Schecter SLS Elite 5. Problems with re-stringing

Same problem when you top load them or is this just when they are string thru?

 

What is the scale length of your bass?

If it’s 35” and your strings work top-loaded, but are too short when strung throughout thr body, you can get extra-long scale strings. This might be your issue.

My basses are 35” and regular long scale strings are fine. But I send the B string through the body, so I have to order extra-long B strings (.130).

So I order D’Addario EXL 170 4-string sets, then I order the extra-long .130s separately.

Fret Nation is my preferred source for bass strings. They make the process easy.

 

I've owned 6 different models of Schecter 5 string bass guitars. Every one required "Xtra long scale" strings, and the best sounding are Ernie Ball #2850. (Which happens to be what Schecter puts on their new basses.)

I now own the SLS Elite 5, and it's the best bass I've owned in 50 yrs of playing. And the 2850's help bring out that crystal clear tone of the bass.

I say lesson learned. Never buy a bass until you know the length from nut to bridge, and what length string that requires. Then research what options are available.

 

I own and use 35" scale Schecter SLS Elite-5. I found that some standard long scale strings suit this bass and some not (when top loaded, of course). I was surprised by so big difference in the "active" length of different long scale strings. For example, D'Addario NYXL Long Scale strings suit this bass perfectly, but e.g. Elixir LS strings are too short. I am afraid it is impossible to find any useful information about the real length of strings. It is a question of B and E strings only.

 

The parameter you are referring to is called "winding length." If you do a Google (or other) search for that term, you can often find that the manufacturer specifies the value or that a third party has measured it.

 

Thanks for expanding my English dictionary. I haven't known this word yet. We do not have a completely matching term in Czech.

 

I'm glad to help. You are right that the winding length varies quite a bit a brand. For most long-scale basses, it isn't an issue, but for short-, medium- and extra-long-scale basses, it's important to know what the winding length before buying strings.

 

I agree. I often buy strings for middle-scale (32"), standard-scale (34") and long-scale (35") basses and I would like the manufacturers to state the winding length directly on the package of the strings.

 

Actually, 34 is long, and 35 is extra/super-long. Anything beyond that, who knows...Dingwall-long?

 

I’m responding here again because I recently switched to the Pro Steels as you mentioned in the original post. Again, for the Mike Lull 35” scale basses, The B string is the only string that can go through the body (no debates on string-thru, please. It’s been done ad nauseum). I order the 4-string set of Pro Steels and then I order the super-long single B strings. I saw where you mentioned that your E string’s full winding wasn’t reaching the nut. I don’t know anything about that issue. Perhaps you order the super-long scale set of Pro Steels.

 

Yes, but some Long Scale strings can be used on 35" bass (top loaded, of course) because of their a bit longer winding length, e.g. D'Addario NYXL. And this feature expands the range of useful strings for 35" basses. That's why I miss the information about winding length on Long Scale strings.

 

Stringjoy sells extra long bass strings.

https://stringjoy.com/categories/strings/bass-guitar/5-string-bass/extra-long-scale-5-string-bass/

 

I have noticed this with DR, too.

 

D’addario offers super long scale which would get you to 38” winding length, where the long scale set you are using doesn’t fit with its 37.1”. This website is a great reference for string winding length.

Without shilling for my favorite string people too egregiously may I suggest DR strings? All of their long scale sets are 38” winding length, and if for some reason you need longer they have the long necks set which have over 40” winding length.

 

Great! This page is exactly what I was looking for. My SLS Elite requires strings with min. 36,6" winding length (when top-loaded).
So, the only question is how the winding length is "standardized" by the manufacturers and how it may vary over time.