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Smaller Scale Basses
- Thread starter Noy
- Start date
I have, it looks like a 5 string version of the 4 strings but with a string ferrule in the top and a rear routing to facilitate the use of a longscale B strings since there aren't many (if any) shortscale B strings readily available. All that about higher string tension because of stringing through the body has been debunked numerous times.
The 4 strings are just typical boutiques but with a short scale.
No need to start flinging insults. I don't "know it all" by any means but I do know that.
It's not necessary to have played one of their instruments to find the flaws in their marketing.
The site states "Well, physics can't be defeated but it can be bent." Sorry, but it can't really be bent that way.
Well, I've always felt that string-thru makes the string somewhat tighter. Actually what happens is that people often mistake ideal physics with real world physics.
On an ideal world, the string parts between saddle and ball and nut and tuner are perfectly tensed, but that often doesnt happen. I can press the string in my guitar between the nut and tuner, and it will bend and change pitch, like a tremolo, so yeah, the string beyond the nut is having an effect that "should not".
On an ideal world, the string parts between saddle and ball and nut and tuner are perfectly tensed, but that often doesnt happen. I can press the string in my guitar between the nut and tuner, and it will bend and change pitch, like a tremolo, so yeah, the string beyond the nut is having an effect that "should not".
When you press the string behind the nut your stretching it and increasing the strings tension so the pitch increases. When the tension on a string is slackened the pitch decreases. One need look no further than a tuning machine to see that demonstrated. Nothing mysterious about it.
I would hafta agree. Even if you wanna spend the $, you basically need a good luthier to accomplish this.
I think there is some truth to having a stronger witness point, perhaps the bend holds the string tighter in the nut, which should at least in theory help reduce flop.
Yes, a good witness point is very important. However stringing through doesn't guarantee a better witness point, which is why I push down in front of the nut and saddles to create a better witness point is a part of every setup I do.
There are two advantages to stringing through and they have nothing to do with string tension. One is rendered moot by a good setup on a bass with a top load bridge.
True, although I didn't mean to comment on the string through, just witness points in general. I'd suspect that something shorter scale like the Birdsgong would need to have a similar adaptation to use standard strings.
What the witness point does is provide a good nodal point at the string ends thus preventing unwanted harmonics often described as "chorusing". It also helps keep the string down in the nut or saddle groove allowing for a slightly lower action.
Makes sense. I just remember the USA Curbows having the rockwood neck (rigid as all heck), a strong witness point at the headstock, and also at the bridge, which is something I haven't seen other companies attempt. Amazing low B on those basses, RIP.
I agree regarding neck stiffness (one of my pet theories). Shorter scales have inherently stiffer necks for a given construction style due to their reduced length.
