Double Bass String Length

[jtmiller01]

As a new bass student, how is string length measured? Are we talking about effective length (nut to bridge) or something else. What is the significance in different lengths? Thanks.

 

[bassplayer57]

I have heard that longer string length is harder to play. I believe that The standard length is 42", but I am not an expert.

 

[mojoluthier]

The longer a string of a given size is, the more tension is required to bring it up to a given pitch. That does make it stiffer, all other things being equal, but it also allows a lower action, so it can balance out if the set-up is great and well looked after.

On the other hand (actually it is the same hand. Joke!) the pitches are further apart with longer strings, so it is more challenging to left hand pitch articulation. I am not so comfortable over 42" with my 9" overall hand-span.

I think of 41.5 as the average string length. Under 40.5 is no longer a 3/4, nor is over 42.5. Strictly opinion in this paragraph!

 

[MingusAmongUs]

And yes, string length is measured from the bottom of the nut to the top of the bridge, if I understand correctly.

 

[Ike Harris]

Perhaps a qualified luthier can explain this better, but the string length of a given bass is largely determined by certain "proper" structural points on the bass itself. Primarily, the notches in centerpoint of the ff holes are where the bridge is supposed to be positioned. From the fingerboard edge of the nut to the f-board side of the bridge is where the active string length is measured. And then in the crook of the base of the neck put your thumb and directly opposite place your index finger on the fingerboard. Play the note and you will know if it's a D or Eb neck. Some players might want to alter the length by using a "false" or longer nut and/or move the bridge(and soundpost) toward the neck to shorten a too-long-for-them string length. This may affect the quality of the bass's sound but the above method is the standard way to set up the bass. I believe in the past, bigger basses had longer string lengths but it seems modern instruments of 3/4 and up sizes are tending to be around 41.5 or so.

Ike

 

[Silversorcerer]

I have heard that longer string length is harder to play. I believe that The standard length is 42", but I am not an expert.

I posted this related trivia earlier on a thread in the bass section but it is also relevant here:


String length and comfort / playability:

String length; longest whole step (half position)*; whole step at heel (D harmonic)*

41.5 inches: 39.1708 - 34.8972 = 4.2735; 27.6667 - 24.6481 = 3.01 inches

42 inches: 39.6427 - 35.3176 = 4.3251; 28 - 24.9452 = 3.05 inches

43 inches: 40.5866 - 36.1585 = 4.428; 28.6667 - 25.5391 = 3.1276 inches

44.25 inches: 41.7664 - 37.2097 = 4.5568; 29.5 - 26.2815 = 3.2185 inches

*Calculations of actual experienced stretches to reach across whole steps based on the twelfth root of 2 as the factor between half steps. The calculations show that the hand only must stretch slightly more than a quarter of an inch farther at the most between the shortest string given and the longest. The difference is dramatically reduced as one moves up the fingerboard. The difference looks daunting when considering the total difference or 2.75 inches. But that is a difference the hand experiences only in small fractions.

 

[Silversorcerer]

Perhaps a qualified luthier can explain this better, but the string length of a given bass is largely determined by certain "proper" structural points on the bass itself. Primarily, the notches in centerpoint of the ff holes are where the bridge is supposed to be positioned. From the fingerboard edge of the nut to the f-board side of the bridge is where the active string length is measured. And then in the crook of the base of the neck put your thumb and directly opposite place your index finger on the fingerboard. Play the note and you will know if it's a D or Eb neck. Some players might want to alter the length by using a "false" or longer nut and/or move the bridge(and soundpost) toward the neck to shorten a too-long-for-them string length. This may affect the quality of the bass's sound but the above method is the standard way to set up the bass. I believe in the past, bigger basses had longer string lengths but it seems modern instruments of 3/4 and up sizes are tending to be around 41.5 or so.

Ike

In addition to the neck heel bend lining up with the "D" or "Eb" on the G string, the overstand point is also sometimes aligned with a definite reference note.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Good numbers Silver, but there is a huge difference to my small hands between playing an F-Bb-F on a 41 3/4" mensure and on a 43.5" one.

I can just do it, but only for one song, preferably in D.........

 

[Silversorcerer]

Good numbers Silver, but there is a huge difference to my small hands between playing an F-Bb-F on a 41 3/4" mensure and on a 43.5" one.

I can just do it, but only for one song, preferably in D.........

Putting a quantity on "too far" doesn't make it any closer does it? I can dig. I can manage a 43" pretty well. I switched from 41.5. It's harder for me to get over the Eb / D thing. I think my hands are kind of medium. As long as the string length works for the bass it's on, that is probably the most important thing. And that you can play it.

 

[jtmiller01]

Thanks to everyone for their inputs. Now I'll use improper string length to explain any inadequacies in my playing.

 

[Matthew Tucker]

the overstand point is also sometimes aligned with a definite reference note.

I wonder if that's by accident or by design? I suspect we're as usual looking for a reference point, and there aren't many, so when overstand is aligned with F its a great discovery!