Laminate basses with 40" string length

Basswhore · #1 07-21-2008, 04:21 PM

I have a Roma fully carved bass with a 40 1/4" string length. I would really like to get a laminate bass with the same length to use as a second bass to haul to ruff situations. Any ideas? Thanks for the help.

**Francois Blais** · #2 07-21-2008, 06:47 PM

It's a 5/8 size, I believe.

mlz77096 · #3 07-21-2008, 07:17 PM

My bass is a 45 yr. old German laminate and it has a 40.5 string length . I've noticed that the older German basses have string lengths of 40.5 or so. That's not exactly what you asked for, but would it work?

Basswhore · #4 07-21-2008, 07:50 PM

Yes, I'm sure that would work. Close enough. I just got a new 42" mensur Czech bass, but the difference is pretty big. I still like it, but... Any advice is appreciated.

james condino · #5 07-21-2008, 09:20 PM

I've had a couple of old Framus ply basses that were about the same as an old Kay 3/4 body with a 40.5" scale. They can be found for about half the Kay price and a few had a cutaway. I regularly see Kays come into the shop with so many prior neck repairs that they have been shortened almost an inch.

j.
www.condino.com

COUNT ZACULA · #6 07-22-2008, 12:24 AM

I prefer a slightly shorter scale too, So I just had a false nut installed. It's now about 40 1/2.

Basswhore · #7 07-22-2008, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COUNT ZACULA

I prefer a slightly shorter scale too, So I just had a false nut installed. It's now about 40 1/2.

What was the string length before the false nut was installed?

Basswhore · #8 07-22-2008, 10:29 PM

I've been practicing for a classical/jazz trio performance this summer and when I switch between my old and new basses while reading music I can hear that playing on a second scale length is going to be hard. I bet I could get used to it, but I'd rather not. I'm looking for a 40 1/4" string length, give or take a 1/4", laminate bass. I think I need to sell the 42" Czech bass. It's really nice and has a "normal" string length of 42", but I am used to the 40 1/4" scale now without a doubt.

CellarDweller · #9 07-22-2008, 10:42 PM

I have not played a lot of different basses. I know that this may be obvious to some, but what is the advantage of shorter strings? Is it easier to pizzicato, only? Or is there also an arco advantage? I have noticed that string length always plays a prominent part in "for sale" ads and descriptions, and I have always wondered why.

Basswhore · #10 07-22-2008, 11:18 PM

The main advantage for me having a 40 1/2" is that it is the scale that I'm used to. Most people want 41.5". That is the standard for a reason. I play through an amp and love the 40 1/4". Oh well.

LouisF · #11 07-23-2008, 12:55 AM

Check out some of the laminate student basses at Lemur Music. They might work for you.

Louis