Sire U5 short scale - using through-body strings

[srayb]

The Sire U5 30” short scale looks very interesting, but I have a few questions about using through-body strings on it.

• Will long-scale strings work?
• Are there any types of strings that don’t work well through-body (i.e. flatwounds or tapewounds or coated, etc.)?

Thanks!

 

[bholder]

I've read that flats and tapes don't like through body stringing because of the sharp angle it creates behind the saddle. Can cause windings to separate.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I currently have two short scale basses with through body bridges, and a 3rd in the works.

I can't speak to other kinds of strings but I use these medium scale strings and they've been great. Never laid hands on a Sire but would imagine they'd also work on that type of bass.

 

[srayb]

Now that I think of it - probably medium scale are the longest that might work - as it is only adding ~1” to the length of the string.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Now that I think of it - probably medium scale are the longest that might work - as it is only adding ~1” to the length of the string.

Yeah, I got caught on that the first time I purchased strings. Short scales don't line up because of the extra length needed for the through body bridge. The mediums work great.

 

[Leonid Nidis]

DRs short scale should work they are longer than others.
Medium scale will work,my mustang is strung through body.

I have seen people just use long scale strings but I dont like how the fat string part is wrapped around the posts.

 

[drwv]

La Bella says [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] about their renowned 760FS Deep Talkin' Flats:

This particular set is NOT suitable for basses with bridges that require strings to pass through the body of the instrument.​

Luckily they make a specific set of strings for the 30" scale string-through Fender Mustang [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], which will probably fit your 30" string-through Sire.

The 760F-MUS set is made specifically for basses with 30" scale where strings are strung through the body. The winding length from ball-end to silk is 34" (this distance includes a 1.75" flexible tail by the ball-end).​

 

[asparaguspee]

I wouldn't worry too much about it, I have a U5 and tried both string positions, there is no perceivable difference in sound, feel, or anything else. Stock Ernie Ball strings.

I have GHS flatwounds and route them through the body on 2 of my other basses, no issues at all.

 

[IgorRomanovsky]

I have Marcus Miller U5 bass and Daddario ETB92S (short scale, tape wound) are exactly match the to the speaking length of the strings (length of no-silked parts of the strings when stringed thru the body).

 

[MrBEAC]

I have Marcus Miller U5 bass and Daddario ETB92S (short scale, tape wound) are exactly match the to the speaking length of the strings (length of no-silked parts of the strings when stringed thru the body).

I realise that this is an old topic, but do you know the exact length of the string from the ball end to the nut on your U5? Both measurements if you have them - fitted to the bridge, and through the body. Thanks