Ovation Magnum strings. What fits.

[scuzzy]

Starting a thread so owners can chime in what fits and what doesn't. They have a longer winding length than your typical 34" scale, due to that massive bridge. If you have used certain strings, please post as a resource. It is hard to find. I took a chance on some Dean Markley Blue Steels, knowing it would be close. well, it wasn't too close. they fit with space to spare and they sound incredible. Also curious what type strings folks are using. I went from coated nickel, to ss flats, to ss rounds, and it got more to my liking each time. The blue steels are great, but only got away from my beloved SS lo-riders because they were only $6 for the set.....

So the ones I have tried and that fit

• DR Long Scale (38" winding length)
• D'Addario Super Long Chromes (38" winding length)
• Dean Markley Blue Steels (37.25" winding length)

 

[cdef]

• R. Cocco strings (extra long scale, nickel or SS)

 

[michael_t]

If 37.25''-38" in winding length would work, then most manufacturers should have something in that range.

Bass String Lengths by Manufacturer

For example...
GHS "Universal Long Scale" = 37.25"
GHS "Long Plus" = 38"

 

[scuzzy]

If 37.25''-38" in winding length would work, then most manufacturers should have something in that range.

Bass String Lengths by Manufacturer

For example...
GHS "Universal Long Scale" = 37.25"
GHS "Long Plus" = 38"

The 37.25 is so borderline when you measure, but the Dean Markley's actual fit and had room to spare. Its just such a strange design, and it appears that string manufacturers can be quite a bit off from their listed specs. Not sure what to believe, hence the thread.

I actually passed on super brights because I thought they would be too short (also 37.25"). I only took a chance on the blue steel because I got them for $6. Glad I took that chance.

 

[PianoOfDoom]

GHS Precision Long Plus fit
LaBella XL scale DTFs fit
TI JF364s fit

Pyramid Gold Long Scale does NOT fit

 

[jimmyb]

Sub'd

 

[michael_t]

The 37.25 is so borderline when you measure, but the Dean Markley's actual fit and had room to spare. Its just such a strange design, and it appears that string manufacturers can be quite a bit off from their listed specs. Not sure what to believe, hence the thread.

Ok, I see what you mean...

Published info on the winding length is approximate, give or take maybe 1/4". So, sounds like you'd better stick with something closer to 38".

 

[scuzzy]

Dunlop super brights DO NOT fit, sadly. They are about 1/4" too short to the taper.

 

[jdthebassman]

I use GHS infinity steels 102-80-58-40 on my magnum 4 bass

 

[scuzzy]

I moved back to the extra long scale chromes. I am NOT a flats kinda guy, but these sound great this go round. I have little need for grit and grind of rounds at the moment, and these flats have a very present dub sound. Love it.

 

[bklynbass]

+1 on Labella XL scale Deep Talkin Flats. I find the Standard Gauge works best. The tension on these basses is so naturally low because of the low angle break on the strings at the tailpiece so I find I prefer a higher tension string. (Actually I like the regular long scale version of these strings on PBasses as well)

I also have used a set of the old discontinued Dean Markley flats which fit perfectly despite not being Extra Long scale per se.

 

[iiipopes]

Let us all repeat the mantra:
1) measure from the ball anchor to the tuner side of the nut;
2) measure from the ball anchor to the middle of the tuner post of the lowest tuner
3) purchase a set of strings where the winding/speaking length of the strings is between these two measurements.