dead E string

[penz]

My E string is killing me. It has almost no life to it. The other strings sound beautiful but this thing just won't cooperate. I have a hofner bass copy and I've tried several sets of strings on it in the past. The problem hasn't really bothered me too much before, but I'm getting to the point where I'm avoiding the E string because of how dead it sounds. Can anybody help me here? What could cause such a problem?

[Omega Red]

what eq setup are you using, what strings, and what kind of pickups?

[_X_]

I can only think of one thing. Get it setup! Their could be a million reasons that it could happen but if you want expert advice go to a shop and ask, they should know. If not, well you're f**ked buddy. Nah, but seriously take it to a shop, they should sourt out the problem. But hay if worst comes to worst you can just smash it!

[pitchfork]

Worst case scenario is probably a dead pickup, let the nice luthier man take a look at it.

[JBass]

just get new strings, i doubt its a dead pick up if the otehr strings are playing nicely so that string is probably just finished

[Kragen]

hmm, not meaning to hijiack... but I have almost the exact opposite problem. My E string sounds really meaty and loud, but the rest of the strings are really quiet. I'ts somewhat annoying - any ideas?

[muthafunkabass]

hmm, not meaning to hijiack... but I have almost the exact opposite problem. My E string sounds really meaty and loud, but the rest of the strings are really quiet. I'ts somewhat annoying - any ideas?
you need to adjust your pickups. heavier strings are louder then smaller ones so your pickups have to be farther away from your E then the rest of your strings. Slant your pickups so that its close to the G, semi-close to the D, semi-away from the A, and away from the E. It will help even and balance your output.

[JBass]

^^^ yea take a phillips head screwdriver (usually) and tighten the pickups on the E string side, or lossen them on the g side..or both