Do I need "Super Long Scale"?

[COYS]

I have a newer Yamaha BB that is string-through or top load, but is currently strung-through.

Although it has the normal 34 inch "long scale", I noted on their website that some of their models - including mine- are listed as coming equipped from factory with D'Addario EXL170 / 0.045-0.100 strings, and others are listed as coming with D'Addario EXL-170SL / 0.045-0.100, the same strings but in "super long scale".

It varies what they list, even among the various BB models. I'm not sure why it would be different except maybe it's just reported inconsistently on the website. (?)

I checked D'Addario's website and from what I can see, the difference is about 1 inch between long scale and super long scale.

So, do I need the Super Long Scale if I string-through but not if I top load? Is there any disadvantage to buying the SL or the regular long scale?

Thanks!

 

[Wasnex]

I have a newer Yamaha BB that is string-through.

Although it has the normal 34 inch "long scale", I noted on their website that some of their models - including mine- are listed as coming equipped from factory with D'Addario EXL170 / 0.045-0.100 strings, and others are listed as coming with D'Addario EXL-170SL / 0.045-0.100, the same strings but in "super long scale".

It varies what they list, even among the various BB models. I'm not sure why it would be different except maybe it's just reported inconsistently on the website. (?)

I checked D'Addario's website and from what I can see, the difference is about 1 inch between long scale and super long scale.

So, do I need the Super Long Scale if I string-through but not if I top load? Is there any disadvantage to buying the SL or the regular long scale?

Thanks!

I have a Modulus Flea 5 which is a 34" scale bass. I use a D'Adarrio long scale set for this bass.
I also have Modulus Genesis 5 which is a 35" scale bass. I use a D'Adarrio super long scale set for this bass.

If you have a 34" scale bass, I think top load and string-through would definitely make a difference.

 

[Riff Ranger]

I don’t have a Yamaha BB, but I have these Ibanez ATKs.

Maybe if you zoom in you can see for yourself, but these have a similar top load or string through option. I have the 5 strung through with extra long scale Ernie Ball Slinkies, and the 4 strung with (typical) long scale Ernie Ball Slinkies. I do it this way just to get sets with my preferred gauges, but I think it happens to suggest that you could probably go either way with your BB, especially with the option to top load or string through. In my case, the big strings taper closer to the tuning posts with extra long scale, closer to the nut with (typical) long scale, but always somewhere that works. You might find a typical long scale set a bit short for string-through on your skinniest string with that 4-in-line headstock and string tree, but especially as I trim at least two inches off every string the way I string these, I doubt it.

 

[michael_t]

So, do I need the Super Long Scale if I string-through but not if I top load? Is there any disadvantage to buying the SL or the regular long scale?

Most manufacturers' "long scale" is 37.25" in winding length (ball end to taper/silk), which should be long enough for thru-body on the Yamaha BB. The "long scale" by DR and Ken Smith are even longer at 38" winding length. The only brand that can be a problem is Elixir, whose "long scale" is 36.5" in winding length.

The disadvantage of "Super Long" is: 1) They're harder to find, and 2) You might end up with E (4-string) or B (5-string) being so long that part of the main body of the string ends up wrapping around the tuner post, which is something you would want to avoid. Some "super long", depending on the manufacturer, can be as long as 40" in winding length.

 

[COYS]

Thanks for the feedback, all. Not the biggest deal in the world, but since bass strings will cost you a pretty penny I was hoping to get it right the first time

Examples:
Ernie Ball's says their Super Long Scale strings are "Designed to fit 35 inch scale basses, the string length is 50 inches with a taper at 38 1/2 inches."

D'Addario's site says their Super Long Scales strings are "Designed for super long scale basses (36 inches +) and have a taper at 38 inches", but it doesn't tell us what the string length is.

So there seem to even be some differences between manufacturers, like regular Long Scale might work in some brands and maybe not others.

I'll update when I've bitten the bullet and tried a set of regular long scale to see if they fit

 

[michael_t]

D'Addario's site says their Super Long Scales strings are "Designed for super long scale basses (36 inches +) and have a taper at 38 inches", but it doesn't tell us what the string length is.

The total length of the string doesn't matter as most strings come plenty long enough. The most important question is "what winding length does my bass need?" You want to make sure the fully wound part of the string is at least long enough to go past the nut, but not so long that too much of the thickest part of the string ends up wrapping around the tuner post.

 

[COYS]

Ok, I put on the regular Ernie Ball Super Slinky Bass strings on my Yamaha BB, using the string-through method. They fit my Yamaha BBP34 just fine.

As you can see the taper is in just the right place, and there was more than enough string on each string to reach the last tuning post, even on the 4-in-line headstock.

At least in Ernie Ball strings, the Yamaha BB does not need Super Long Scale strings even when strung through the body.

Just wanted to post this here for anyone who may come after me searching for answers to the same thing.

I'll try to remember to come back and post here when I try other strings

 

[Stingray Fan]

Regular long scale don't fit on my '97 G&L L2500 going thru the body. Need to use EB Extra Long Scale Slinkys. Regular long scale DO fit properly when stringing thru the bridge.

 

[michael_t]

Regular long scale don't fit on my '97 G&L L2500 going thru the body. Need to use EB Extra Long Scale Slinkys. Regular long scale DO fit properly when stringing thru the bridge.

The original post (from four and a half years ago) was specifically about the Yamaha's diagonal thru-body, which does not require "extra long" as such.

 

[Stingray Fan]

I was adding my experience with my thru body G&L L2500, in case someone searches "what strings for a thru body G&L." You can scroll through the thread and see guys posting about other basses, too.