Piezo help - one string is too loud

[slowlearner]

Hi all.

Got the fretless up and going, but I'm having an on going issue with the D string being MUCH louder than every other string on the bass.

Here are a few pics to recap on my setup. It' a 6 element acoustic guitar pickup with my own home brewed bridge...





The main issue seems to be that the D string has the highest tension, therefore it exerts the most pressure on the pickup. Similarly, the E has the lowest volume is a little quieter than the G and A. Not sure how to get round that and even out the volume of the strings. I'm using GHS precision flats in case the wondering.

Any ideas?

P.s. the slot appears to be flat as does the bottom of the bridge piece. Already checked that.

[simso]

I dont think tension is your issue.

Most under saddle pickups are not sensitive on the end of the pickup, for this reason you actually pocket a small hole past the end of the slot and slide the pickup into the hole.

The other item I notice is the top of your saddle is flat, this is forcing the strings to ride one edge, in doing so it kicks the base of the saddle upwards and off the pickup,

My recommendations, make a pocket hole slide the pickup past, round the top of your saddle to exert even down pressure

[slowlearner]

which end of the pickup should I make a hole the treble or the bass?

also, should the saddle have grooves for individual strings or just be rounded over?

[Nick]

Just looking at your overhead shot it looks like the outer strings (E,G) are very close to the ends of the pickup, most Piezo's like at least 3mm of free pickup out past the string (the non sensitivity Steve was refering to), you may need to look at a longer piezo. As far as the saddle is concerned, round the top of it over, don't slot or groove it. What you are trying to get is a nice smooth curve that the string 'rolls' over and makes a point of contact in the middle of the saddle. Have you checked the intonation of your home brewed bridge? When shaping the saddle top it's a good time to correct any inconsistancies in intonation by shifting the 'high' point either fore or aft slightly on each string.

[J.F. Custom]

Hi Slowlearner.

Aside from those already mentioned by Nick and Steve, I think you may have another issue.

You suggest the pickup is a "six element" undersaddle piezo. These are designed so that each element sits directly beneath a string on a six string guitar. Being that you are using it on a bass, you may find that your extra loud 'D' string is sitting directly over a piezo element, while the other strings are sitting adjacent one - or not as centred on an element. This would also change the signal the pickup is receiving.

The solution to that however is a different pickup - probably not what you want to hear. Some undersaddle transducers are one long continuous piezo element as opposed to individual crystals for each string. One continuous unit would work far better on a four string bass.

Jeremy.

[kiwigeo]

You suggest the pickup is a "six element" undersaddle piezo. These are designed so that each element sits directly beneath a string on a six string guitar. Being that you are using it on a bass, you may find that your extra loud 'D' string is sitting directly over a piezo element, while the other strings are sitting adjacent one - or not as centred on an element. This would also change the signal the pickup is receiving.

This is what I was thinking.......in fact I even had a dream about it last night.

[slowlearner]

the element and preamp cost me $15 so I'm not broken hearted if I can't use it. However, if there is a way to keep it and make it work I'd like to try it.

Could you give me a link to a single element that I could look at buying?

P.s. I like cheap chinese ebay jobs.

[Nick]

That was a thought I had after posting Jeremy, I thought originally slowlearner meant an Element Piezo (LR Baggs product) but when I'd posted then read back I noticed it read a 6 element pup.
Slow, you may be better trying to source a single element piezo such as the Element (this piezo only needs the 3mm 'overhang' at one end), you'll probably find you get a better string response along with trying the points already mentioned. Here's a link to the Element pickup but there are other's (cheaper) that work on the same style i.e single pickup.

Martin, if you're dreaming pup problems then you have an almighty problem! a trip to the shrink may help?

[kiwigeo]

Martin, if you're dreaming pup problems then you have an almighty problem! a trip to the shrink may help?

Yeah a trip to the shrink would be good......

[slowlearner]

what about one of these?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BENDABLE-CAB ... 231a6ca634

[Nick]

what about one of these?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BENDABLE-CAB ... 231a6ca634

That sort of money, even if it's crap you've lost bugger all (but learnt something) if you have to take it out & put another in. That is the sort of model you are looking for though rather than six seperate elements.
Even though it says it's bendable I'd still be drilling your hole through the bottom of the saddle channel on an angle so that you aren't coming through the hole then bending it at 90 degrees when the saddle goes on it.

[slowlearner]

well I've just ordered one so we'll see how we go I guess.

[kiwigeo]

"Defective Order
If the order you received has a manufacturer's defect, please email us pictures of the defective item immediately. We do need you to send back the defective part before we ship you a replacement. As soon as we receive the defective part and inspect it, we'll get a replacement on its way to you."

[simso]

Didnt take note of the fact its a 6 string element pickup, so yes thats another prob for a four string bass

[slowlearner]

Had a fresh look at the bottom of the saddle and managed to shave off a tiny bump under the D string. Hooked it all back up and it is a little better. THe D and A strings are better matched. G is a little quieter and the E still more, but I guess that's part of the sound of it. I'm gonna try shimming the E later too. Thanks all.