Dead String?

jpoprock · Post by **jpoprock** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:03 am

I bought those strings from Kevin (Thanks Kev!) and put them on my new '74 4001. I'm currently in the middle of a wiring DISASTER. The bass is not at all functioning properly but I'm getting expert advice on how to fix it. I may not be able to do it myself though. We'll see.

Anyway... my set up still needs tweaked a bit. The neck is straight as a board though. But I will say one thing... I don't think I like flats all that much. HOWEVER, it seems that the E string is dead sounding. Like really dead sounding compared to the other 3 strings. Is this the nature of flats? Or is it because my bass stinks? PU stinks? etc? I have NO experience w/ this sort of thing. And just in case you're wondering.. the mute isn't at all touching the string.

Help!

Jason

jpoprock · Post by **jpoprock** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:58 am

I think the saddle needs filed a bit. That or the string really IS dead (which isn't Kevin's fault). Thanks for your help Jason!

Jason

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 8:59 am

Is this the nature of flats?

Jason, while I wouldn't go so far to suggest that flats behave this way by nature, I can tell you that this question comes up quite routinely in reference to these strings and less often with regard to roundwounds.

jpoprock · Post by **jpoprock** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 9:09 am

Ah. Thanks for the tip. I heard from someone else that these strings may not be the best choice. That each person has their own taste.. but it was his opinion that they were not good strings. Dunno. It wasn't a bad idea to try them though. I think it could be just MY E string is weird. Or perhaps the bridge needs filed a bit. I have a file to do it, and will try it. Thanks!

But Peter, are you referring to "these strings" as Pyramids? Or just the type in general(flats)? And what question comes up exctly? Inconsistancy in the sustain of the string?

jason

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:36 am

Flats in general Jason. Just in passing, however, I had this problem with Pyramids. The company sent a replacement and I had no further problem. I really like the Pyramids on my 4003.

mortivan · Post by **mortivan** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 1:14 pm

I use flats on my J-bass, and I've noticed no tendency for the E-string to be deader than the rest.

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 4:48 pm

The D'Addario Chromes I have on 5 different basses have good E strings. I think it may be the strings you have, just a guess.

apollo11 · Post by **apollo11** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 4:57 pm

I absolutely love flats, and use them on most of my basses. The best I've used are the TI jazz flats, bar none. For a couple years I used Fender Nylons, but then had a couple dud sets, so I haven't bought them lately.

From everything I hear about Pyramids, they are the cream of the crop for flats. Most people say there is a definate break in period before they start to sound good. I've heard that they often seem dead out of the package, but then break in and become about the best sounding flats you can buy.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 5:24 pm

Andrew: You are right. The Pyramids do sound better over time. I would also argue that the same applies to the 6 and 12 string sets as well. Thanks for the recommendation regarding the TI's.

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 7:36 pm

I was disappointed in the Pyramid Flats I bought for my 4004. Didn't have a dead E string, sounded good (but not great) at first, but they definitely didn't improve with age. They lost intonation within 6 months, and I've never had that happen anywhere near that fast on a set of flats. I would not buy them again regardless of price.

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 8:21 pm

I've had the same set of Pyramid flats on my 4003 for two and a half years! I'll admit it's about time for some new ones, but the current set still sounds good.

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 8:24 pm

I've had the same set of Pyramid flats on my 4003 for two and a half years! I'll admit it's about time for some new ones, but the current set still sounds good.