Need help with strings/string length

hgrind · #1 12-17-2007, 02:11 AM

I have a 4/4 bass with a string length of 110 cm/43,3 inches. I have the 4/4 Spirocore mediums on now. I really like the sound of these strings, but I think they are a little stiff to play. I notice that on my bass, unlike others that uses the same string on a 4/4 bass, the red silk goes over the nut, almost reaches the fingerboard. Could it be that my tailpiece is for a 3/4 bass, because it seems the strings have 2-3 cm longer to go from the bridge to the tailpiece on my bass than other 4/4's. This would be something that makes the string stiffer to play, right?

I really like my bass, and the sound. But I'm considering what to do to get it more easy to play on. I've considered just trying to get a 3/4, and everything would be easier, but I want to find a solution with the bass I've got. Could I get a longer tailpiece? Are there strings with similar volume, sustain and ability to cut through as the Spirocores that would fit my bass? I've tried the obligatos, which are long enough and
easier to play, but I didn't like them very much.

Thanks in advance for any help!

**Francois Blais** · #2 12-17-2007, 11:19 AM

Have your luthier change the tailpiece wire for a longer one maybe?
This would move it further the bridge.

hgrind · #3 12-17-2007, 11:24 AM

Of course! That I hadn't thought about. I'm guessing a 2-3, maybe even 4 cm closer to the bridge wouldn't do any harm? It's now 24 cm/9,4 inches from the bridge to the tailpiece (28 cm/11 inches to where the strings are attached. Is that much or is it normal?

Eric Swanson · #4 12-17-2007, 01:20 PM

Have you tried the Spirocore Weichs? I used them on a 44 1/2" string length bass and they civilized the stiffness a bit, while still providing the Spiro sound.

hgrind · #5 12-17-2007, 02:12 PM

No, but I've thought about that. Will the Weichs have less volume than the Mittels?

Jake deVilliers · #6 12-17-2007, 02:30 PM

hgrind, 9 1/2" is a long way from the bridge to the tailpiece. Its usually closer to 7-7 1/2" for the afterlengths. Get your guy to tune the afterlengths to two octaves and a fourth above the string note and you'll get a better sound as well as fitting the strings better.