String volume

levykev · Post by **levykev** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 5:10 am

How does everyone deal with a string volume issue? I have a 4001CS, and the neck/toaster pick-up is even, but, when soloed, the bridge pick-up's E and G string are not as loud as the A and D strings. By looking at the pickup pole heights, I can see that they are closer to the string. The action is as low as it's going to get. Should I get the nut adjusted? Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks-

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 11:23 am

Hi, Kevin. Uneven string volume is a very common issue when using pickups that have non-adjustable pole pieces. How does one tackle the problem? You can replace both the E and the G string with louder ones of a different brand, for instance. Or you can deepen the slots on the E and G bridge saddles. Or you can add (use a bit of glue) a thin washer of magnetically-conductive material to both the E and the G pole pieces of the bridge pickup (provided it is a horseshoe pickup, of course) thus bringing said pole pieces closer to the E and the G string. Let me know how it goes. Regards.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 2:18 pm

I use steel shim stock to do this job .

Nail heads also work , a little thick CA glue hold it in place .

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Sat Aug 17, 2002 1:43 pm

Here's another solution. Make the string slot in the E and G string saddles deeper to get the strings closer to the pole pieces. You might also try purchasing new sadles for the A and D strings and cutting them a little shallower. Notching the E string will limit that strings intonation adjustment but you can re-grind the saddles angle on the front side to compensate for it. This is what I'm going to do on my bass.