Superlong scale on a 34

[Number 6]

Hi all,

Bought some strings today on my lunch, and just realized the idiot salesman/idiot customer didnt realize the package acquired was superlong scale. Any real drawbacks to throwing these on a standard scale, or should they be returned with many scowls and gnashing of teeth?

[singlemalt]

Just go back and exchange them.

[ia02]

Is the bass a string through body? What brand of strings?

On a string through body fender with D'Addario strings you should be using Super Long Scale. You might be ok.

[JTE]

It depends on the bass and the string brand. An extra-long set of D'Addarios are what you need for a string-through bass like the newer Fenders, the original Music Man StingRay (and the Classic), Lakland, etc. If the tuning machine barrels are large like the typical Fender/Music Man/G&L etc. you should be OK too. BUT if the large part of the winding is wrapped around a small-diameter tuning machine (like a Schaller M4) it might break the winding and cause the string to unravel.

John

[Jay2U]

It is a matter of gauge and length between nut and saddle. If you apply the string formula to an E-string of 0.10" and a scale length of 35" you will find a tension equal to 40.7 lbf (18.5 kgf). the same string on a 34" neck would produce some 38.4 lbf (17.4 kgf). Both are well within the limits of playability. Tensions from about 30 to over 50 lbf are within the specs of most basses. It's more a matter of what you like.

Keep on playing subsonically!

[Number 6]

its a g&l trib jb-2, so not string-thru. d'addario chrome flats.

i would go return, but its a trek across town, and i hate going into this store. i popped in because i was nearby, but just being in a daddy's junky music makes my soul burn.

long and the short is, if i have to, i will, but i was hoping that it just wouldnt matter

[ia02]

Originally Posted by Jay2U

It is a matter of gauge and length between nut and saddle. If you apply the string formula to an E-string of 0.10" and a scale length of 35" you will find a tension equal to 40.7 lbf (18.5 kgf). the same string on a 34" neck would produce some 38.4 lbf (17.4 kgf). Both are well within the limits of playability. Tensions from about 30 to over 50 lbf are within the specs of most basses. It's more a matter of what you like.

Keep on playing subsonically!

I believe the OP is asking about string length not string gague

[ia02]

Originally Posted by Number 6

its a g&l trib jb-2, so not string-thru. d'addario chrome flats.

i would go return, but its a trek across town, and i hate going into this store. i popped in because i was nearby, but just being in a daddy's junky music makes my soul burn.

long and the short is, if i have to, i will, but i was hoping that it just wouldnt matter

See page 3: http://www.daddario.com/upload/BassArticle2_1803.pdf

My guess is that you will need Long Scale, but measure properly to make sure

[SLaPiNFuNK]

You don't want to use Flats that are too long... You miiiiiiight beable to get away with it with rounds depending on the manufacturer. But it is something you should try to keep an eye on especially with bass strings.

If you have not opened the strings yet and really do not want to trek across town, PM me and I can try to help you...

[DavePlaysBass]

If they have not been opened, you reduce your chance of having an issue by getting the correct length. Flats are more subject to being damaged by tight radius bendings such as going thru body or wrapping the fat part around a tuning post.

If you are a complete hack like myself, you could buy some 1/2" spacers at the hardware store and extend the length of the string at the bridge. I do this for the Carvin B string on my 34" Sadowsky because I like the strings and more importantly their price.