Need help dealing with tuning and scale length

[Willbur]

So while this is the luthiers corner im no luthier and this question may be in the wrong place. Basically I want to start putting together a warmoth build with their new 32inch scale. Thing is Ive been wanting to play in BEAD tuning. Obviously this is problematic. What are some ways I could take up more scale length or keep correct tension on the strings?

One thing I thought of was modifying the body to do a double string-through like Birdsong does on their Hy5. maybe even stager the holes so each string would have a different "scale length" (for lack of a better word. i know scale length is nut to bridge, but basically just to have more tension on the lower strings since they need the additional tension.) kind of like dingwall basses.

my fear is that by doing that there will be an akward change of tension between strings...any suggestions or info to help me out? thanks guys!

 

[Ben Coffin]

Well first off you couldn't set up the multiscale fanned fret system like a dingwall with a warmoth build, because for a multiscale instrument to function properly, the frets need to angle matching the strings. And Warmoth sadly doesn't offer something like this. Hopefully someone will have a better solution!!

 

[ehque]

As you said, scale length is nut-to-bridge. No amount of wrangling, double string through, or "washer mods" will change that fact. None of these mods will create "extra" tension, nor cause the strings to have the same tension as a 34" scale bass.

That being said, proper string choice and a stiff neck (or stiff overall construction) will go further in getting a usable B than the mods you mention.

I'm wagering a .142 .106 .080 .058 set or a .150 .112 .084 .061 set from circle K strings will do well in this application.

 

[Musiclogic]

As you said, scale length is nut-to-bridge. No amount of wrangling, double string through, or "washer mods" will change that fact. None of these mods will create "extra" tension, nor cause the strings to have the same tension as a 34" scale bass.

That being said, proper string choice and a stiff neck (or stiff overall construction) will go further in getting a usable B than the mods you mention.

I'm wagering a .142 .106 .080 .058 set or a .150 .112 .084 .061 set from circle K strings will do well in this application.

+1^^^ There are many luthiers out there getting useable B strings on shorter scales by doing just this. The extra gauge may take a bit to get used to, but it's your best bet for a useable short scale B

 

[Willbur]

awesome! thanks for the info!

 

[knuckle_head]

I don't have 32" string sets - yet. That said it's only the bottom two that will matter.

I need these too so it won't be too long.