I have a double bass with a scale length of 43 inches. I am about to by a new set of strings. Do I buy strings for a 3/4 size bass?
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Double Bass Scale Length
- Thread starter gypsydjango
- Start date
A "normal" 3/4 is around 41.5" (~105 cm). So 43" looks more like a 4/4. If you use strings made for a 3/4, they will have a higher tension. So it depends on what tension you want to have.
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Most normal strings should fit just fine - string makers expect a fair amount of variation in mensure (scale length). I would maybe stay away from Spiro 3/4s, but you could easily go for any other "full size" Spiro (or other) string.
Get 4/4 strings if available, and that is the default scale if the string doesnt say otherwise. Anything "weich" in 3/4 will also work, as long as you acknowledge the result is going to be something between light and medium tension - but most people won't even notice the difference. Just stay away from anything "mittel" or "stark" in 3/4, and you should be fine.
