New strings but 'A' string sounds dead

[Monzo]

Hello,

Just had a basic set-up professionally done for my bass. When I play it now, the 'A' string sounds dead like it's been on there for awhile. The rest are fine and sound as they should. I supplied the tech with the strings that I have been using forever. Has anyone ever encountered this issue. Could I have purchased a bad set or is it possible it is something he did.
Thanks.

 

[CoR Bass]

Hello,

Just had a basic set-up professionally done for my bass. When I play it now, the 'A' string sounds dead like it's been on there for awhile. The rest are fine and sound as they should. I supplied the tech with the strings that I have been using forever. Has anyone ever encountered this issue. Could I have purchased a bad set or is it possible it is something he did.
Thanks.

What kind of strings? I had issues with some Dean Markley SR series strings a few months ago where the same thing happened.

 

[ddnidd1]

Check to see if the string was twisted during the install or it could just be a bad string.

If its bad straight out of the pack, the seller or manufacturer Might send you a replacement.

 

[el murdoque]

I've had that once, with an E string. That thing was just dead right out of the box. I called the shop and they just sent me a replacement, no questions asked.

 

[Linnin]

Could I have purchased a bad set

This is especially common with Rotosounds. What brand and specifically what set did you have installed?

 

[Mikhail1]

Ahh, the dreaded A string problem. Is it a 4 in line headstock?

 

[mudpup]

Your tech should have noticed this........

 

[Monzo]

What kind of strings? I had issues with some Dean Markley SR series strings a few months ago where the same thing happened.

I use Rotosounds. Been using the same type for years. Never had an issue.

 

[Monzo]

This is especially common with Rotosounds. What brand and specifically what set did you have installed?

SWING BASS 66 Standard Gauge.
I have been using them for years without any issues.

 

[Monzo]

Your tech should have noticed this........

Yes I know, I even tested it at the shop before leaving and one of my pods was scratching. I was pissed that he didn't notice this and gave it back to them immediately without really noticing the dead note at the time.

 

[Monzo]

Ahh, the dreaded A string problem. Is it a 4 in line headstock?

Yes.

 

[electracoyote]

Yes I know, I even tested it at the shop before leaving and one of my pods was scratching. I was pissed that he didn't notice this and gave it back to them immediately without really noticing the dead note at the time.

Take it back to him. We can only speculate, he can hold it in his hands and use his knowledge and experience as a bass tech.

 

[CoR Bass]

I use Rotosounds. Been using the same type for years. Never had an issue.

Same with me and DMs. But don't most strings come out of like 3 factories?

 

[BrentSimons]

This is especially common with Rotosounds. What brand and specifically what set did you have installed?

Really? C'mon now...

 

[mmbongo]

Same with me and DMs. But don't most strings come out of like 3 factories?

There's about 6 or 7 major factories. Dean Markley closed theirs a couple of years ago.

 

[Mikhail1]

Monzo, if you still checking this, loosen the A string and pull the ball end away from the bridge. Tighten the string allowing the tuner to pull the ball back against the bridge. Also make sure the string is wound down the post as far as you can get it so it has a downward angle from the nut to the post. If these remedies don't help then you may really have a dead A string but a lot of Fenders will have this issue and it usually manifest itself as a dead sounding string or one that choruses particularly when you play the open A. That's the reason I usually don't trim anything on the A string other than the exposed core wire. Allows plenty of wraps around the post to make a steeper angle.

 

[Monzo]

Monzo, if you still checking this, loosen the A string and pull the ball end away from the bridge. Tighten the string allowing the tuner to pull the ball back against the bridge. Also make sure the string is wound down the post as far as you can get it so it has a downward angle from the nut to the post. If these remedies don't help then you may really have a dead A string but a lot of Fenders will have this issue and it usually manifest itself as a dead sounding string or one that choruses particularly when you play the open A. That's the reason I usually don't trim anything on the A string other than the exposed core wire. Allows plenty of wraps around the post to make a steeper angle.

OK thanks. I will try this and keep it in mind for the future. The strings are losing their tone now just from wear and tear.

 

[Monzo]

OK thanks. I will try this and keep it in mind for the future. The strings are losing their tone now just from wear and tear.

So I noticed at the ball of three of the strings,(A,D,G) were not fully in and must be turned a certain way to have them fit all the way. Did what you said for the 'A' string and left the others since they sounded fine. Seemed to do the trick. Thanks for your help.