String Length Issue - 35 inch Scale (Long post)

[NightW0lf]

Hello all !

Ok, to the point, I have this 5 string 35 inch scale bass and I'm trying to find strings to match it's length. It came with a set of D'addario's that I did not enjoy (no offence to D'addario lovers), so I got what I used on my previous bass that I found were good enough at the time (EB Power Slinky's http://www.italmelodie.com/?section=item&itemID=5472). They were "Long Scale".

Well, they were too short, the wounding did not clear the nut, I attempted to recreate the result in the example below :

So, scrapped this set, and went looking for an "extra long scale" set. I read a bit and I found http://www.bassstringsonline.com/ and got myself a set of "DR HI-BEAM Stainless Steel Bass 5-String Set Medium XL Scale" (Thanks Jason ).

It was all good until the B string, they were too long, the 'fat' part of the strings went all the way around the string post and even if I had followed the instructions, it broke and unwound itself. I kept the D'addario B string and went with that for the time being. I thought I might have done something wrong, so I ordered another set of the same strings, read more about my issue, got a few tricks, failed miserably again and gave up with this model.

I now play with another set of DR strings (Invalid Link Removed) I like them. I tried them because they were called "Long Neck" but not "Extra Long Scale". I have no idea what it means, but it seems to work. They are "Low Riders".

Here is how they sit at the neck, which is I think, just perfect :

Here is how they sit at the bridge, is this unusual? I used to see the 'fat' part starting before it leaves the bridge... It's not causing me any issues so I just assumed it was normal.

Now for the real question (finally to the point ), I have a limited budget (first house, new kid, you get the drift) and I just can't buy a whole bunch of strings and take a chance it won't fit. At 40$ a set, it goes fast. I would like to try different sets, like a complete set of high beams for example , but I do not know if they will fit. How standard are these lengths? Since the Ernie Ball "Long Scale" was too short, will all "Long Scale" be too short? They are advertised to fit 34-35 inch basses after all.

Any thought on the subject? Thanks !

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

What you are seeing at the bridge is Tapered Strings. The DR Long Necks have a 38" winding length with a 3" Taper at the bridge.

This is one of the biggest problems with string sets being sold by scale length.
To make things more complicated each string manufacturer has a different overall winding length for every "scale length" set they offer.

I have an article on the subject here:

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Ernie Ball Long Scale strings have a winding length Ball End to Taper of 37.25". This fits most all 34" and many 35" instruments (depending on the constructions reference article above.

Ernie Ball Extra Long Scale are 38.25" Ball to Taper.

I have a listing of string lengths by manufacturer here:

Invalid Link Removed


Tapered strings are not required but they do make for a better install with larger gauges especially on thru-body instruments. The Long Necks are essentially the same as DR Lo-Riders but with tapered bridge sections.

 

[NightW0lf]

Oh goody, this helps me a lot

So, from the info you just posted, an Ernie Ball "extra long scale" is pretty much the same as a DR "long scale".

Soooo, i could get "long scale" DR Black Beauties Taper Core and it would have the exact same fit as the ones I have on now.

Any 38 inch of any brand would have the same fit?

This is so helpful !

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Pretty much thats it. As long as the strings have a 38" Winding Length from Ball End to Silk or Taper they will work.

You can use the standard Black Beauties, they don't need to be taper core.

What will fit a Peavey Grind:

D'Addario Extra Long
DR Long Scale
Elixir Extra Long
Ernie Ball Extra Long
Fodera Extra Long
GHS Long Plus
Ken Smith Long Scale
R.Cocco Extra Long
Rotosound Extra Long
Sadowsky Extra Long
SIT Extra Long
Spector Bass Strings
Thomastik-Infeld Extra Long (but may actually be a little too long)

 

[NightW0lf]

Thomastik-Infeld Extra Long (but may actually be a little too long)

Yeah I'm surprised that the 39 inches models would fit at all, it will for sure be rolled around the tuning post, will this be an issue for larger gauge, like the B string?

You can use the standard Black Beauties, they don't need to be taper core.

Right on, but would it not be better since my bass is a "thru-body" model?

Tapered strings are not required but they do make for a better install with larger gauges especially on thru-body instruments.

 

[Technotitclan]

Another great example of why Jason at BSO is amazing.

 

[NightW0lf]

Another great example of why Jason at BSO is amazing.

indeed

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Yeah I'm surprised that the 39 inches models would fit at all, it will for sure be rolled around the tuning post, will this be an issue for larger gauge, like the B string?



Right on, but would it not be better since my bass is a "thru-body" model?

You can find the minimum required winding length by measuring from the Ball End to the Nut. You can then find the maximum acceptable winding by measuring from the Ball End to B-String / E-String tuning post. I had a grind for a short time and I believe the 39" winding stops right on the side of the post. It is not ideal, but it works.

If taper is better or not that really depends on what the end user feels. Personally I like a tapered string for my B-Strings if over .125. If you can have it on the E-String as well great. It is not needed, but they do make for a better installation. (better witness point over the saddle).

 

[JustForSport]

Run your B string thru-body and mark/tape it at the tuner-
then measure from ball to mark to see if 39" will fit mounted thru-body.
If so, that'll likely also work on your E as well.