Double Bass Extended E/C-string on a bass without an extension, stupid or possible?

[Capasso]

Hi,

I have been offered a very good deal on a set of evah pirazzi mittel. The catch is that the E-string is an extended one! I have heard people saying that you can cut the string down to regular lenght and then covering the part of the string that's in the pegbox (where the silk would have been) with some protecting material like gaffa tape. I have also heard people winding up the whole thing as it is! Anyone that have tried this? How do you think this will affect the lifespan, playability and the sound of the string? Personally I am very sceptical to this but if i'm proven wrong I might do the deal!

 

[robobass]

I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure you leave it long enough that you have a goodly amount wrapped over the peg. I'd put super glue on the end before and after cutting. Gaffers tape might make it too thick to get through the peg hole.

 

[Sam Dingle]

For extra length try switching the E and A tuning pegs.

 

[LouisF]

Or trade with someone who uses an extension --- most of us have drawerfuls of "normal" E strings

 

[Capasso]

Thank you very much for the response! I will buy the strings anyway and see what I will do. Actually none of my bassist friends or teachers play with a C-extension so a trade would be quite hard. Does someone know the length of an Evah Pirazzi regular 3/4 E-string (from ball end to top)? I could go comparing with another E-string when I cut but it feels safer having the exact measurement! Thanks

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Thank you very much for the response! I will buy the strings anyway and see what I will do. Actually none of my bassist friends or teachers play with a C-extension so a trade would be quite hard. Does someone know the length of an Evah Pirazzi regular 3/4 E-string (from ball end to top)? I could go comparing with another E-string when I cut but it feels safer having the exact measurement! Thanks

Afterlength silk: 4 in
Playable length: 51 in
Pegbox silk: 10.5 in

 

[wathaet]

Not a problem, just takes longer to put it on.