Which bass size has a scale of 105 cm?

[Blazemourne]

Is it a 1/2 size, 5/8 size, 3/4 size, or some other size?

[TSP]

105cm = 41.3in, which is exactly what Bob Gollihur quotes for a standard 3/4.

[Chasarms]

Yes, That would be a 3/4.

[Bob Branstetter]

While the odds favor it being a 3/4, bass sizes are not determined by string length. I've had basses come into my shop that had string lengths a little over 41" that were 5/8 body size. Under the old sizing system, 7/8 and 4/4 sizes would have much longer string lengths. Not Today! Under the current system, I've have seen both 7/8 and 4/4 with string lengths as short as 41". Old timers would have described these as a 7/8 or 4/4 size with a 3/4 scale.

[Bob Branstetter]

Ken, I think we discussed this topic in depth a couple a years ago and you could probably find it with a forum search. I don't have the body dimensions handy, so I can only add that I'm just as confused about this sizing business as you are. One of my good clients bought a new Paesold carved bass last year that was sold and labeled as a 4/4. When I placed it along side of my old 1938 Albert Rodier 7/8, the Paesold was not as large. However, instead of a 43+" SL, the Paesold was around 41". I have another old client who owns an old (unmodified) 4/4 bass. That bass has a 48" body length and a 45" SL. I guess today that would be called a 5/4 or maybe a 6/4. Your guess is as good as mine.

In the 1950's, the MENC (Music Educators National Conference) established a set of standards for all string instruments used in the public schools. They set the standard string length for 3/4 size basses as 42" (which just happened to be what Kay basses were). Unfortunately, these "standards" have been largely ignored and I couldn't even find the instrument standards on the MENC web site.

[rftbass]

http://www.gollihur.com/kkbass/FAQ-size.html

[Silversorcerer]

Originally Posted by Blazemourne

Which bass size has a scale of 105 cm? Is it a 1/2 size, 5/8 size, 3/4 size, or some other size?

I don't know;- How big is the bass?

[Matthew Tucker]

Basses are like cars I guess in the size game. No two models or makes are alike. Small, mid-sized, full sized, etc..

May I suggest that the problem is simply trying to define several variables with one descriptor.

Why don't we all agree to talk about bass body size OR string length, but NOT both in the one breath?

Its a bit like saying whats a large pair of pants? a 104 waist with a 92 leg or a 140 leg with a 91 waist? But no-one just goes into the shop and says I want a large pair of pants ...

[Silversorcerer]

This is totally off topic, but no matter how many times I see Ken's (growing and evolving) masterpiece collection, I just can't help from drooling on my keypad. Thanks for showing those all together like that in one place, Ken!! Dimensions aside, such beauty is boundless!