I was wonder instead of setting the bridge feet between the notches, what is the scale Length suppose to be?
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Double Bass Scale Length on 4/4 Bass
- Thread starter Barry Snow
- Start date
There is no norm for that.
Basically 4/4 means the size of the body, even this can differ by the shape of the body and the rib depth, but with a shorter neck you can still get a 105 cm string scale. But on the other hand there are also 115 cm instruments that may qualify as 4/4 (or maybe 5/4). 112 cm is still a 4/4 string scale.
You can orient yourself at the manufacturers that make strings for different scales. As far as I know Thomastik is the only manufacturer that makes strings for 3/4 and 4/4 in a different way so they get roughly the same tension on different scale lengths (only Spirocore and Superflexible). Their 4/4 scale is 110 cm (which is also the scale on my 4/4 5-string bass). All other manufacturers will make either long 3/4 strings or a longer version of their 3/4 strings on request. These strings have a higher tension on longer scale instruments than advertised, so better take the light string version if available.
Strings for 3/4 scales are generally made for 104 to 106 cm (that's the scale they measure the tension, depending on the manufacturer).
On instruments with a scale over 107 cm often 4/4 strings are used.
Basically 4/4 means the size of the body, even this can differ by the shape of the body and the rib depth, but with a shorter neck you can still get a 105 cm string scale. But on the other hand there are also 115 cm instruments that may qualify as 4/4 (or maybe 5/4). 112 cm is still a 4/4 string scale.
You can orient yourself at the manufacturers that make strings for different scales. As far as I know Thomastik is the only manufacturer that makes strings for 3/4 and 4/4 in a different way so they get roughly the same tension on different scale lengths (only Spirocore and Superflexible). Their 4/4 scale is 110 cm (which is also the scale on my 4/4 5-string bass). All other manufacturers will make either long 3/4 strings or a longer version of their 3/4 strings on request. These strings have a higher tension on longer scale instruments than advertised, so better take the light string version if available.
Strings for 3/4 scales are generally made for 104 to 106 cm (that's the scale they measure the tension, depending on the manufacturer).
On instruments with a scale over 107 cm often 4/4 strings are used.
Thanks for answering my question so very well. Did not know that a bass could varied that much , and still be a 4/4 bass . Also did not know that strings can vary some. Great information. I work more on violin ,so, the bass are somewhat the same, but a who lots of differences too. Thanks again. Barry Snow
I appreciate that Steven just one of the things I needed to know. But wait, I want to know the general length from the nut to the bridge suppose to be so i can set bridge without having to just set it between grooves,and don"t I need to replace the tailpiece with a more plastic steel type?
The maker intended the bridge to be set centered with the notches in the f holes. That's what the string length is supposed to be based on for any particular instrument. It is possible to cheat a bridge up for shorter string length. The sound post should possibly follow and the heel stop pitch will change.
As has been mentioned, there are no standard double bass sizes and measurements. Most makers these days are building basses with 42" or less string lengths no matter what the body size. That's what most players prefer.
As has been mentioned, there are no standard double bass sizes and measurements. Most makers these days are building basses with 42" or less string lengths no matter what the body size. That's what most players prefer.
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Don't know what you mean by, "plastic steel type"? There are light weight composite tailpieces on the market. What's wrong with the tailpiece currently on the bass?
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I wrote tailpiece and meant tailpiece strap. My old tailpiece is fine but has a wire in though i might be off going with something new. Is that a good idea are is just as go to stay with the old wire type?
If I is a stiff (brass) wire replace it with something more flexible. Most prefer aircraft cable, the carbon line I use now (because of an adjustable saddle) is not as good as the aircraft cable used before (on my bass).
Thanks DoubleMIDI , I have some aircraft Cable, will see if i can figure out how I could secure it
Usually with a clamp. There have been pics and discussion about this topic on Talkbass that I can remember, so searching for aircraft cable should get you there.
