Double Bass Thickness Difference Between Normal and Low B/C 4th Strings

[Steve Freides]

I could use a little bit of a primer here. What got me thinking was wondering if I could use a 4th string made for a bass with a low C extension on my bass, which doesn't have one. In principle, could I just put up with the extra windings, or shorten the string?

I ask if this is possible because I assume - and this is where I think I might be wrong - that, if the capo is down on the 4th string at E, the string ought to be the same thickness and tension as a normal, unextended 4th string.

My bass is currently strung with a hand-me-down set of strings that came from a bass with a low C. I only got the first three strings because we assumed the fourth wouldn't work.

Thanks in advance.

-S-

 

[Mark Gollihur]

I could use a little bit of a primer here. What got me thinking was wondering if I could use a 4th string made for a bass with a low C extension on my bass, which doesn't have one. In principle, could I just put up with the extra windings, or shorten the string?

Sometimes, the extended E string is very close, if not identical, to the regular E string from the same manufacturer. Some manufacturers do indicate very slight differences in gauge (notably, Thomastik) but they're pretty insignificant.

Since the string is "free" and you have nothing to lose, it's probably worth a try. You can shorten the silked end of the string, but don't cut the playable part, that will be an instant "fail" as the string will completely unwind itself. You'll be winding the "speaking" part of the string on the machine, so extra care in not twisting the string, and in getting clean, uncluttered windings will be quite important if you don't want the string to fail.

Other than that, it shouldn't be a big deal, I think - perhaps someone else has tried it before?