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Strings for a 32'' bass

Vendetagainst

Vendetagainst

Oct 20, 2021
121
202
27
Portland, OR
#1
Hi all,

I recently purchased a Squier Affinity Jag Bass H, and it's a 32'' scale length bass. However, I got standard long scale strings (DR Hi Beams) and my tech told me that if he cuts them down to size they might unwind. Is this true? If so, what strings are y'all using for your Jag Basses? Thanks!
 
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#3
Vendetagainst said:
Hi all,

I recently purchased a Squier Affinity Jag Bass H, and it's a 32'' scale length bass. However, I got standard long scale strings (DR Hi Beams) and my tech told me that if he cuts them down to size they might unwind. Is this true? If so, what strings are y'all using for your Jag Basses? Thanks!
Click to expand...
He's gonna cut into the thinner section anyway: just tell him to crimp it at 90°, then cut past the crimp (as in, toward the pointy end, not to the side of the crimp that is closer to the fat section): this will recreate a spot where the round core is deformed and adheres to the winding (there is one from the factory, but it will be cut off by the shortening).
This, or install them guitar-style (horizontally through the slot, instead of into the axial hole), then tune up and cut the excess (again, make sure the cut is made at the tapered section, not the full-diameter one).

As regards winding a couple turns of full-gauge string onto the E-string post, it's not ideal, and I wouldn't do it to a low B string, but standard Fender-type tuning posts, the shorter scale ergo tension, and roundcore DRs being more flexible than the average, should ensure nothing bad happens.
 
#5
Yes. It is true. Regular long scale bass strings will unravel or break when installed on a shorter scale. Voice of experience. I have mostly switched to 32-inch scale basses, so I have had to search for medium scale strings. You must purchase a set of strings made for the bass. This said, let us all repeat the mantra:

1) measure from the ball anchor to the tuner side of the nut
2) measure from the ball anchor to the middle of the tuner post of the lowest string
3) purchase a set of strings that the speaking/winding length of the strings is between these two numbers.
 
#7
HaphAsSard said:
He's gonna cut into the thinner section anyway: just tell him to crimp it at 90°, then cut past the crimp (as in, toward the pointy end, not to the side of the crimp that is closer to the fat section): this will recreate a spot where the round core is deformed and adheres to the winding (there is one from the factory, but it will be cut off by the shortening).
This, or install them guitar-style (horizontally through the slot, instead of into the axial hole), then tune up and cut the excess (again, make sure the cut is made at the tapered section, not the full-diameter one).

As regards winding a couple turns of full-gauge string onto the E-string post, it's not ideal, and I wouldn't do it to a low B string, but standard Fender-type tuning posts, the shorter scale ergo tension, and roundcore DRs being more flexible than the average, should ensure nothing bad happens.
Click to expand...
If I'm understanding this correctly, you're saying that hex core strings are worse suited for wrapping the full-diameter part of the string around the string post (like you would with long scale strings on a medium scale)? Also, you're saying that you wouldn't do a B-string around the tuning post regardless of if it is round or hex core?

I've actually been trying various long string rounds on my Bantam 5 (5-string 32"scale) and have been snapping a few of the B strings (all hex core). I'm trying to figure out the science of what works and what doesn't. One thing I have figured out so far is that putting as little tension on the string as it is being wound as possible seems to usually work, as the string usually won't break once it is fully tightened (I've only experienced the breakages while doing the initial winding). I have been trying hex cores because I want the added tension, particularly on the B string. It is hard to find them in the appropriate scale, though.
 
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#8
Well, couple of things....
1. Yes, the best idea is to use the proper length strings on a particular bass. The pond you'll be fishing in for "Medium Scale" (32") strings is a lot smaller than Lake Long Scale, but you can probably find strings that will fit - and make you happy. I only own one 32" scale bass - out of 27 - but I have several basses that, for one reason or another, need medium scale strings. Personally, I've never had a problem finding strings that sound the way I like on a particular bass.
2. Yes, it's always a good idea to take some measurements - and do some research - to see which strings will be the best fit for a particular bass. Unfortunately, not all basses of a given nominal scale are the same. And, also unfortunately, not all strings of a given nominal scale are the same length, either. Over the last 50+ years of playing basses - and buying strings for them - I've developed a pretty good idea of which strings are a good fit on a particular bass. But, I still get caught out every so often. I spent several frustrating hours - and tried 5 or 6 different "medium scale" strings, on a new-to-me 32" scale Canadian-made Fury Anthem fretless bass last year. Because its a thru-body only bass, with a 4-in-line headstock that looks like it came from a T-Rex's jaw - a very Big T-Rex - I had one problem after another finding strings that would actually fit the thing. Never mind how they sounded... A set of Rotosound TruBass 88m tape wounds finally did the trick. Still, it was... illuminating... to see all the different ways that all the other medium scale strings did not fit that bass...
3. As for cutting down strings to fit? Yeah, I've done it - with a pretty good success rate. But, only when I didn't have any other choice at the time. My success with it, is most likely because I was always careful to measure carefully, and then put a right angle bend in the strings BEFORE I cut them. That usually keeps the strings from coming apart. Is the different between hex and round cores a factor? I honestly don't know...
So... bottom line? Unless you've been buying strings for lots of basses for a very long time, take @iiipopes' advice - and choose your strings accordingly... :whistle:
 
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#9
basslust said:
If I'm understanding this correctly, you're saying that hex core strings are worse suited for wrapping the full-diameter part of the string around the string post (like you would with long scale strings on a medium scale)? Also, you're saying that you wouldn't do a B-string around the tuning post regardless of if it is round or hex core?
Click to expand...
Essentially, yes. No absolutes, mind you, just personal rules of thumb.
basslust said:
I've actually been trying various long string rounds on my Bantam 5 (5-string 32"scale) and have been snapping a few of the B strings (all hex core). I'm trying to figure out the science of what works and what doesn't. One thing I have figured out so far is that putting as little tension on the string as it is being wound as possible seems to usually work, as the string usually won't break once it is fully tightened (I've only experienced the breakages while doing the initial winding). I have been trying hex cores because I want the added tension, particularly on the B string. It is hard to find them in the appropriate scale, though.
Click to expand...
FWIW, here are two posts of mine for the price of one, listing medium-scale 5-string set options:
Well it looks like the Ibanez Mezzo (srmd200/205) is discontinued
 
#10
HaphAsSard said:
Essentially, yes. No absolutes, mind you, just personal rules of thumb.

FWIW, here are two posts of mine for the price of one, listing medium-scale 5-string set options:
Well it looks like the Ibanez Mezzo (srmd200/205) is discontinued
Click to expand...
Thanks, yeah, I actually ordered some of those Curt Mangan rounds the other day. Do you happen to know if those are hex core or round?

I have a set of the 45-125 Dunlop Flats on one of my basses, but have been struggling to find a roundwound with suitable tension for alternate picking.
 

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