Strings too long?

[EmuBass]

Minor (aesthetic) problem:
Thicker / lower strings have a core and thick windings all around.
The upper end is smaller for winding on the pole of the machine-head (tuner). On my B-String (34 inch Bass) the thicker part would wind around the pole. Not so nice.
It works, but makes tuning no better. I found a work-around. Positioning the whole string "lower" on the bridge. It works but doesn't look great either ...
Anybody knows "shorter" strings?
Mine are Dean Markley blue steel. I like them.
Thx for helpful hints.

 

[GIBrat51]

Welcome to the world of 4-in-line headstocks. What you've posted a picture of, is not at all uncommon; I have more than one bass in my herd with a string like that. In fact, most of mine like that, actually do have half a wind or so of the speaking part of the string wrapped around a post. Other than offending my aesthetic sensibilities, though - it's never been a problem. And looking closely at the picture? You've wound up just shy of that "problem". But, if it really bothers you? I'm afraid I can't offer any suggestions about other strings - other than to suggest you replace those, with strings that don't have any silks at all... Aftermarket string company's have no idea what kind of bass - with what kind of bridge - you're going to put their strings on. All they can do, is make strings that will more or less fit as many different basses as they can - and hope for the best. Personally? Out of 23 basses, I think I have... 3, maybe... with tuner end silks that ended up looking like everybody wishes they would. All the rest? They more or less look like yours do. I just consider it a very minor First World Problem; ignore it; and, just play the darn thing...

 

[Killing Floor]

You can try shorter scale strings. Or just play it. Despite a small corner of TB rhetoric it won’t make a difference.

 

[Riff Ranger]

That looks pretty good to me

Some string manufacturers share the exact lengths of their strings from ball ends to tapers; I suggest you look for that measurement when you get your next set of strings.

In the USA we have Jason at Fret Nation (and likely others) who lists these exact measurements for the strings he sells. Even if he doesn’t ship to Europe, or doesn’t ship at a price you’re willing to pay, you might find his website helpful.

 

[michael_t]

I found a work-around. Positioning the whole string "lower" on the bridge. It works but doesn't look great either ...

Here's what I've found as my workaround in case B (on 5-string) and E (on 4-string) turn out to be too long.

 

[michael_t]

I mix-and-match the low B on my two 34" scale 5-string Yamahas for tonal balance, and they both just happen to be 36.5" in winding length.

 

[iiipopes]

If the OP's picture is of his bass, then go with it. This is as good as it gets. There are no perfect strings, and the OP has wound them well including the spacer at the ball end, which I also do. My only suggestion is to set a witness point on the B string at the point it starts winding around the tuner post so nothing slips. Yes, @michael_t has a good alternate solutions. But here is my rant: the OP's post is exactly why manufacturers should use a 2+3 tuner configuration instead of a 3+2 or 4+1 tuner configuration. A 2+3 configuration gets the B string tuner up farther on the headstock so the winding length at the point it transitions to the leader of the B string is not an issue. If this puts the G tuner closer to the nut, that is not an issue because a G string can wrap around anything. For example, D'A does not taper the leader of their G strings for this reason because it just doesn't matter.

 

[claudel]

Newtone will custom wind to any length you need

 

[Riff Ranger]

If the OP's picture is of his bass, then go with it. This is as good as it gets. There are no perfect strings, and the OP has wound them well including the spacer at the ball end, which I also do. My only suggestion is to set a witness point on the B string at the point it starts winding around the tuner post so nothing slips. Yes, @michael_t has a good alternate solutions. But here is my rant: the OP's post is exactly why manufacturers should use a 2+3 tuner configuration instead of a 3+2 or 4+1 tuner configuration. A 2+3 configuration gets the B string tuner up farther on the headstock so the winding length at the point it transitions to the leader of the B string is not an issue. If this puts the G tuner closer to the nut, that is not an issue because a G string can wrap around anything. For example, D'A does not taper the leader of their G strings for this reason because it just doesn't matter.

AMEN!

 

[EmuBass]

Problem solved. I put on different strings. They came from my Talman 505 (probably D'Add.). Fitting better!

 

[michael_t]

(probably D'Add.)

Yes, those are definitely the D'Addario ball end colors.

 

[EmuBass]

They also sounding surprisingly good - considering what other manufacturers use as the standard equipment.
The feel is also good. Thx.