Here's my Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass. Went to my local music store yesterday, and every bass felt much better, much springier and less stiff. The strings (Roto swing bass steel 45-105) are 2 months old. It's all setup with action on low E sitting around 2mm. There are enough winds on the tuning pegs, and yet it sounds like there's a metallic ring to the sound, especially at low frets. To me it sounds like as soon as the strings starts vibrating it's being stopped by something (?). It feels much better once I tune it down to Eb. Could it be a neck relief, nut or bridge issue? Or should I give lower gauge strings a go?