Yes it did, but I think I need to lower the whole thing now as the volume diff between it and the bass pup is too large.

Very interesting topic. I've been playing fender basses exclusively and have recently acquired a 1977 4001. Compared to Fenders, the E sting is very thin when using just the neck pickup. I have a feeling it's the nature of the Rick bass. The the back pickup sounds perfect. I've already raised the neck pickup as high as it can go on the E side. Is there a way to raise the E pole of the neck pu?

On my 4003 '07, the Treble pickup always dominates in a blend, even if it's rolled off to half volume. This may have to do with the construction of the 4003 model, because I know a lot more resonance is being transferred from the neck to the body than in bolt-on models. I can't say for sure, but I do know that my bridge pickup absolutely kills my neck pickup when I start going to town on it, and interestingly, the neck pickup gets quieter, rather than louder, at maximum Bass Volume.

Cassius,

In a long-forgotten thread, a knowledgable forumite (mlguitarworks) told me that the bridge pickups on recent 4003s are hotter than the neck pickups. This would explain the balance issue you are having. On most 2 pickup basses, the bridge pickup needs to be substantially closer to the strings to achieve a balanced output. Not so on a 4003.

I suggest backing off the bridge pickup in order to achieve the balance you are seeking.

_________________
As I get older, my music gets softer and my shirts get louder....

Interesting topic.
Just restored a `74 4001 Jetglo, and I`m having the same problem with the volume of the E-string.

I stringed it with Thomistik Infeld flatwound Jazz strings, and both A, D, G string have a perfect tone. The E string however comes out at half the volume of the other strings, and it lacks the deep bass sound like the other strings.

Funny thing is that E-volume is low both with neck and bridge pick up. Even adjusting both pickup uneven (high at the E-string to low on the D-string doesn`t seem to improve anything.

It doesn`t seem to be a mismanufactured E-string as the volume is also low with other strings.

Right now, I don`t have a clue what could causes this
drop in E-volume. It`s pretty annoying anyway. Should i try a roundwound set, or could a rewiring of the pick-up be helpful?

Raising the pickups worked fine for me when I had the same problem, it just takes a little tampering to get each are to the right level but it overall works great. Good luck and enjoy.

When my 2006 4003 first came to me, I had problems with the "E" string volume drop-off as well. I pretty much have been able to solve the problem with mine and all I can say is don't be shy in experimenting with adjusting the pickup screws.

The unadjustable pole piece hi gains have that "dome profile" where the E & G poles are lower than the A & D poles.

Just looking at them, I was hesitant to adjust the pickup screws, thinking raising the E side would put the middle poles too close to the strings and therefore, bringing up the string volume on A & D. Surprisingly, that hasn't turned out to be the case.

I wasted too much time not experimenting with adjustments because of that. Move those pickups around to see if you can achieve the equal balance.

With the neck pickup, I cut the rubber grommet in half that cushions the pickup from the underside of the plastic pickup cover. It allows the E side pole to raise a bit higher to the stings. It worked to get the neck pup balance where I wanted it.

With the bridge, just crank those screws to see if you can get the sound level you want.

Also, I love the tone on the Ricky strings, but DR High Beams sound even better to me. They are ALSO stainless steel strings, so there magnetic response is better. Also they are so tightly wound that I truly believe that they are not eating my frets.

Someone up top also had the great idea of the alnico magnet piece to extend the E pole. Great idea.

I have adjusted treble and bridge pups in various ways, but still the E sting stays dull. Even with the E-side of the pup high up and the G-side of the pup being nearly submerged in the pickguard.

Jopagering, i like your suggestion to cut the rubber grommet in half!
Also the idea of the alnico magnet piece to extend the E pole seems good. Has anyone done this before?

Hey, at least you've tried to the point of maybe ruling out simple pickup adjustments as the solution.

Regarding the alnico magnet, I've read a few posts, from probably a year, year and a half back, where some on this forum placed a steel washer to ride on top of the "E" pole, thereby extending its magnetic field. I didn't try it, but a small Alnico Magnet to do the same extension sounds even more logical to me.

Ask MPN about this. Here's what he wrote on this post about alnico:
"A couple a years ago I corrected a similar issue on a pre-CBS Jazzmaster where I added a piece of alnico magnet to one pick-up magnet segment which increased it's flux field to compensate for the imbalance. Being the instrument was 9.5 out of 10, he didn't want anything altered permanently . . . That was re-inventing the wheel ! ! ! "

Heck, I'd be interested to know exactly where he got the magnet and how big it is, so MPN, if you're reading this, please!!! some more information.

Well, still no improvement after cutting the grommet in half still. Furthermore, i discovered some really dead notes on the G en D string. I think a real good setup is needed on this `74 Jetglo.

About the E string volume: to me it sounds a bit odd, but perhaps I should try to look for the best set of strings to compensate for the low E string volume. Perhaps a less thick E string (0.95 f.e.) could be helpfull, as i think a .105 might be to thick for a clear sound on this particular bass.

And more information from MPN would indeed be appreciated!!