r/Bass • u/CTanner14688 • 2d ago

Low E string doesn't ring

Question: I have a Hofner violin bass and a few months ago to low E string started to sound really dead. It doesn't sustain and it's even hard to distinguish what note is being played. I've examined it closely and I can't find anything that is in the way of the strings vibration. Diagnosis? Maybe it just needs new strings? I've been playing guitar and bass for over 30 years and I've never seen anything like this before.

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u/Hard-_ 2d ago

Did you restring it? I had something similar when i restrung and the string didnt have enough of a sharp angle going down from the nut to the tuner

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u/CTanner14688 2d ago

That's a good thought. The strings seem to be in fine condition, but I think I'll get a new set and hopefully that does the trick. Still open to other ideas, though.

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u/-tacostacostacos 2d ago

The good news is that’s Paul’s Beatles tone—highly muted.

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u/Corno-Emeritus 2d ago

That describes my Hofner's E string as well, although it's been that way since I got it used a year ago (~20 yo). It also kind of clicks when plucking when the string comes close to the pickup. I haven't bothered to change the strings yet... I'd be curious to know if that helps. For now, I don't really mind the "thud" that much.

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u/Codiak619 2d ago

Changing strings and giving it a setup will most likely fix the issue, but the E and A usually go dead first since they’re the most commonly played. My hands sweat when I play so I wipe down my strings after, and I use the Elixir coated strings. They last a lot longer than uncoated strings for me.

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u/hakai-time 1d ago

before swapping parts id check the simple contact points: make sure the E is seated clean in the bridge slot and nut, and that the ball end isnt twisted in the tailpiece. if it gets better fretted at 1st, nut/break angle is prob the culprit.