D'addario ECB81S too short

[KyddBass]

Hey all. I hope this exact topic hasn't already been covered, but I couldn't find it on TB.

I got a set of D'addario ECB81S FlatWound short scale XL Chromes from JustStrings thinking I would swap strings on my wife's 6 year old Fender Mustang for her. But low and behold and much to my surprise - they are way too short! Of course I had to open the package to get out a string and (of course) JustStrings won't take them back. Here is how D'addario replied to me in an email - and I quote:

"You can't always tell which strings you need just by the scale length of your bass. Some basses are strung through the body, and the distances from the bridge to where the ball-end locks in, and the distance from the nut to the tuning pegs are not always exact. The best way to figure out the scale length would be to perform the following test:

1) Mark the lowest pitched string (while on your bass) at the nut with a marker.
2) Remove the string
3) Measure the distance from the inner edge of the ball end the mark you just made.
4) Record this length and refer to the following chart.

Length String Set Scale
Up to 32' D'Addario Short
32" - 34" D'Addario Medium
34" - 36" D'Addario Long
36" - 38" D'Addario Super Long

I hope this helps you." .... and by the way the "mediums" you need are on backorder.

Nowhere on any "string" site is this "string-through-body" problem mentioned. Now I'm out $28.91 because I opened the package.

I hope this post helps someone else avoid this expensive (to me) hassle.

[jasper383]

Great post.

I love D'Addario strings, but their packaging makes it impossible to test strings' lengths without wrecking the package.

Plus, they have really short lengths; the shortest brand out there.

[pretaanluxis]

Thanks for the tip

[OldDog52]

I went through this too with a Mustang. It needs medium scale, not short scale, at least with the D'Addarios. Then I recently found out my new MIA P needs (apparently) Super Long Scale D'Addarios, not just Long Scale. These issues are probably due to Fender's thru-body stringing. Live and learn I guess.

What would be great is a sticky with a matrix of instrument models and strings that have been confirmed to fit them correctly.

EDIT: In fairness to D'Addario, there web site has a pretty good guide on how to determine proper D'Addario string "scale size" for various instrument configurations:

http://www.daddario.com/upload/BassArticle2_1803.pdf

[Verve111]

These short scales dont accomodate for trapeze or through body string mounting. Fruuuustrating.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Originally Posted by Verve111

These short scales dont accomodate for trapeze or through body string mounting. Fruuuustrating.

Unfortunately strings are sold as "Scale Length" and not as "Winding Length"

Short scale strings have a useable winding of 32" from Ball End to Silk

If you measure your instrument from the Back of the ball end to Just past the nut you will then know the winding length you actually need.

Many "Short Scales" require windings found on "Medium Scale" sets (34")

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

Many "Short Scales" require windings found on "Medium Scale" sets (34")

? Shouldn't that be 32"?

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

? Shouldn't that be 32"?

For instruments to be considered:

Short Scale Instruments are 30" from Saddle to Nut
Short Scale Strings are 32" from Ball to Silk

Medium Scale Instruments are 32" from Saddle to Nut
Medium Scale Strings are 34" from Ball to Silk

Long Scale Instruments are 34" from Saddle to Nut
Long Scale Strings are at least 36.5" from Ball to Silk

35" Instruments are 35" from Saddle to Nut
These usually require strings with at least 37" to 38" winding length. Some "Long Scale" strings are 37" but most companies call their 38" strings Extra Long scale but there are some that have 38" strings that are still called "Long Scale"

(If no Silk then to Taper)

List here of string winding lengths by manufacturer:

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

List here of string winding lengths by manufacturer:

Sorry for my confusion; I misread your earlier terminology.

And MASSIVE thanks for compiling & publishing the info in that link!!!

[Diesel Kilgore]

Measure twice. Its a body through. Sorry.

[ddawson2012]

KYDDBASS - did our CS dept indicate that they'd help you out with the medium scale set? Email me at don.dawson2@daddario.com and we can chat further. Sorry for any confusion....

[bgavin]

My Stingray SR5HH is strung at the bridge.
The ball to nut distance is 36.0", and saddle to nut is 34.0"
The nut to closest tuner center is 2.0"

[Lemon Of Troy]

Originally Posted by ddawson2012

KYDDBASS - did our CS dept indicate that they'd help you out with the medium scale set? Email me at don.dawson2@daddario.com and we can chat further. Sorry for any confusion....

He hasn't posted here in almost 3 years, he's probably gone

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Holy thread bump batman!