string lengths questioned

dfp · #1 10-15-2006, 08:25 AM

what is the effect of shortening the vibrating length of strings on a bass, say one or one and a half inches... other than making the strings looser to achieve the same pitches as before, that is... is there a loss of power or projection or percussion? does anyone have a "shortened" string length on a bass that is "normal" size, like 3/4 or even bigger? i guess this would have to involve shortening the neck, so as to keep the bridge in the proper location...

just curious, b/c it seems like the standard string length in use is based on a model which depended on low tension, high diameter gut strings, but most people now use relatively high tension, low diameter steel... wondering what the modern luthiers think on this topic, thanks in advance if anyone wants to share! -dave

dfp · #2 10-15-2006, 10:51 PM

hey KSB, no point, and don't worry Jim, i "WON'T DO IT", even though i wasn't asking whether or not anyone thinks i should, it was just a theoretical question i'd been wondering about... wondering about string lengths and what correlations there might be to loose or tight feeling basses...

also, i wasn't so much intending to open a discussion of altering existing basses, but changing the dimensions of the "model" to make a new bass with a shorter string length... wondering why modern makers stick with 41.5 or 42 inches... what do you lose if you make that same bass with 40 inches vibrating length? that kind of question... sorry if i failed to be clear...

COUNT ZACULA · #3 10-16-2006, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfp

does anyone have a "shortened" string length on a bass that is "normal" size, like 3/4 or even bigger?

Yes, I do. This was acheived with the use of a false nut. Here's some photos: http://www.nortoncustoms.com/mini_galleries/vlad.htm
the false nut pictures are down towards the bottom. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. VZS