Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

[TwistedIntoForm]

I've run into a bit of a problem. My low E string sounds incredibly muddy and bassy, which isn't a problem with the other five strings. I'm using a JB, and on the bass side of the pickup, right under the low E, the protective tape around the pickup is pulled down a bit, and there looks to be some damage on the inside. Is this a problem with the pickup? Because I'd assume wiring damage would effect the whole guitar, not just one string.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

Yes, if there is a coil issue, the pickup either works or doesn't. Do you have a pic of the damage?

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

Possibly, post a picture. Another thing you could try is a lower guage low E string.

 

[TwistedIntoForm]

Re: Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

Here's a picture, not the best focus, but you get the idea:

https://imgur.com/a/kj7Hf

 

[Mincer]

Re: Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

From the pic, it just looks like loose tape. Was this pickup stock? I don't think the tape issue explains what is going on here, though.

 

[TwistedIntoForm]

Re: Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

It was stock. Not really sure what's going on here. Might just be an amp thing. My amp's been out of commission so I've had to use a crappy practice amp, could just be that it doesn't handle low frequencies well.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

Actually, that is a real possibility. Any way you can just test it on another amp, like bring the guitar to a store or a friend's house?

 

[TwistedIntoForm]

Re: Muddy low E/Damaged pickup?

Yep, in a couple of days. Thanks for the advice.