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Old 06-19-2018, 06:48 AM
ajhodge ajhodge is offline
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Default 1987 BT6 G & C strings "tinny" sounding

So I have a set of Tapercore Mediums on it, as suggested, but those top two strings are still less "round" sounding than the other 4. It's been suggested (elsewhere) that I play with the pickup poles.

Is this adviseable? If so, how to go about it? 3mm Allen wrench is what I need for that? Do I want the poles closer to or farther away from the strings?

Thanks in advance for your help.
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Old 06-19-2018, 11:27 PM
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Ken Smith Ken Smith is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ajhodge View Post
So I have a set of Tapercore Mediums on it, as suggested, but those top two strings are still less "round" sounding than the other 4. It's been suggested (elsewhere) that I play with the pickup poles.

Is this adviseable? If so, how to go about it? 3mm Allen wrench is what I need for that? Do I want the poles closer to or farther away from the strings?

Thanks in advance for your help.

3mm for the poles yes BUT, it is hard to tell you what to do as this is done from seeing it first hand.
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Old 01-24-2019, 09:27 AM
ajhodge ajhodge is offline
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Hi there. I'm still not really happy with the sound of my C string.

I've slightly raised the neck pickup on that side, and lowered the bridge pickup, as well as raising the poles on the neck pickup on that side, and lowering the poles on the bridge pickup.

Is there a specific distance the poles should (ideally) be away from the string when fretted at the 24th fret?

Tweaking the tone affects the overall tone of the bass, so reducing the high mids or changing the pickup balance also makes the lower strings more boomy than I like.

The only other thing I'm thinking about is to get a lower gauge string just for that one.

Any other thoughts?
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Old 01-24-2019, 02:56 PM
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Ronen Tat Ronen Tat is offline
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Originally Posted by ajhodge View Post

Any other thoughts?
Check the string's contact surface on the saddle (at the bridge). Make sure it's smooth with the right groove width to accommodate the string.
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Old 01-24-2019, 03:28 PM
ajhodge ajhodge is offline
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I shall... I am using the Ken Smith strings suggested by Mr. Smith for this particular bass, but I will check.


ahhh... I just realized you may have meant for the lower gauge string....

What if I discover the bridge saddle is not optimal...?
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Old 01-25-2019, 01:07 AM
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Any (well, most) experienced tech with the right tool will make sure the contact point/surface is optimal. It's really just fine tuning. Shouldn't take long, if needed at all. I think you should address this issue just to rule it out. Bad contact with the saddle would effect all notes on that string.

Last edited by Ronen Tat; 01-25-2019 at 05:56 AM.
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