4/4 size strings on a 3/4 size bass

JAS · #1 06-15-2003, 11:58 AM

How common is it for people to put 4/4 size strings on a 3/4 size bass? What exactly does this do to the feel and sound of the bass?

**Francois Blais** · #2 06-15-2003, 01:53 PM

Many bass strings are made for 4/4 basses; regular Thomastiks (they also make fractional sets but they stamped "3/4" or "1/2", etc. on the pouches); Jargars; Pirastro steels. (although nowadays Pirastro's are made in 7/8 lenght instead).
Putting a 4/4 size string on a 3/4 size instrument means less tension.
It's easier to play.
The instrument itself may react positively to the decreased tension, but it's not a rule of thumb. Some instruments like more tension.

lin fung · #3 07-18-2004, 06:25 AM

Francois, I'd like to make sure I understand your previous comment that putting 4\4 strings on a 3\4 bass will be lower tension (tuned to EADG) relative to 3\4 strings on a 3\4 bass. Someone recently told me that 4\4 strings are simply longer and that there is no difference using them on a 3\4 bass other than that bare wire may be getting wrapped around the tuning peg.
Are you sure that they would in fact be lower tension? What you say seems reasonable. I just want to be sure.

**Francois Blais** · #4 07-18-2004, 08:57 AM

You'd be best asking the company if their 4/4 bass strings is only longer than their 3/4s or also thinner.
Maybe some companies only change the lenght.
I can't help with that.
But in the case of Pirastro and Thomastik, they adapt both the lenght and the diameter in fractionals, like they should.
(I had a set of 1/2 Flexocors once and they were indeed slightly thicker than regulars)
However, with very short scales, like 1/8 or 1/10, the design may be completely different (other materials and construction) so the comparison is impossible)

jonas · #5 07-22-2004, 04:53 AM

These measurements can be found at the Thomastik website:

Thomastik Spirocore weich (=soft)
4/4=110cm string length: G=27,0; D=29,0; A1=30,0;*E1=31,0 kp
3/4=104-106cm string length: G=27,5; D=28,0; A1=29,0;*E1=30,0 kp

So, a 4/4 Spirocore string used as 104 cm string length has obviously a (slightly?) lower tension than a 3/4 string.

Jonas