32” Scale 4 string nickel sets

[rudy4444]

That works if you are using a full size body, but it's not a solution in all cases. I'm CADing up a 32" that will use a smaller, shorter body and a 3+1 headstock. In my case I'll need medium length strings with the appropriate wrap length. The PDF link I posted from FretNation.com lists several manufacturers who produce a medium length string, so it's not really an issue to design the instrument so it doesn't have to use standard length strings.

Hey Rudy;

There are ways to take up some extra string length on a short length body too. For example, passing the ball ends down through the body to a ferrule block on the backside. Or insetting a block in the back edge of the body, so the strings curve around it and hook into a tailpiece on the underside.

A few years back, I worked with Keith Horne developing the Marvin Mini-Basses, which were 28" scale basses made specifically to fit in overhead airline compartments. Overall length was real tight. We roughed out the design of a wrap-around bridge/tailpiece for it that would use Long Scale strings. But in the end, we found some acceptable sub-short scale strings for it, and went with a standard commercial bridge assembly for simplicity.

Thanks, Bruce. I totally agree on all your points.

It all depends on the design you're shooting for. In some cases you want your design to be purpose driven and in other cases you're looking to work with a design perspective based on other things, sometimes simply a particular look.