Bass VI style instruments and string volume balance

Bassaga

Bassaga

Sep 4, 2015
401
1,081
4,906
Arizona
#1
Looking into these lately. I know it's gimmicky, but doggone it I think I'd like one.

But as I listen to demos of various models, it seems like the low E string on many of them is considerably quieter than the other strings. I have a U-Bass like that, and it makes the otherwise thrilling instrument almost unusable. I'd hate to spring the cash and find out that was a major issue. I haven't heard anybody mention it, but I hear it in the playing. Thought I'd ask you folks if you've noticed it?

Seems like you could just adjust the pickups to fix it, but if so, why aren't people doing it?

For reference, I'm probably going to spring for the Schecter Hellraiser C-VI if anybody has experience with that one in particular.
 
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#2
I have Fender P basses and the low E is lower natural volume. Unless I use my 5s, the B is lower. You can adjust the pickups.
Even on electric and acoustic guitars the low E is less loud than the A or D in most cases.

Been a thing for centuries.

Edit
Rando doing a video isn’t going to do a complete setup.
 
#5
If you are looking for a bass vi that can sound like a bass on the low strings, the SRC6(MS) is probably the best bet. I've also heard people say that changing the strings to a .095 or .100 set on the Fender-likes makes a big difference, and that makes sense where the stock set is .090 or less.
 
#6
Retired my '62 Fender Bass VI (rather than carry around a 60yr old vintage) and replaced it with an EBMM Silhouette Bass VI. Both basses are fine, but boosting the 40hz bass setting on a Sansamp BDDI V2 adds more beef on the low E string and seems to work fine on either instrument. I now use La Bella 767-6S Bass VI stainless steel roundwound 026/095, which are very piano-like on the Silhouette.
 
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