Which is the proper scale for a mustang bass with string-thru loading?

[hatcity]

I play both guitar and bass and switch roles quite often. I usually play a Hofner Club but I just now ordered a Classic Vibe Mustang that has "string thru body loading" which I like. I am told that short scale flats will not fit on the Mustang because of the rear load in the back. Medium scale strings are harder to find and some say I should use LONG SCALE FLATS! But that seems odd to me. Does anyone out there have an answer for me as to which scale I should choose? Especially anyone who plays a rear loading Mustang bass. I use only Flats. Thanks in advance.

 

[lz4005]

Scale length is nut to 12th fret x2. It doesn't change when the length past the nut or behind the bridge saddle changes.

Measure the distance from the ball end to half way between the nut and E tuning post. That's the ball-to-taper length you need to look for. Don't buy random strings hoping they'll fit.

 

[michael_t]

Forget "scale length"... For thru-body Mustang, you need strings with around 33.5" - 34.5" in winding length (ball end to taper/silk), which is most manufacturers' "medium scale". One notable exception is DR's "short scale", which is 33.75" from ball end to taper, which is long enough for thru-body Mustang.

 

[hatcity]

Forget "scale length"... For thru-body Mustang, you need strings with around 33.5" - 34.5" in winding length (ball end to taper/silk), which is most manufacturers' "medium scale". One notable exception is DR's "short scale", which is 33.75" from ball end to taper, which is long enough for thru-body Mustang.

That's helpful, thanks.

 

[hatcity]

Scale length is nut to 12th fret x2. It doesn't change when the length past the nut or behind the bridge saddle changes.

Measure the distance from the ball end to half way between the nut and E tuning post. That's the ball-to-taper length you need to look for. Don't buy random strings hoping they'll fit.

Thanks.

 

[michael_t]

Does anyone out there have an answer for me as to which scale I should choose? Especially anyone who plays a rear loading Mustang bass. I use only Flats.

La Bella makes a flatwound set specifically designed for thru-body Mustang - "760F-MUS".

You can also try Dunlop Flats "medium scale" (34" from ball to silk) or D'Addario Chromes "medium scale" (34" from ball to silk).

 

[hatcity]

La Bella makes a flatwound set specifically designed for thru-body Mustang - "760F-MUS".

You can also try Dunlop Flats "medium scale" (34" from ball to silk) or D'Addario Chromes "medium scale" (34" from ball to silk).

This is good advice as it seems specific to the issue. Thanks.

 

[Root 5]

That's helpful, thanks.

I own a Japanese Mustang. From the inside ball end to the tuner side of the nut is 33-1/8” and 33-3/8” if measured from outside ball. You need strings with at least a 33-1/8” winding length.

 

[hatcity]

I own a Japanese Mustang. From the inside ball end to the tuner side of the nut is 33-1/8” and 33-3/8” if measured from outside ball. You need strings with at least a 33-1/8” winding length.

thank you.

 

[HaphAsSard]

I own a Japanese Mustang. From the inside ball end to the tuner side of the nut is 33-1/8” and 33-3/8” if measured from outside ball. You need strings with at least a 33-1/8” winding length.

Thank you! What would you reckon is the maximum (safe/OCD/a-retentive/younameit) length, ball-end to side of E-string tuning post?

 

[DogsNbeer]

Medium scale Chromes definitely work. I had them on my (recently sold) Squier

 

[PennyroyalWe]

What do you have on the Hofner?

 

[bass theory]

I'd try the La Belle flats recommended by Michael_T, or
flatwound D'Addario ECB81S XL Chromes Regular.

 

[michael_t]

flatwound D'Addario ECB81S XL Chromes Regular.

It should be ECB81M (as in "medium scale"). The "short scale" Chromes are only 32" in winding length (ball end to silk), which is too short for the thru-body Mustang.

 

[bass theory]

It should be ECB81M (as in "medium scale"). The "short scale" Chromes are only 32" in winding length (ball end to silk), which is too short for the thru-body Mustang.

you are right, I intended the ones for 32" scale length not winding length. that would be medium length.

 

[Bassamatic]

You must use only MEDIUM SCALE (32") strings. Yes, they are harder to find and smaller selection, which is why I ended up selling my Mustangs, and going for the Mustang P/J. None of my favorite strings are available in 32" scale.

You cannot use long scale strings and just cut them down.
1. Strings are wound at playing tension. When used on a shorter scale they are never pulled to proper tension and sound muddy.
2. You can't cut flats - they will unravel, and even cutting rounds is risky.

 

[bass theory]

you are right, I intended the ones for 32" scale length not winding length. that would be medium length.

thanks for catching this. My baritone is through the body so I shouldn't have missed it.

 

[Evanforbass]

I’ve read that you shouldn’t use string-thru for flats. Something about the break angle coming through the body can damage the wind of the string. I may be wrong but may be worth checking out

 

[michael_t]

I’ve read that you shouldn’t use string-thru for flats. Something about the break angle coming through the body can damage the wind of the string. I may be wrong but may be worth checking out

Most flats can handle thru-body installation as long as one is careful with the initial installation and setup. La Bella is the only company who explicitly warns against thru-body installation for their regular Deep Talkin' Flats.

 

[Pilgrim]

Labella says their flats are not suitable for thru-body BUT they also make a set of flats specifically designed for thru-body installation. I don't recall the part number but it won't be hard to find. Labella strings are easy to find online, don't know why anyone says they're hard to finf.