Issue with lower strings sounding flat/dull

[chuskey]

I was playing along with some tracks at gig level last night and noticed an issue I hadn't picked up on before where the bottom 3 strings sounded flat/dull compared to the top 3 strings.  The top strings had great clarity and bite to them.  

 

Since the bottom 3 strings are wound obviously I'm wondering if that may have something to do with it. 

 

This is on a JTV 69.  I was using the Strat model with the natural body chosen.  When I flipped over to the mags the bottom strings sounds good.  It was very noticeable when I went from mags to modelling.  

 

I was connected via 1/4" cable.

 

I noticed this right at the end of the session and spent no time troubleshooting. 

 

So I haven't tried other models/positions on the modeling side, comparing it to my JTV59, tweaking in workbench, connecting via VDI cable, trying other brands of strings (currently using slinky's .10), etc.  

 

I'm going to play around with it this evening I just wanted to see if anyone else had experienced the same thing.  I can remember years ago using the Roland VG88 and GK pickup and having similar issues with the wound strings not having great clarity.  

 

I'm just surprised I hand't noticed this before now if it has been a long standing issue.  

 

Not going to be a deal breaker because I love playing this guitar and the versatility, just wanted to get some feedback from other users. 

 

Thanks!

[Charlie_Watt]

No  it should not be that way.  Try several models and if they are all that way, you probably have an electronics problem.

[chuskey]

No  it should not be that way.  Try several models and if they are all that way, you probably have an electronics problem.

Thanks.  I plan to do some troubleshooting when I get home this evening.  Hopefully it will be something that's a relatively easy fix :)

 

I'll post my results.

[chuskey]

I spent a little bit of time with this and from what I can tell I mainly ran into this problem when using the "neutral body" option.  I had been using that for my Strat sounds because it knocked off some of the high end and sounded fuller to my ears than the Strat model.  I just hadn't caught that before about how the bottom strings just didn't have the same pop to them. 

 

Easy solution is I'll just go back to the Strat model and tweak it a little bit  :)

[zaphodboy]

I had a similar problem. I think it was the B and G strings which were both dull to the point that they almost sounded palm muted. I feared the worst but started by putting on a new set of strings. Problem solved! The strings I took off were only a couple of weeks old too. It might be worth giving it a go.

[chuskey]

I had a similar problem. I think it was the B and G strings which were both dull to the point that they almost sounded palm muted. I feared the worst but started by putting on a new set of strings. Problem solved! The strings I took off were only a couple of weeks old too. It might be worth giving it a go.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I thought about that too, and will probably switch out the strings soon.  I kind of ruled that out because I had just changed them about 2 weeks ago, but hearing your experience makes me wonder.....

[cruisinon2]

Thanks for the suggestion. I thought about that too, and will probably switch out the strings soon. I kind of ruled that out because I had just changed them about 2 weeks ago, but hearing your experience makes me wonder.....

Given piezo's sensitivity, it wouldn't surprise me if strings seem to "die" a little sooner than with mag pickups. I blow thru strings so fast that I don't really notice a pronounced difference, but it at least makes intuitive sense (to me anyway), that the tonal changes that happen as strings age would become apparent earlier when the pickup is in direct physical contact with the strings. Just my $0.02...

[bigmac11]

I lowered my action by dropping the bridge a bit and this happened to me because the downward tension on the peizio had lessened.  Use the allen wrench with the ball end to adjust it back toward the tail piece to put the tension back on the pickups saddle.  Do this while its plugged up to an amp so you can actually hear the difference.  The volume will increase as you adjust it and the tone will return.   You can definately test if its an electronics problem or a manual problem by switching between the piezio pickup and the magnetic pick ups.  The mag pickups should be consistant on tone and volume while the piezio will change while adjusting it.

[snhirsch]

Hate to keep saying this, but I think a lot of these issues boil down to poor ground connectivity.  I won't say it's impossible that small changes in angle help on a mechanical basis, but it's far more likely that the adjustment shifts the bridge piece enough to break through whatever oxide or corrosion has built up underneath and around it.

[brue58ski]

Just posted this. Try this

 

OK I've recently gotten the high E, low level problem and this has been my solution. So far it works and is  cheap and easy. Apparently the connection to ground happens due to the contact between the piezo and bridge itself. There seems to be some slop in there so I can see how it could get grimy in there and create a less than good connection for ground. I sprayed some electronic cleaner into the piezo area using the thin straw and so far...Problem Solved!!!!!!  i specifically used Radio Shack's Precision Electronics Cleaner. It leaves no residue although when you first spray you'll probably start cursing.me. But I swear it goes away. It's been two weeks. I have changed my string and resprayed all the piezos again. I attempt to change my strings every month so I'll let you know if the cleansing keeps the problem away for a month. I think just a monthly squirt of electronics cleaner will end your string lownessdullness factor. Mostly because it's taken a year (or more) for this problem to start.  I'm sure it will work for any string with this issue if  bad ground connection is the cause