RitchieRich Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 Hi, I mainly play acoustic guitar but just bought a bass, its a used Epiphone Allen Woody. Seems to work ok, but the sound is lacking, the E string is quiet and indistinct, and the A string is a bit like that. The other two sound good, louder and clearer. I have some ideas why this might be, but dont really know where to start. Is it: I used a 'normal' guitar amp I have around ( a small DV Mark Jazz amp) - is it simply that this cant get good low notes??? the strings are too old - but then why would the higher pitched strings sound OK? it needs a set up - the action seems Ok though I have no experiecne of basses there's a problem with the pick ups - but both of them?? soemthing else??? I thought I could start by getting new strings, but dont want to buy them if its actually a new amp I need. ANy ideas? Thanks Ritchie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 Strings are always the best start point, especially on a used instrument. The short scale of the Allen Woody can accentuate any wooliness in the thicker strings (make sure you buy the right length of strings for your bass). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 @RitchieRich where abouts are you located? If one of the members on here is local to you, someone will help you out. We are a friendly bunch ya know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minininjarob Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 Pickups might be adjusted incorrectly - a possibility. If you can find anyone with a bass amp to plug it into you can test that theory - any music shops nearby? i would second letting us know where you are I am sure someone local would be able to help you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd56hawk Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 (edited) Rumblekats are very nice basses and that's a problem I believe is probably something simple like strings, or maybe pickup height. Other than that, I'd recommend black tapewounds. As for using a guitar amp? Okay in a pinch, but doesn't your bass deserves something better? Edited October 23, 2023 by jd56hawk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 Step 1 is setup: Saddle height, neck relief and pickup height. Start at or near factory standard, that should never sound bad. Step 2: as others suggest find a bass amp near you, the low octaves will sound anaemic through a guitar cab. Problem not solved? Let a bass player near you have a try on their rig, someone will identify the trouble, it's never too late to spend more money. Now where are the pictures? 😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitchieRich Posted October 23, 2023 Author Share Posted October 23, 2023 Thanks for the replies all, I'm in Edinburgh. I was intending to get a bass amp at some point, so maybe next step is to take it to GuitarGuitar and try with some amps, that way I can choose an amp and test if thats the issue at same time. I had a closer look at the strings, they dont look corroded, so might not be them, but will change out anyway - thanks for the tip on tapewounds I'll get some. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted October 23, 2023 Share Posted October 23, 2023 (edited) ^ and if their is an issue GG may give you an idea!.. Sounds like the perfect plan... although before ya spend, i'd be looking second hand local or on here... Bang for 80' Shillings and all that Before ya go... still no pictures?.. there are rules ya know... Never knew Woody Allen played bass... Edited October 23, 2023 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitchieRich Posted October 23, 2023 Author Share Posted October 23, 2023 OK I get it, photos tomorrow, promise! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 Only get tapewounds if you're after a plonky vintage type sound. They are BAD for livelier genres like punk/rock/metal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAdder60 Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 I think everyone should pop new strings on a secondhand bass ( I even do it on new shop bought basses A set of roundwounds nickel plated would be my suggestion firstly That’s most likely the reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 They don’t have to be rusty to have gone dead. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 There’s a well worn path of things to try in order to sort it out. Really don’t worry. Start with strings, even cheapies, and go from there 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chienmortbb Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 23 hours ago, RitchieRich said: Hi, I mainly play acoustic guitar but just bought a bass, its a used Epiphone Allen Woody. Seems to work ok, but the sound is lacking, the E string is quiet and indistinct, and the A string is a bit like that. The other two sound good, louder and clearer. I have some ideas why this might be, but dont really know where to start. Is it: I used a 'normal' guitar amp I have around ( a small DV Mark Jazz amp) - is it simply that this cant get good low notes??? the strings are too old - but then why would the higher pitched strings sound OK? it needs a set up - the action seems Ok though I have no experiecne of basses there's a problem with the pick ups - but both of them?? soemthing else??? I thought I could start by getting new strings, but dont want to buy them if its actually a new amp I need. ANy ideas? Thanks Ritchie Strings could be a problem, but I suspect it is the amp. That is a tiny guitar combo, and it is unlikely to reproduce the low notes well. So change the strings, then try a different amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd56hawk Posted October 25, 2023 Share Posted October 25, 2023 On 23/10/2023 at 17:41, RitchieRich said: Thanks for the replies all, I'm in Edinburgh. I was intending to get a bass amp at some point, so maybe next step is to take it to GuitarGuitar and try with some amps, that way I can choose an amp and test if thats the issue at same time. I had a closer look at the strings, they dont look corroded, so might not be them, but will change out anyway - thanks for the tip on tapewounds I'll get some. If you do go with tapewounds, just remember to bend before cutting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman Posted October 25, 2023 Share Posted October 25, 2023 Great basses Rumblekats. In addition to the above info, a lot depends on what kind of sound you’re looking for? Bright, thumpy, woolly…. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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