• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Flats for a string-thru 32 inch scale?

MandoMark

MandoMark

Nov 23, 2017
47
168
#1
I did search, but wasn’t able to answer my question… I recently picked up a Reverend Fatfish 32. The body allows for top and string through body stringing. The bass cane with D’Addario chromes top mount. I would like to run through the body (ferrules are there for a reason) but am not sure what set to buy.

I sort of think that regular 34” flats would work, as the string-thru would mean more string around the bridge.

Does anyone have any thoughts that don’t require me buying $100 worth of strings and just trying?
 
#3
Regular scale strings will work. Some manufacturers like LaBella don’t recommend using their strings through body due to the sharp break angle causing strings to unwrap. Many use them through body anyways.
 
#4
MandoMark said:
I did search, but wasn’t able to answer my question… I recently picked up a Reverend Fatfish 32. The body allows for top and string through body stringing. The bass cane with D’Addario chromes top mount. I would like to run through the body (ferrules are there for a reason) but am not sure what set to buy.

I sort of think that regular 34” flats would work, as the string-thru would mean more string around the bridge.

Does anyone have any thoughts that don’t require me buying $100 worth of strings and just trying?
Click to expand...
Measure (from 1st ferrule to 1st tuning post) and report back.
 
#6
Long scale strings may work. But to be sure, let us all repeat the mantra:
1) measure from the string anchor to the tuner side of the nut;
2) measure from the string anchor to the middle of the lowest string tuner post;
3) purchase a set of strings that the winding or speaking length is between these two numbers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Prodigus Filius
#7
MandoMark said:
I did search, but wasn’t able to answer my question… I recently picked up a Reverend Fatfish 32. The body allows for top and string through body stringing. The bass cane with D’Addario chromes top mount. I would like to run through the body (ferrules are there for a reason) but am not sure what set to buy.

I sort of think that regular 34” flats would work, as the string-thru would mean more string around the bridge.

Does anyone have any thoughts that don’t require me buying $100 worth of strings and just trying?
Click to expand...
Well...
Sorry, but... there really isn't a definite "yes or no" answer. Stringing flat wounds thru-body depends on 2 things; A) the flats themselves, and B) the break angle from the ferrules over the bridge saddles. La Bella warns against doing this with their regular flats; they recommend using their "TB" ("Thru-Body") flats - which have a "TB" suffix on the label (like 760FS.-TB). A lot of other flats don't usually have a problem - as long as the break angle over the bridge saddle isn't ridiculously steep. My Canadian Fury Anthem fretless bass is thru-body only, but the ferrules are angled - so, I could use pretty much any strings I wanted. Sadly, that isn't the case with with every bass...
I'd recommend that you measure - as best you can - the distance from the thru-body ferrules to the bridge saddles, and then to the nut. You might be able to use "Medium Scale" strings; or, you might need "Long Scale" strings. But, honestly? I have... 3, I think... basses where thru body or top loading is an option. I've never found thru-body stringing to be better. I only do it if there's no other choice. If I could top load the Fury Anthem's bridge? I abso-frickin'-lutely guarantee you I would... :cool:
 
#9
michael_t said:
For thru-body stringing on a 32" scale, you should be able to use just about any standard "long scale" strings.
Click to expand...
I can't remember ever saying @michael_t is "wrong"; I'll just say it might be a good idea to take @iiipope's advice - and do a little measuring first. My 32" scale, string-thru-body only Canadian Fury Anthem wears Roto TruBass88M medium scale Tapes. Not only do they fit and work OK, but... I get the "regulation" 3 wraps around the Grover Titan tuner posts - and, the tuner end silks line up perfectly... ;)
 
#10
Hi, I thought I would chime in as I have this beautiful bass in the 1st version (jazz neck pickup) I have since replace the pickups with a set of relentless PJ, and the P sounds great, but sure about the jazz relentless, sounds too similar to the P in this bass. In any case.

Strings- I can confirm that most any long scale strings work on this bass, because the E string has the longest reach on the peg head, its not an issue.

I have used regular labella 760’s thru the body, very carefully and have never had any string break on me, but they do sell specific 760’s for thru body installation.

They sound good, I have also used DR legends which sound like a mellowed out chrome sort of.

I have used a full scale 760 set which has more hi end content that a mid scale set (green wrap) I had on as well. So it depends what you want out of the bass.

I think this bass sounds best with flats, just don’t know which set sounds best with it yet, so if you have any thoughts please post on here for the rest of us.

This is a great bass, wish it came in matte redburst finish like the tricky gomez guitar, but….I would to buy 25 of them for reverend to put in the order.
 
#11
Timely response... I have ended up with a set of IMA Labella strings (polished rounds) that I really like. I wanted something a bit more aggressive sounding, as we play more heavy/punk influenced stuff.

Mine is also the 1st gen with the J in the neck. I have seen a different color on this bass on Reverb, but checking now there are maybe 1-2 up and all the black.

I do like the IMA strings and will probably stick with this or regular rounds, even though I really love flats for the feel.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back