Hofner String Scale Question

Bassguy61 · #1 03-31-2010, 07:45 PM

I bought a set of GHS shorts scale flats to put on my Hofner CT. The inner wrapper says the scale to winding is 32 inches. When I tried to put them on, I couldn't get the silk past the zero fret! When I compared it to the strings that were on it, the GHS had 1-2 inches more silk. This has me confused... do different strings have diferent lengths between the silks? Is there a trick to finding strings that will fit? I know I could order LaBella Beatle flats, I was just looking for some I could find locally. Any help is appreciated!

John

Johnny Alien · #2 03-31-2010, 08:01 PM

It sounds like the GHS is made for a 30" scale. You need ones made for 32". While the wrapper says that the scale is 32" the extra 2" on the GHS is saying otherwise.

JimmyM · #3 04-01-2010, 01:56 AM

i just use long scale strings on my beatle bass copy. easier to get, less hassle with strings that are supposed to fit and don't, etc.

MuleVariator · #4 04-01-2010, 07:26 PM

And I returned a set of GHS flats for the same reason. You will need either "medium" scale strings (32") or scrape back some of the silk from short scale strings. I ended up doing that with a set of Rotosound RS77S's and they work well, and sound great (the old Tony Bacon Guitar book has a big picture of McCartney's '63 Hofner which had roto's w/ pulled back silk that just barely clear the nut)
There is also a Rotosound RS77M medium scale set. Hope that helps.

JustDavid · #5 04-01-2010, 08:41 PM

I can't testify about Hofners but here I sit with my Epi Viola & a measuring tape.

Scale = 30.5" for E (30.125" for G). Short scale, right? So short scale strings, right? Hang on.

About another 5/8" from zero fret crown to after the nut. About (it's not visible) 2" from E's saddle to where the ball end makes contact with the tailpiece. All told, that measures at about 33" from ball end to where I prefer the silk not be.

For "long throw" bridges including through-body you have to keep in mind that scale length might not be all you want to look at when choosing a string length.

Bassguy61 · #6 04-02-2010, 08:46 AM

Thanks for all the help, guys! I ended up taking some of the silk off the ends of the GHS so it clears the nut by half an inch or so. The strings work great now and sound great too. Next time I at least know what to look for!