Epiphone Masterbilt Deluxe bass - challenges

A

Alfisti

Supporting Member
Sep 28, 2016
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4,856
#1
I finally found one of these online, and received it a couple of weeks ago. I played it tonight for the first time jamming with friends, and found a couple of problems. I love this thing, so I am highly motivated to resolve these issues. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas!

First problem is, the feedback is really really bad. I put a scrunchie underneath the bridge in the trapeze area, and that helped out a lot. But it is still difficult to control the feedback particularly when the amp is turned up. Even when I am sitting behind the amp and it is pointed away from me. Any ideas here?

Second, the E string seems to be quieter than the other three. It sounds a little dead. It has the nylon tapewound string was on it, I am wondering if the strings are shot? What might cause the E string to be quieter?

Thanks!
 
#2
A short scale can cause fat strings sound dead. You can try lighter gauge, like 95.
As for feedback, I believe acoustic instruments can do that easier in general. Maybe you can lurk in 335 forums see if they have any feedback problems and remedies for that if it is a case.
 
#3
Tapewound's are kind of thumpy to start with. On a short scale I am not surprised that they don't work all that well. My (limited) experience is that heavier gauge strings work better on short scale as you need more tension to get them to pitch. This can help with floppy E-string syndrome.
 
#4
thanks. It's not particularly floppy - it's just not as loud. The other 3 strings are considerably louder.

As for the feedback - I guess I could use an acoustic guitar pre-amp??? But I suspect the frequency range it allows for suppressing feedback is not ideal for a bass guitar. I will try it though.
 
#5
If e string is quiet, there might be a problem with the string...maybe it is s twisted or not laying in the bottom of the nut/saddle. Maybe witness points were not set. If you did not install the strings, it might be a string from pure nickel set which will be quieter by a lot.
If you just got this bass with random strings, install new ones. Also go for high gain strings and maybe lighter gauge 40-95.
High gain strings would be not pure nickel but nickel plated steel (read details, package can me labeled as Nickel, but the strings can be either pure nickel or nickel plated steel, you want the steel), also round core is at least a little higher output. This way, you will not need to crank the gain as high on the amp and it will reduce your feedback probability.
 
#6
kgbeast said:
If e string is quiet, there might be a problem with the string...maybe it is s twisted or not laying in the bottom of the nut/saddle. Maybe witness points were not set. If you did not install the strings, it might be a string from pure nickel set which will be quieter by a lot.
If you just got this bass with random strings, install new ones. Also go for high gain strings and maybe lighter gauge 40-95.
High gain strings would be not pure nickel but nickel plated steel (read details, package can me labeled as Nickel, but the strings can be either pure nickel or nickel plated steel, you want the steel), also round core is at least a little higher output. This way, you will not need to crank the gain as high on the amp and it will reduce your feedback probability.
Click to expand...

Thanks. They may just be the tapewounds that came with the bass.
 
#8
Just a follow up - I got around to making a homemade sound hole cover for just the left f-hole. It totally cures the feedback, at least testing it here in the house.

I would LOVE to find someone to professionally make a better looking one... I did see the one on Reverb for $75... but that is a little steep.

Anyone have any other leads?

Thanks!
 
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