1/2 size strings will have more tension tuned to the same pitch due to less mass. 4/4 size strings will have less tension tuned to the same pitch due to more mass
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Double Bass BSX Megathread
- Thread starter jokerjkny
- Start date
More mass (for the same string length) means higher tension to get the same pitch.
But it would be wise to consult my Excel file because the strings listed there are recalculated tensionwise to the same user definable vibrating string length.
Right, but 1/2 size strings are not lighter gauge than 3/4 size strings. If you put 1/2 size strings on a 41.5 scale instrument, it’s still a 41.5” scale instrument.
If you have read a former posting of me here, then you would have read that 1/2 size strings have more mass per length unit than 3/4 size strings. So the vibrating part will be heavier for a 1/2 size string than a 3/4 size string of the same string family. That means a half size string would (in general) have a higher tension than a 3/4 size string on the same vibrating string length.
The OPs question was 1/2 size string vs. 3/4 size string on the same scale.
My Excel file in my Dropbox (link in signature) calculates the tension of any of the listed strings to the same user definable scale.
Please read the full thread. I don't like to repeat myself several times here.
That's true for Spirocore and Superflexibles. Other strings are simply longer but have the same mass per length unit for 3/4 and 4/4.
The piece of information missing in this discussion (and your spreadsheet) is the guage of the strings. Are the 1/2 size medium sets always thicker than the 3/4 medium sets? If that’s consistent among different manufacturers, then yes you could say 1/2 size sets will have more mass per length unit and consequently more tension. If the OP (or anyone else looking to restring a BSX) wants to keep the same tension, they need to look at gauges when deciding on a string set. That information is readily available on the package.
String diameter does not determine the mass alone. String construction and material has as much influence as diameter. Usually in the same string family a lighter string has a smaller diameter than a heavier string, but due to available materials, this does not be always the case. Some string sets have neighboring strings with almost the same diameter and similar tension as an example.
If you want to know diameters, there are other sources for that, just do a search on diameter or gauge in the double bass string forum or look at the reconstructed baen.tamu.edu list in my Dropbox for the diameter of some strings.
Since diameter is usually not published by the manufacturers, they need to be measured by their owners and not everyone has the tools to do so or post them here. I started to collect the data published on Talkbass several years ago, but didn't have the time and interest to finish that any time soon (if ever).
If you want to know diameters, there are other sources for that, just do a search on diameter or gauge in the double bass string forum or look at the reconstructed baen.tamu.edu list in my Dropbox for the diameter of some strings.
Since diameter is usually not published by the manufacturers, they need to be measured by their owners and not everyone has the tools to do so or post them here. I started to collect the data published on Talkbass several years ago, but didn't have the time and interest to finish that any time soon (if ever).
Hey everybody. Glad this list is here. I'm considering picking up an Allegro finally. Traveling is one of the largest reasons for the purchase, in as such I'm looking into the cases available. I know many people are pointing to the SKB type hard shell golf cases, I'm also looking at their rifle-case range since I'm thinking that perhaps that a detached neck arrangement may just fit in the right one. Maybe this has already been covered in the prior 17 pages but does anyone have the measurements on the body length/width/depth when neck is detached and also the neck dimension L/W/D as well? Thanks a million in advance.
I had a custom gig bag made for my BSX allegro by Colorado Case Company (clik here for similar.) Chuck has the pattern and can make you one. Tell him Mark from Evergreen Colorado sent you.
Also...and this probably should have been my first question...IS anyone traveling with this in a "broken down" fashion; in other words, with body and neck separate like I mentioned. If it just isn't done or the bass doesn't perform well in that sort of arrangement then it's probably best I find another solution, or just deal with it. But, I'm curious what other experiences have been. Thank you.
I'm touring with it in our van in my padded Colorado Case bag. If on public bus or plane, would reconsider. The bag that BSX sells with the Allegro is not very good for the back of a car hardly...
Thanks for the endorsement. I know their products and they've always been great. But that sort of design isn't going to cut it in the belly of a plane for obvious reasons.
At this point I can't even get a straight answer from BSX about whether or not the bass is really capable of being deconstructed and reconstructed on a regular basis and just how far down it can be deconstructed; i.e. does the tail piece come off easily, is it screw to wood or screw to brass insert as I have in another travel focused electric bass, etc. What have been your experiences with this?
I can answer those questions:
You'd want to outfit a golf case with a custom foam interior. Good luck! Keep us posted.
- Mark
- TP ~can~ be screwed off, but they are huge wood screws that are not meant to be R&R'd frequently. So, no to that question.
- The bridge can be lowered, but the pickup wiring harness goes through the treble leg, and the legs have alignment/index dowels into the top. If handled carefully, wrapped and secured to the top of the bass, I do believe you can R&R the bridge on tour. However, pickup system is so sophisticated, and the wire harness holds at least 5 thin wires -- I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable doing this every night for a tour and not have a backup plan.
- I believe the "sound post", such as it is, is secured from shifting/falling over.
- The neck can be R&R'd regularly, and I think success on this front would be up to your string choice. You'll want to put a capo/band around the neck/strings to keep them from totally unwinding when lossened.
You'd want to outfit a golf case with a custom foam interior. Good luck! Keep us posted.
- Mark
I see what you mean now about the case. They really could have designed that better. I probably don't have time to resolve it here in USA but I will look into someone in Brazil to get something with more padding and tighter fitting. By the way, I bought this used one yesterday. Great condition, great deal. I think I'm going to be happy!
So I just picked up a 2014 BSX Allegro yesterday. Loving everything about it so far. My only "but" right now is that the D string is notably hotter than the other 3 strings when amplified. Has anyone else had this issue? Is more likely something in the wiring? Or perhaps something in the bridge? Acoustically it's very balanced. Thanks for your insights and any fixes that you may have already found.
You can adjust the signal's intensity with the screws in the preamp.
If you open up the cover, below the battery, you'll see 4 screws. Each screw represents a string.
Dino has marked the initial setting with pen.
If you open up the cover, below the battery, you'll see 4 screws. Each screw represents a string.
Dino has marked the initial setting with pen.
Thanks Goof. I'll open that up and check. It's even more noticeable with a bow for some reason...just as an aside. I've never noticed Piezos on my real uprights reacting more sensitively to saw waves so I wonder what's happening in Dino's setup as far as the way the pickups are laid out?
Any chance you can post some pics of the actual one you had made? Now that I have mine I'm really not ok with just how big this thing is. Aside from every day use I've also done some measurements for a hardshell case option for flight, and that concept could actually benefit from using the soft bag as part of the cushioning inside the hard case....not to mention once you got off the plane it may be way easier to bop around with the soft bag anyhow.
