Scale length for a 5 string!!

jacobrownoly · #1 12-03-2009, 09:43 AM

Hi, I own a Euro5LX

with a 35'' neck...

Question: on 35'' necks what scale length of string should I use?

Should I be using the Extra long ones or is a standard pack ok?

I say this because I use standard Elixiers on my 4 string a 34'' neck and they sound awesome, but on my 5 string I use the same pack to string the E to G but the strings feel a lot tighter and thats why I think the slap tone sounds compressed.

Hopefully this is not too confusing for you guys

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

spookycadaver · #2 12-03-2009, 11:37 AM

Hey there!

Go with the same length strings, Extra long is for 36" and up scale length, though usualy not even for 36". The reason why they are tighter is because by increasing scale length you are inscreasing string tension.

If you currently are using a .100 gauge E string for example, go down to a .095 gauge it should be roughly the same tension.

What gauges are you using on your 34" scale length? I could try and tell you the ideal gauges for the same tension on a 35" scale length.

mccartneyman · #3 12-03-2009, 12:09 PM

Depends on how the bass is strung. If you're through body on a 35" scale like my Lakland 5s, you need XL strings.

jacobrownoly · #4 12-03-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spookycadaver

Hey there!

Go with the same length strings, Extra long is for 36" and up scale length, though usualy not even for 36". The reason why they are tighter is because by increasing scale length you are inscreasing string tension.

If you currently are using a .100 gauge E string for example, go down to a .095 gauge it should be roughly the same tension.

What gauges are you using on your 34" scale length? I could try and tell you the ideal gauges for the same tension on a 35" scale length.

I just use standard 105-45, so u think I should use extra long strings?

My euro5LX is neck through as well.

Thanks

spookycadaver · #5 12-03-2009, 12:37 PM

Nononononono, the extra longs will have no difference other than the fact you will be spending more money on specialized strings. Like I said, the fact that it is a longer scale length makes the tension go up. If you go with 100-40 it should have the same tension as 105-45 on a 34" scale length.

I will repeat, do NOT use extra long strings unless your bass is 35" with string through body (which spectors are not) or 36"+

JTE · #6 12-03-2009, 01:06 PM

Depends on the company making the strings. D'Addario's standard long-scale set probably won't work on a 35" scale. I know they won't work on a 34" scale that strings through the body. If the Elixers fit, go ahead and use the regular scale.

See, the reason your strings on the 35" scale bass are tighter is because it's a 35" scale. Extra tension is the reason for the 35" scale. A string's pitch is determined by its mass (more mass, lower note), its length (longer speaking length, lower pitch), and its tension (lower tension, lower note). So, if you take string that's 0.085" diameter that's 34" long between the nut and bridge, and you tune it to 55 Hz, it's going to have a specific tension. Now, if you keep that same mass (the 0.085) but you make the string longer, the only way to get the same pitch is to tighten the string.

John

jacobrownoly · #7 12-03-2009, 01:08 PM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-Pro...9870862&sr=8-9

So these would be ok yeah for a 35''??

mccartneyman · #8 12-03-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobrownoly

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-Pro...9870862&sr=8-9

So these would be ok yeah for a 35''??

35" is from nut to bridge. If you go through the body, you might need Super Long.

jacobrownoly · #9 12-04-2009, 05:32 PM

So what ideally should I be looking for in stringing a 5 string with 35''??

Thanks

jacobrownoly · #10 12-05-2009, 11:46 AM

Anyone else's input on what scale of string to use on my euro5??

Bassman316 · #11 12-05-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

35" is from nut to bridge. If you go through the body, you might need Super Long.

The octave eight string that I have is a 35" through body bridge- the D'Addario XLs (standard length) set that I tried to string started to taper down before reaching the nut. +1 to extra longs if you're talking about a through-body 35".

jacobrownoly · #12 12-05-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassman316

The octave eight string that I have is a 35" through body bridge- the D'Addario XLs (standard length) set that I tried to string started to taper down before reaching the nut. +1 to extra longs if you're talking about a through-body 35".

So I should use the extra long scale D'addarios prosteels on my Euro5?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-Pro...0040189&sr=1-1

Bassman316 · #13 12-05-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobrownoly

So I should use the extra long scale D'addarios prosteels on my Euro5?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-Pro...0040189&sr=1-1

Were you already set on using the ProSteels? If you want to go with the ProSteels, I'd say the extra long set is probably your best bet. I'm not really a stainless steel guy- the set I used was the D'Addario nickel plated steel wound set.