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Double Bass Superflexible ball end silk length

jsf729

jsf729

Dec 12, 2014
522
467
70
Central Maryland
#1
I purchased a set of used Superflexibles here on TB to audition before I plunk down the $$$ on a new set. They will work well for my application. The problem is, I don't know if they are a 4/4 (42) set or 3/4 (2887.0) set. It seems that the 4/4 set is by far the most popular. Here's my issue: The ball end silks are much longer than any other set of strings that I have or have ever had. This is on a standard string length Kay. The E, D and G silk ends are about 3/4" from the bridge. The A is only about 1/8". Is this an issue? Would it be desireable to have shorter silk lengths? Thanks in advance!
 
#6
jsf729 said:
Steve- would it be too much to ask if you could get me the approximate length of the ball end silks (at your convenience)? Thanks
Click to expand...

Sorry, I don't have these strings any more. On a related note, I really like Superflexibles and I think they are underrated as a bowable string that works well for jazz. The only thing that keeps me from going back to them is the heavy gauge D string.

- Steve
 
#7
bassfiddlesteve said:
Sorry, I don't have these strings any more. On a related note, I really like Superflexibles and I think they are underrated as a bowable string that works well for jazz. The only thing that keeps me from going back to them is the heavy gauge D string.

- Steve
Click to expand...
No problem. Thanks for your comment Steve. I totally agree with your assessment. That is my exact application. I have another bass which will be setup for arco exclusively. The SFs have just the right amount of tension so that I can dig in on pizz, not too much "zing" which gives more of an Old School sound, yet bow well enough for some arco passages. Haven't experienced the D issue that you had, but you know the drill- YMMV!
 
#9
Unless the silks are on the playing side of the bridge, I wouldn't worry. Sometimes the silks are wound long for no real reason (maybe the person working the machine looked away for 2.5 nanoseconds!). Really, on the ball end, most of the silk is covering perfectly playable string up to probably 1" above the ball end.

If you do end up buying the 4/4's and the silk is a little long, you can usually just push the silk down to where you want it.
 
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#11
eerbrev said:
Unless the silks are on the playing side of the bridge, I wouldn't worry. Sometimes the silks are wound long for no real reason (maybe the person working the machine looked away for 2.5 nanoseconds!). Really, on the ball end, most of the silk is covering perfectly playable string up to probably 1" above the ball end.

If you do end up buying the 4/4's and the silk is a little long, you can usually just push the silk down to where you want it.
Click to expand...
You're right. My afterlength notes are nice and clear.
 
#15
jsf729 said:
Steve- would it be too much to ask if you could get me the approximate length of the ball end silks (at your convenience)? Thanks
Click to expand...

According to our string specs file, the Superflexibles have a tailpiece silk lenth of 6 inches. That is on the long side in comparison to other brands, but that seems to be the norm for Thomastik strings (with the exception of the Belcanto, which is 5 inches.)
 
#16
Mark Gollihur said:
According to our string specs file, the Superflexibles have a tailpiece silk lenth of 6 inches. That is on the long side in comparison to other brands, but that seems to be the norm for Thomastik strings (with the exception of the Belcanto, which is 5 inches.)
Click to expand...
Thanks Mark. I measured closer to 7" with the strings on the bass. Why are the 4/4 strings more popular than the 3/4, and do you sell both sets?
 
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#17
jsf729 said:
Thanks Mark. I measured closer to 7" with the strings on the bass. Why are the 4/4 strings more popular than the 3/4, and do you sell both sets?
Click to expand...

The 4/4 are more commonly stocked at retailers since it is one string set that is appropriate for both 3/4 and 4/4. With as many variations as Thomastik makes for some of their strings (Spirocores are RIDICULOUS how many different strings they make) it's financially a bit tough for some retailers to stock everything.

For most players, the difference in tension is minimal enough that it's not a big deal to just use them rather than special order the 3/4's, since the 4/4 strings are usually far more available.

Other string makers don't even differentiate between 3/4 and 4/4-specific strings; for instance, the D'Addario Zyex strings have only a 3/4 or 4/4-specific E-string; the only difference between the two is that the silk starts a little higher on the 4/4 string to allow for extra length to get over the nut. The other three strings are for either scale.

I don't normally stock the 3/4-specific string sets (with the exception of Spirocores), since most people don't ask for them -- but the Thomastik distributor is close by, so if they have a specific set or string in stock (they usually do) I can usually get them for special orders within 24 hours.
 
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#18
The 3/4 Superflexible set has piqued my interest since apparently the D string is not huge like it is in the 4/4 set where it's nearly the same diameter as the A. I may give this set a try, although I imagine it will have more tension on my bass than the 4/4 set did.

- Steve
 
#19
Mark Gollihur said:
The 4/4 are more commonly stocked at retailers since it is one string set that is appropriate for both 3/4 and 4/4. With as many variations as Thomastik makes for some of their strings (Spirocores are RIDICULOUS how many different strings they make) it's financially a bit tough for some retailers to stock everything.

For most players, the difference in tension is minimal enough that it's not a big deal to just use them rather than special order the 3/4's, since the 4/4 strings are usually far more available.

Other string makers don't even differentiate between 3/4 and 4/4-specific strings; for instance, the D'Addario Zyex strings have only a 3/4 or 4/4-specific E-string; the only difference between the two is that the silk starts a little higher on the 4/4 string to allow for extra length to get over the nut. The other three strings are for either scale.

I don't normally stock the 3/4-specific string sets (with the exception of Spirocores), since most people don't ask for them -- but the Thomastik distributor is close by, so if they have a specific set or string in stock (they usually do) I can usually get them for special orders within 24 hours.
Click to expand...
Thomastic doesn't give specs on the 3/4 strings on their website, so can't compare. Looks like 4/4 is the way to go- long silks and all! Thanks Mark
 

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