35" neck makes strings too taut?

chardbass · #1 09-16-2007, 05:22 AM

Can anyone help me here?
I have a small issue with the 35" scale of my Lakland basses in that (especially on the JO5) I miss that string 'give' when playing as far back as the bridge pick up that you get on a standard jazz bass. You know the kind of funkiness which allows you to dig in a bit- at the minute I'm having to drift towards the neck pickup to get that feel and it ends up changing the sound. I'll end up breaking my wrist if I try to dig in over the back p'up all the time- the strings are pretty taught back there!
Obviously the extra tension that creates the tight B means more tension in all the strings which makes things like double-thumbing a trickier excercise (believe me, thats all it is- an excercise!)
Would using a slightly lighter gauge string make any difference as has been suggested to me?
I currently use HiBeam 45-125s and wonder whether 40-120s would make a difference.
I don't mind it on the 55-94 as it is one tight thumping beauty but I'd like the JO to have a bit more of a standard Jazz feel.

capnsandwich · #2 09-16-2007, 06:36 AM

2 different things I can think of doing are, 1. get a slinkier set of strings for a 35' scale bass, or 2. try stringing your strings through the bridge as opposed to the body. Lakland bridges can be strung through either way, which is another reason why I love Laklands so much. I really can't recommend a brand of strings that are slinky enough since I love the tightness of my strings on my 35' scale Lakland but I'm sure they're out there.

DavePlaysBass · #3 09-16-2007, 08:31 AM

Your tension increases by a ratio of 35^2/34^2 or about 6%. Probably less than going from 40-60-80-100 to 45-65-85-105. Hi Beams are supposed to be flexible. Or drop a gauge.

Dave

Lorenzini · #4 09-20-2007, 01:05 AM

40-125 imo is your answer.
End of discussion. Let's have some raisin bran!!

Pilgrim · #5 09-21-2007, 02:27 PM

It's not the instrument, it's the strings.

Change is good.

The_Owl · #6 09-21-2007, 02:32 PM

I agree with above posters. I own, and have owned, both 34" and 35" basses, and I don't really feel any difference. A set of strings with less tension will most likely help.

CElton · #7 09-21-2007, 02:37 PM

I have found the SIT Rock Bright Nickels to have a little more give near the bridge.

Give'em a look. Inexpensive and they sound great. Also available is SS if you prefer.

Eublet · #8 09-21-2007, 02:49 PM

Try some Sunbeams. VERY flexible.