• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Super/Extra Long Scale Bass String Help

F

frankthetank727

Guest
Jul 7, 2011
59
3
#1
I've got kind of an issue here. I have a Carvin 6 String fretless that is a 35 1/4 inch scale and I really can't seem to find any strings that quite fit this bass. Some companies have a 5 string set but then don't have the single strings to go with it. I just can't seem to find anywhere that sells either a pack of 6 in Super Long Scale, or places that would sell a pack of 5 in Super Long with the option to buy Super Long single strings. If anyone knows how I could buy/make a string that won't be a million dollars that would be awesome.
 
#3
D'Addario Super long 5 string set in the gauges you prefer with a C single. The C single is not as important because the winding goes from the yolk to the headstock.

Fit's my XB75PF perfectly
 
#7
I've been a Circle K customer for a couple of years. They're not giving me any money; I'm just a happy customer.

Since you play a fretless, you might also want to look into the Thomastik-Infeld extra long sets, either the Jazz Rounds or Jazz Flats. Pricey (about 2x what most string sets cost), but good, and long-lasting. Again, just a happy customer speaking.
 
#9
FunkMetalBass said:
I too will vouch for Circle K Strings, both in terms of their tone, feel, and customer service.

What kind of strings are you looking for? Circle K only offers rounds, so we may have to dig deeper if you were wanting flats or something.
Click to expand...

I definitely don't need flats. I've got just the Standard Carvin Steels on there now because that's what came on the bass. I know its going to be time to get strings soon so I believe I wanna get roundwound nickels or steels, preferably Nickel this time around because I'm not too sure I like the steel sound on the fretless. I'm just worried about choosing gauges because these strings are expensive so I want to make sure they are gonna work. Also, I kind of need some gauges with some wiggle room in terms of tuning. I play in Standard 6 string tuning (BEADGC) and I also play in Bb standard tuning as well. Rarely I will play in drop A, but it would be nice to have the option. Right now, the gauges on my bass are .029, .040, .060, .080, .100, .128. To be honest, I really think its my B string that is the issue, because even in Standard B its a bit floppy--the other strings all feel fine. Sorry that was so long, so if you more suggestions based on that, let me hear em!
 
#10
SLaPiNFuNK said:
Also, if you know the measurement from Ball End to just past the nut on your instrument, you can figure what strings will fit it for sure.
Each brand has a different overall winding length for each of their "Scale" options...
Click to expand...
This ... try to measure it, is the bass string through body too?
frankthetank727 said:
Also, I kind of need some gauges with some wiggle room in terms of tuning. I play in Standard 6 string tuning (BEADGC) and I also play in Bb standard tuning as well. Rarely I will play in drop A, but it would be nice to have the option. Right now, the gauges on my bass are .029, .040, .060, .080, .100, .128. To be honest, I really think its my B string that is the issue, because even in Standard B its a bit floppy--the other strings all feel fine.
Click to expand...
Yeah that's because most string sets have the B looser than the others. Looking at the tension chart for 'long scale XL nickelplated roundwound' here http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf the tension equivalent to a 100 E is a 135 B. I used a .145 on a 35" scale and found that the necessary minimum for excellent tone at low A. Since you need leeway in tuning an equal tension set 'balanced tension' is best since this avoids extremes of tension in different tunings. This is why Circle Ks balanced sets are ideal. Otherwise build a balanced set from singles, 145 105 80 60 45 32 will do B and Bb standard and drop A with optimum tone (check the tensions on the chart ... all strings are similar at39-43 pounds in standard B).

EDIT: Although if you are rarely in drop A you may prefer 135 and 100 on the bottom. A lighter balanced set is 135 100 75 55 40 27/28/29. Perhaps a 40-100 set plus 135 and 27/28/29 singles?

Good places for singles ...
USA [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Europe SchneiderMusik.de
 
#12
frankthetank727 said:
The strings are "through body" so how will that affect what I get? Do I need to get even longer strings now?
Click to expand...

The best thing to do to ASSURE you are getting the best string length for your instrument is to do this:

  • Put a small marking on a string just past the nut.
  • Remove the string and measuer from the ball end to the marking
  • This will then determine the minimum winding length you will need
  • then you can measure the distance from the marking to the tuning post on the B string
  • this will then give you the longest the string can be.

Once you have this information you will know exactly what you will need. Unfortunately no two manufacturers have the same exact winding lengths ball end to silk or end of windings... they all vary by a half inch or two.

Most likely on that instrument you will need a MINIMUM of 38" winding length.
 
#13
SLaPiNFuNK said:
The best thing to do to ASSURE you are getting the best string length for your instrument is to do this:

  • Put a small marking on a string just past the nut.
  • Remove the string and measuer from the ball end to the marking
  • This will then determine the minimum winding length you will need
  • then you can measure the distance from the marking to the tuning post on the B string
  • this will then give you the longest the string can be.

Once you have this information you will know exactly what you will need. Unfortunately no two manufacturers have the same exact winding lengths ball end to silk or end of windings... they all vary by a half inch or two.

Most likely on that instrument you will need a MINIMUM of 38" winding length.
Click to expand...

This is helpful. Thanks!
 
#14
No problem.

To give you an idea:

GHS Long + (Long Plus) has a winding of 38" from Ball End to Silk
D'Addario Super Long fits instruments where Ball End to Nut is 36" - 38"
Thomastik-Infeld Extra Long is 40" Ball to Silk

Rotosound Extra Long is 39.5" but actually waiting to hear from them if they have a Extra Long High-C or Low-B available.

Please post the specifics of your instrument / model / measurements, I am working on a database :D
 
#15
Going to bump an old thread here. It seems like ages since I've played my six string. 34" scale string-through-body. They're still wearing the same old set of standard long scale D'Addario XL's I bought at a Guitar Center in Raleigh many, many moons ago. Definitely going to need super long as the strings are tapering down about 1/4" before the nut. Guess I'll go the super long 5-sting set plus a C single route. I just can't give up the D'Addarios. I've tried different brands, but I keep gravitating back to them.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back