Could someone help a hagstrom owner with a string problem?

[funkyasianguy]

Hello.
I have a Hagstrom Viking bass, like the one in this picture:
http://i.imgur.com/IVuxB.jpg [1]
It is short scale, 775mm/30.75 to be presise, according to the internet.
I wanted to change the strings from the factory strings it had when I bought it and got these strings: http://i.imgur.com/OBYTF.jpg [2]
the ernie ball ones. They too long and the part where the e, a and d string slims down so you can attach them to the head, where way above the head and I had to cut the strings. Thus the really thick part that are supposed to go on the neck were attached to the head, and the e string snapped.
I attached the old factory string and now, after a couple of months bought the D'Addario "short scale" regular light gauge strings in the blue pack.
The e, a and d strings where way to short:
http://i.imgur.com/dnpMq.jpg [3]
The part that slims down is on the end of the first fret, and thus the e, a and d string are all unplayable.
As far as I know there is nothing between 65 and 70, 80 and 85, 100 and 105. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? I would like to not blow 365 NOK, about 64 USD on strings for the third time, when three or two of the strings does not fit the bass.


So apparently I need bass strings that fit a 30.75/775mm scaled bass. Assuming the length description on the internet is correct.

If anyone with a viking knows what kind of strings I need that would be great, but any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Scale length does not mean you need that same length bass string.

You need to measure from Ball to Nut to determine the correct length string to use.

Now your last image is that just before the nut? There is no reference point for me to figure... But D'Addario "Short Scale" strings are 32" from Ball to the first Taper. Medium scale is 34". So if from that tapered point to the nut is within 2" from that first taper you need "Medium Scale" strings that have a 34" winding length.

 

[Bassamatic]

Because many of the Hagstrom basses have a tailpiece, they need a longer string that you would thnk, so you actually need the 34" scale strings.

The one exception is for strings made for the Hofner Basses, which also use a tailpiece.

To be sure, do as suggested above - measure from the ball of the string to your nut. If you go to bassstringsonline.com the different sizes are all spelled out very clearly for you.

Nice bass by the way.

 

[makz]

Take one of the long strings, put it on your bass, tune it and then using an ink pen or some kind of tape, make a mark on the string where it rests on the nut.

Then remove it, and measure from the ball to the mark you made. That's the length you need for your new strings.

For my hb-4 I use GHS strings for 32-33" scale bass and they fit well.

Or, you can just ask the hagstrom guys, you can contact them trough their web site, they are very helpful.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

"Scale Length" only accounts for the distance from the Saddle to the Nut. It does not account for the distance before the saddle or after. Many "Short Scale" instruments require longer windings which can be considered "Medium Scale." It is best to shop for strings based on Winding Length.

 

[funkyasianguy]

Thank you so much for all of your responses. I think I will be able to figure out what kind of strings i need now.

 

[Metania]

Scale length does not mean you need that same length bass string.

You need to measure from Ball to Nut to determine the correct length string to use.

Now your last image is that just before the nut? There is no reference point for me to figure... But D'Addario "Short Scale" strings are 32" from Ball to the first Taper. Medium scale is 34". So if from that tapered point to the nut is within 2" from that first taper you need "Medium Scale" strings that have a 34" winding length.

This is correct. I just had a set of long scale Rotosound TruBass on my Viking bass. Worked perfectly.

 

[Savory]

Just a note for owners of Hagstrom HIIBN or Swede basses, medium scale strings are definitely the way to go. The tailpiece is longer than most but not as long as a Viking. D'Addario Chromes mediums (45-100) fit perfect.