GHS Precision Flatwound

[Ron G]

I was looking for flatwound string that had less tension then Chromes. So I ordered (2) sets of GHS strings they have less tension and sound better to me. After changing strings I was reading a old issue of Bass Player Magazine December 2009:

Ben Kenney (Incubus)
The GHS flats are more pliable than a lot of other flatwonunds so I can have high tension, but still bend notes. Other flats sound great, but you can hardly get vibrato with them they're like high-tension wires. The question he was asked, What impact does the extra scale length have on tone and string tension?
He's playing a Jazz-style Lakland 4-string with a 35" scale.

[C.Linton]

I use them, and I don't see what possible impact an extra inch or 2 would have. From what I can tell, none whatsoever, but I use them only on a standard 34" scale.

[fretlessguy]

I have a hard enough time getting my fingers to stretch for a 34 inch scale so I won't be getting a 35 inch anytime in the future.
This is a question often discussed and debated here, and it comes down to many factors besides scale length. Yes, as a general rule this is true, but string construction, such as the core wire, gauge, steel or nickel plating, all play into this.
You have bought what I and many others consider one of the great bass string sets made today. I have tried many other brands of flats, but I always come back to my GHS Precisions. Best of luck with your set.
Doug

[JTE]

OK, simple physics... Pitch, tension, string mass, and length all go together. Change one, and you have to change at least one other to keep things the same. If we assume standard tuning (pitch), and consistent mass (from using the same strings), then changing scale length requires us to also change tension. A longer string lowers the pitch, so you'd have to increase the tension to get the same pitch.

John

[C.Linton]

I think I see where I made my mistake. I thought the OP was asking what effect longer scale strings like GHS' have on a 34" scale neck. My bad.

[Ron G]

I thought it was interesting that after switching strings I came across that article and that I came to the same conclusion. I figured his works would be better than mine.