shortscale

[Ripper75]

what do you measure for scale? nut to bridge?

[rllefebv]

Yes... more accurately, nut to twelfth fret, then double the distance...

-robert

[LoveThatBass]

Thanks for the info rllefeby

[slejhamer]

If this is to determine which strings to buy, then that may not work. For example, a 30" scale Mustang with a string-through body needs medium-scale D'addarios, but short-scale Fenders or DRs will work. The important factor is the full winding length of the strings.

[Ripper75]

so what is supposed to measure 30 or 32? nut to twelf fret is 20 5/8". then you double that? what? string length? i want to know how long the scale is? that should dictate what string i buy. why is this so fu$%ing complicated?

[slejhamer]

Originally Posted by Ripper75

why is this so fu$%ing complicated?

Because each string manufacturer apparently uses a different definition of "short" with respect to the length of the fully wound part of the string. Also, because the type of bridge makes a difference (top-loaded vs. through-body stringing.) And because it's highly unlikely that the distance from the nut to the 12th fret on a short-scale bass guitar is over 20 inches ...

Anyway, you need to measure the distance from the ball end of a string currently on the bass to where it passes the nut. That's the minimum winding length you need. But, just to add to the frustration, not many string manufacturers tell you the winding length of their strings ...

This is from the D'addario site:

You cannot always tell the 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 ballend locks in or the distance from the nut to the pegs are not standard on all guitars. The best way to figure out the correct strings for sure is to:

1) Assuming your bass has strings on it, 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 to the mark you just made.

4 ) Record this length, and refer to the following chart:

Length String Scale Required
Up to 32" DAddario Short
32 to 34 DAddario Medium
34 to 36 DAddario Long
36 to 38 DAddario Super Long

The bottom line is that whether you need "short" or "medium" strings will depend on the manufacturer.

[The Craw]

Originally Posted by Ripper75

so what is supposed to measure 30 or 32? nut to twelf fret is 20 5/8". then you double that? what? string length? i want to know how long the scale is? that should dictate what string i buy. why is this so fu$%ing complicated?

You're not listening.

The scale length is twice the distance from the nut to the 12th fret (and if your nut to 12th distance is 20 5/8" then it's a super-super-long scale).


But like slejhamer said, the scale length alone won't automatically tell you what string length to buy. You need to know the distance from where the ball end anchors (whether in the bridge or through the body) to where the string crosses the nut. That's the minimum winding length you need.

Once you determine that, then you can look at the string manufacturer's website or call them and ask.