Strings for Lakland Skyline 55-02

[Bassique]

So I've been planning to buy Lakland Skyline 55-02. But started to think what kind of strings would fit it. I'm assuming only super long scale strings are long enough, since the bass is string thru and 35 scale? Also, are there any tapered strings on the market what would fit the string thru design?

 

[michael_t]

So I've been planning to buy Lakland Skyline 55-02. But started to think what kind of strings would fit it. I'm assuming only super long scale strings are long enough, since the bass is string thru and 35 scale? Also, are there any tapered strings on the market what would fit the string thru design?

You don't necessarily have to use the thru-body option; the Lakland bridge should have the top-load option as well. In fact, most taperwound strings would only work for top-loading. "Long Scale" by most manufacturers are 37"-37.25", which should be long enough for top-loading on a 35" scale.

If you insist on thru-body, you can check into Ken Smith, whose "long scale" is 38" in winding length, and their tapers are slightly longer than most.

 

[Jazzdogg]

I am currently using a set of Dogal Hellborg rounds on my 5-string 55-02 fretless. Sounds great! I don't string through-body.

 

[Bassique]

You don't necessarily have to use the thru-body option; the Lakland bridge should have the top-load option as well. In fact, most taperwound strings would only work for top-loading. "Long Scale" by most manufacturers are 37"-37.25", which should be long enough for top-loading on a 35" scale.

If you insist on thru-body, you can check into Ken Smith, whose "long scale" is 38" in winding length, and their tapers are slightly longer than most.

Oh yea, I didnt realize the bridge has also top load option. Yea, long scale should be enough, but I've read that on some 35'' basses it's just a little bit short, so the taper on top of the string lands over the nut.

 

[michael_t]

Oh yea, I didnt realize the bridge has also top load option. Yea, long scale should be enough, but I've read that on some 35'' basses it's just a little bit short, so the taper on top of the string lands over the nut.

All you have to do is to measure the distance on your bass from where the ball end is seated when top loaded to the tuner side of the nut.

 

[joel the bass player]

I've been using DR Fat Beams top loaded for years now. I don't think I ever noticed enough of a difference to string through body on any of my basses (3 with the option).

 

[Bob_Ross]

I use Ken Smith "Rockmaster" Stainless Steel Medium roundwounds (# AA-RMM-5X Extra-Long) on my 55-02D, strung thru the body. Perfect fit.

 

[JTE]

It depends on the string maker. DR and GHS regular long scale strings work through-body on my Skyline 5s. D'Addario strings need their "super long" version. The come from the factory with D'Addario EXL170-5SL, note the "SL" suffix. I have used various DR and GHS regusets.

 

[DWBass]

I use D'Addario XL's. Been using them for years.

 

[michael_t]

Whether you need "long scale" or "extra long scale" depends on the manufacturer.

D'Addario "super long" = 38" ball to taper.
DR "long scale" = 37.75" ball to taper.
Ken Smith "long scale" = 38" ball to taper.
GHS "long plus" = 38" ball to taper.