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Scale length for a 5 string!!

jacobrownoly

jacobrownoly

Jun 16, 2007
257
32
#1
Hi, I own a Euro5LX:cool: with a 35'' neck...

Question: on 35'' necks what scale length of string should I use?

Should I be using the Extra long ones or is a standard pack ok?

I say this because I use standard Elixiers on my 4 string a 34'' neck and they sound awesome, but on my 5 string I use the same pack to string the E to G but the strings feel a lot tighter and thats why I think the slap tone sounds compressed.

Hopefully this is not too confusing for you guys :eyebrow:

Any help would be appreciated:help:

Thanks :hyper:
 
#2
Hey there!

Go with the same length strings, Extra long is for 36" and up scale length, though usualy not even for 36". The reason why they are tighter is because by increasing scale length you are inscreasing string tension.

If you currently are using a .100 gauge E string for example, go down to a .095 gauge it should be roughly the same tension.

What gauges are you using on your 34" scale length? I could try and tell you the ideal gauges for the same tension on a 35" scale length.
 
#4
spookycadaver said:
Hey there!

Go with the same length strings, Extra long is for 36" and up scale length, though usualy not even for 36". The reason why they are tighter is because by increasing scale length you are inscreasing string tension.

If you currently are using a .100 gauge E string for example, go down to a .095 gauge it should be roughly the same tension.

What gauges are you using on your 34" scale length? I could try and tell you the ideal gauges for the same tension on a 35" scale length.
Click to expand...

I just use standard 105-45, so u think I should use extra long strings?

My euro5LX is neck through as well.

Thanks:hiding:
 
#5
Nononononono, the extra longs will have no difference other than the fact you will be spending more money on specialized strings. Like I said, the fact that it is a longer scale length makes the tension go up. If you go with 100-40 it should have the same tension as 105-45 on a 34" scale length.

I will repeat, do NOT use extra long strings unless your bass is 35" with string through body (which spectors are not) or 36"+
 
#6
Depends on the company making the strings. D'Addario's standard long-scale set probably won't work on a 35" scale. I know they won't work on a 34" scale that strings through the body. If the Elixers fit, go ahead and use the regular scale.

See, the reason your strings on the 35" scale bass are tighter is because it's a 35" scale. Extra tension is the reason for the 35" scale. A string's pitch is determined by its mass (more mass, lower note), its length (longer speaking length, lower pitch), and its tension (lower tension, lower note). So, if you take string that's 0.085" diameter that's 34" long between the nut and bridge, and you tune it to 55 Hz, it's going to have a specific tension. Now, if you keep that same mass (the 0.085) but you make the string longer, the only way to get the same pitch is to tighten the string.

John
 

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