange cut, try it, because that could help. maybe a a touch of treble....just fiddle around with the nobs, doing extremes, and try to see if u can get it to cut through. i find my self constantly moving nbs around to get that prefect sound, but it's changing from place to place that i play at. the floor tom really swallows my midrange when i play out side..don't know why though....

and i must say, when playing on grass, even if ur stuff is on a platform...again..i have to guess on this, it may be because i have nuthing to plant down on, to project my shake..hmph.