scale question

[Armacielli]

what would the scale legnth of an instrument need to be to use an E string as an A string, the A as the D etc. and keep a resonable tension?

 

[Nev375]

Why not just use the same scale length and move your existing gauge strings over and add a C string?

But to answer your original question... whatever the measurement is from the bridge to your 5th fret.
(more technically 17" + the distance between the 12th and 5th fret)

 

[rdrr]

I think this depends on what gauge string you want to use and what you mean by reasonable tension. I have a 30.5 and can up-tune to an A and it is a bit stiff but still payable. Though I wouldn't want to play it that long like that. I would guess that around 22" or so is where it would probably start getting pretty sloppy. The 5th fret on my 30.5 is around 23" , on my 34 it's about 25.75". Gauge will come into play as it effects the amount of tension you need for a given note.

Rob

 

[pbd]

what are you up too? Just curious

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Experimentation is part of the fun, and yes string guages will be the key if you want to keep an existing neck.
Good luck,
Dirk

 

[grisezd]

I used a BEAD set on a converted 25in guitar, tuned EADG. Tension was really similar to my other basses. It was fun to have a tiny bass with monsterously fat strings!

 

[FBB Custom]

Are you asking "what scale length should I use to tune a .100 up to A under reasonable tension?"

Try backing scale out of the equation here:

String Tension