Help! Volume/Output differences between HS & HH

[RaginRog]

I notice a significant volume/output difference between my new HH and HS. The pickup heights are about identical, and I'm assuming this is the norm considering one has 2 complete humbuckers.

Confirmation?

 

[oli@bass]

If you put both in the "classic 'Ray" position (bridge H only), are they still different?

 

[RaginRog]

If you put both in the "classic 'Ray" position (bridge H only), are they still different?

Only slightly...but it's closest(volume wise) in the single H position.

 

[oli@bass]

If you can get them to match, the rest is really the difference of the output from the second (neck) H vs S. Also, check the pickup height of the neck pickups, they should be further away from the string than the bridge H. If properly setup (factory specs) the HH will produce almost the same volume in all 5 settings.

 

[boombox]

I think the difference in volume that you here is only a perceived difference. Both pickups have near the same output but the humbucker has a stronger midrange presence which is noticed easier by the ear there for it seems to be naturally louder …at least that’s how I see it… it’s kind of like a bass drum and a snare drum, both are loud acoustically but the snare is louder because of the midrange it produces.
My $.02..

 

[shakinbacon]

I think the difference in volume that you here is only a perceived difference. Both pickups have near the same output but the humbucker has a stronger midrange presence which is noticed easier by the ear there for it seems to be naturally louder …at least that’s how I see it… it’s kind of like a bass drum and a snare drum, both are loud acoustically but the snare is louder because of the midrange it produces.
My $.02..

I think you have a good point. With factory setups for pickup height on an SR5HH and a Bongo5HH I have never gotten the perceived volumes to match. I've always compensated by using the volume knob.

There seems to be mixed reports from people with multi-pickup Musicman basses here. For ever person that says the volumes are the same you get someone like me that is scratching their head going "huh?"

 

[RaginRog]

Thanks Brandt- I figured you know what you're talking about, especially having played 'em all. I happen to think that having the different coil options on the H-H is all the difference, and as you said, I get a nice mid range tone.

 

[RaginRog]

I think you have a good point. With factory setups for pickup height on an SR5HH and a Bongo5HH I have never gotten the perceived volumes to match. I've always compensated by using the volume knob.

There seems to be mixed reports from people with multi-pickup Musicman basses here. For ever person that says the volumes are the same you get someone like me that is scratching their head going "huh?"

Shakin' I agree...the pickup heights are very close...having 2 humbuckers is the difference. The single coil on the HS just doesn't have as much output as I'd like. It's like a bridge pickup on Jazz basses...it helps fill the sound nicely, but really doesn't provide as good a sound as the H soloed.

 

[RaginRog]

If you can get them to match, the rest is really the difference of the output from the second (neck) H vs S. Also, check the pickup height of the neck pickups, they should be further away from the string than the bridge H. If properly setup (factory specs) the HH will produce almost the same volume in all 5 settings.

Thanks Oli, but it still seems slightly louder.

 

[maddog]

psychoacoustics are a bitch.

 

[keko]

I own HS model and yes, both single coils mode (+ phantom) are less in output level than other switch positions in more-coils mode!
That's all normal according to the electronic standards!

You have just two features, keep volume pot under 90% in multi-coil mode and add to 100% when in single coil mode, or try to add lots of preamp boost and push harder with fingers or pick when using singles!

I personally push volume pot always at 100% and when play in neck S (+phantom) pickup mode add lots of midds and some bass end treble!
When popping in bridge single coil (split H) + phantom mode add looots of bass and middle (treble flat)!
In both positions I push some extra power in my right hand fingers!

To be honest, during the live gigs I use 90% only H switch position, time after time all coils mode (the same level), and just for a few songs live using bridge single coil, and than push hard with lots of bass boost!

Hope it helps!

 

[RaginRog]

psychoacoustics are a bitch.

I had 2 different types of Flats on it it, and I'm assuming that was the culprit. I just strung both with a new set of Power Slinkys, and the volumes are now about the same.

 

[RaginRog]

I own HS model and yes, both single coils mode (+ phantom) are less in output level than other switch positions in more-coils mode!
That's all normal according to the electronic standards!

You have just two features, keep volume pot under 90% in multi-coil mode and add to 100% when in single coil mode, or try to add lots of preamp boost and push harder with fingers or pick when using singles!

I personally push volume pot always at 100% and when play in neck S (+phantom) pickup mode add lots of midds and some bass end treble!
When popping in bridge single coil (split H) + phantom mode add looots of bass and middle (treble flat)!
In both positions I push some extra power in my right hand fingers!

To be honest, during the live gigs I use 90% only H switch position, time after time all coils mode (the same level), and just for a few songs live using bridge single coil, and than push hard with lots of bass boost!

Hope it helps!

Thanks Keko. I guess I feel spoiled have 2 full humbuckers on the HH. It's become my new favorite, and the band is loving it!

 

[maddog]

I had 2 different types of Flats on it it, and I'm assuming that was the culprit. I just strung both with a new set of Power Slinkys, and the volumes are now about the same.

Awesome it worked out!

 

[RaginRog]

Awesome it worked out!

Thanks!

How's the new job goin'....weren't you moving for a new job?

 

[maddog]

Thanks!

How's the new job goin'....

going good. got paid yesterday. First real paycheck in 2 years.

weren't you moving for a new job?

yar, which means more money for furniture and less money for basses.

 

[shakinbacon]

going good. got paid yesterday. First real paycheck in 2 years.



yar, which means more money for furniture and less money for basses.

4x10 and 1x12 cabinets make nice chairs and footrests

Aquillar and Bagend can even finish them in wood colors

couldn't resist... congrats on job