Frequency - wavelength - scale length

[4to5to6]

I've been threatening to do this for a while...

Now for some mathematical, technical stuff...

Here are the frequencies and wavelengths for the strings on a 6 string bass [20 deg C (72 deg F), @ sea level]:

String – Frequency - Wavelength
C - 130.813 Hz - 8.638 ft.
G - 97.9989 Hz - 11.531 ft.
D - 73.4162 Hz - 15.392 ft.
A - 55.000 Hz - 20.545 ft.
E - 41.2035 Hz - 27.425 ft. (329.098 in.)
B - 30. 8677 Hz - 36.608 ft. (439.29 in.)

Amazing! 36.6 feet for one wave length of low B!

I have always wondered if the wavelength of the E and B strings might shed some light on which scale length (34 or 35 inch) is better:

34 inch:
E - 329.094 / 34 = 9.679
B - 439.094 / 34 = 12.920

35 inch:
E - 329.094 / 35 = 9.403
B – 439.29 / 35 = 12.550

I would think that the closer the length is to an even number the better it would be. Therefore a 34 inch B is better, with 33.79” (439.29 / 13) being ideal. This ignores the entire discussion of string tension of course!

What do you think?

[need4mospd]

Originally Posted by 4to5to6

I would think that the closer the length is to an even number the better it would be. Therefore a 34 inch B is better, with 33.79” (439.29 / 13) being ideal.

That's got to be the funniest thing I've heard today. Extra points for being "outside the box" though.

-Nature does not follow even numbers. I might have followed the idea if you related it to the harmonics of the wavelength, but a number being even?
-What makes a string "better"? More harmonic content? higher tension? It's different for everyone I'm sure.
-Carrots.
-I imagine a 36.6 foot long B string could easily kill someone.
-Everyone should pay more attention in physics class.

[lemur821]

Originally Posted by 4to5to6

What do you think?

Nope. The note's wavelength is just because of the speed of sound in air. Nothing to do with the length of your strings.

[4to5to6]

You're right - the length of the string has nothing to do with the sound wavelength in air. I was thinking 1/2 wave vs. full antennas. The mass of the vibrating string is independent from the mass of the vibrating air. This would apply to an acoustic bass but not to an electric. I understand this is a big topic in acoustic piano design. Any other thoughts on this?

[Jazz Ad]

Yeah, it makes no sense at all.

[Deacon_Blues]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

Yeah, it makes no sense at all.

+1