Double Bass Identify bass size

[ChrisHEB3]

Hi

Not sure where to post but:

Is a bass with scale length 110 cm and overall height 190 cm a 3/4, 7/8 or even 4/4?

I am trying to source strings and unable to find info on this.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AGCurry]

There is no real correlation between these measurements and classification of bass size. That said, 110 cm mensure (scale length) is on the long side, and if the rest of the bass is similarly "large" it's likely to be what could be called a 7/8. 4/4 basses are rare.

Most bass strings will fit 3/4 and 7/8. Where you get into string-and-bass-size relativity is in the smaller (5/8 and under).

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Is a bass with scale length 110 cm and overall height 190 cm a 3/4, 7/8 or even 4/4?

Double Bass Sizing FAQ

 

[ChrisHEB3]

Double Bass Sizing FAQ

There is no real correlation between these measurements and classification of bass size. That said, 110 cm mensure (scale length) is on the long side, and if the rest of the bass is similarly "large" it's likely to be what could be called a 7/8. 4/4 basses are rare.

Most bass strings will fit 3/4 and 7/8. Where you get into string-and-bass-size relativity is in the smaller (5/8 and under).

 

[ChrisHEB3]

Thanks: comparing measurements from the bass I have, with the guide in the FAQ suggests it is indeed a 4/4 instrument. The little background info available is that the original user was an orchestral player. I will source a 4/4 jazz set.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Thanks: comparing measurements from the bass I have, with the guide in the FAQ suggests it is indeed a 4/4 instrument. The little background info available is that the original user was an orchestral player. I will source a 4/4 jazz set.

Many "3/4" size strings will also fit a 4/4 bass, and vice-versa. If you find a set of strings that suits your fancy, I can compare physical lengths of the strings to a couple key measurements on your bass and help you be sure that they will fit before you order them, from wherever you order them from. You can email me from the contact form on my site, no obligation to get the strings from me. Just provide me with the scale length (nut to bridge), the afterlength (bridge to ball ends), and the set you're interested in. Or post it here, I'll look it up and respond.

 

[ChrisHEB3]

Hi Mark

The 2 measurements are:
scale length 110cm or 43.3 inches
Bridge to ball ends 24 cm or 9.45 inches

The string height at the end of the finger board is 10mm.

I am interested in Thomastik Spirocore Double Bass 4/4 or 3/4, set probably light tension.
Based on my experience with electric bass sets and favourable reviews.

The current set is very tight under the fingers, I intend to use for Jazz, without bow.

Many thanks for you help with this, advice has been hard to come by and taking the bass anywhere in these Covid times not an option, even if I knew where to go. The bass has no visible makers mark inside body

 

[Mark Gollihur]

The 2 measurements are:
scale length 110cm or 43.3 inches
Bridge to ball ends 24 cm or 9.45 inches

The string height at the end of the finger board is 10mm.

I am interested in Thomastik Spirocore Double Bass 4/4 or 3/4, set probably light tension.

Okay, so you'll definitely need the 4/4 version of the set, which are the ones that use the "S42" designation. So if you want the light version, you would want the S42W ("W" for "Weich" - which is Austro-German for "weak" which is the name they give the light set).

But the silks on them are about 6", with another 48.5" or more (depending on which position string, the E string is the shortest) of playable string before the pegbox silks begin. So they're going to work perfectly on your bass.

So, TL;DR: Get the Spirocore S42W "Weich" set.