Medium Scale 32" Strings

[Jon Moody]

Any options out there for basses that are 32" scale and through body?

I guess I should measure as iiipopes stated and maybe add the thickness of the bass body to the measurement so that way it accounts for the through body length, yes?

You will need to take a measurement of the strings on it at present to be sure, but you probably can use standard "long scale," or ~37.25" winding length strings.

When I had my 32" Better Mousetrap 5st built, I specifically asked for a thru-body bridge option so I could use regular scale length strings. I've never used "medium scale" strings on it. While I have found no tonal benefit between top-load and thru-body bridge options, but in terms of fitment of strings, there is an advantage.

 

[Rumblefisher]

Ty much

You will need to take a measurement of the strings on it at present to be sure, but you probably can use standard "long scale," or ~37.25" winding length strings.

When I had my 32" Better Mousetrap 5st built, I specifically asked for a thru-body bridge option so I could use regular scale length strings. I've never used "medium scale" strings on it. While I have found no tonal benefit between top-load and thru-body bridge options, but in terms of fitment of strings, there is an advantage.

 

[jasonagogo]

DR Hi Beams and Sunbeams both come in "short scale" with 33.75" in winding length (ball end to taper), which is actually closer to most other manufacturers' "medium scale". So, they should fit most 32" scale basses.

D'Addario "medium scale" is 34" in winding length. There should be a few options there as well.

I know this post is three years old, but I just wanted to drop a dime that the taper on the sunbeams is actually at 31.5". So the taper starts before the nut. I bought mine before I found this post, so not blaming anyone.

Just updating the info.

 

[michael_t]

I know this post is three years old, but I just wanted to drop a dime that the taper on the sunbeams is actually at 31.5". So the taper starts before the nut. I bought mine before I found this post, so not blaming anyone.

Just updating the info.

Yes, DR has just started producing two versions of "short scale" strings for certain models recently. There are now "short scale" with 33.5" winding length and "short scale" with 32" winding length. Clear as mud, isn't it?

When I made the post you just quoted, DR only had one "short scale" with 33.75" winding length.

 

[jasonagogo]

Yeah, that's not very easy to work out.

Fortunately, my local GC had these Sunbeams on sale for only $5/set. I was really on in desparate need of a G so since that had no taper, I got what I needed. Unfortunately, $5/string is not the deal I thought I was getting.

Oh well. Now I just need to track down those 33.5" DR's, any idea how to distinguish them?

 

[michael_t]

Yes, DR has just started producing two versions of "short scale" strings for certain models recently. There are now "short scale" with 33.5" winding length and "short scale" with 32" winding length. Clear as mud, isn't it?

When I made the post you just quoted, DR only had one "short scale" with 33.75" winding length.

Yeah, that's not very easy to work out.

Fortunately, my local GC had these Sunbeams on sale for only $5/set. I was really on in desparate need of a G so since that had no taper, I got what I needed. Unfortunately, $5/string is not the deal I thought I was getting.

Oh well. Now I just need to track down those 33.5" DR's, any idea how to distinguish them?

I need to clarify what I posted earlier...

According to the info I obtained from Jason at Fret Nation, the DR's standard "short scale" remains at 33.5" in winding length (ball end to taper), which is actually "medium scale" by most other manufacturers.

Black Beauties and some Neons are now available in true "short scale" with 32" winding length, but only through Fret Nation as a special arrangement with DR.