Classico quiet E string.

[aa229]

Hello Club


I have a Classico that i have this year began to use a good amount. Overtime the E string has started to be very quiet whilst the other strings are fine. Being inexpreienced with the Classico ad its workings, can someone suggest what this could be?


I would imagine it could be down to several things.


thank you for your help in advance.

[jazzyvee]

No sure why this would happen but, you can adjust the pickup level for each string underneath the pickup housing.

There are some trim pots. I have never adjusted mine, in fact this is the first time i've looked under there.

[garyhead]

Make sure you have Fresh batteries first!  Yes.  Under the pickup there is a gain adjustment for each string.  It is odd to have only one string go quiet.  Also exercise all three knobs 50-100 times….they are self cleaning. When all that is done…..then adjust the trim pots under the string. If you run out of travel and the E is still too quiet, then turn down the other 3 strings to match. 

When you play without the electronics…..does the E kind of “thump” while the other strings sing?  You could have a broken core in the E string.

[aa229]

thank you all. I will try all those remedies and hopefully find the answer. again thank you.

[edwardofhuncote]

...When you play without the electronics…..does the E kind of “thump” while the other strings sing?  You could have a broken core in the E string.

This is a great observation. Look closely at the witness point where it contacts the bridge and see if the outer windings are beginning to separate. Could be elsewhere too, but a broken core could have a dramatic effect on magnetic pull. I had never thought of this, but I have heard upright bass strings make all kinds of wacky sounds as they failed. Most of what I work on is equipped with piezoelectric pickups affixed to either the bridge or top table.


If you have another string, I'd just try it to see if that cured the issue.