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

[Evanforbass]

Tha

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.

That’s it. Thanks!

 

[hatcity]

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

Thanks for the tip.

 

[Root 5]

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

I haven’t measured that, however, I would guess 34”

 

[Root 5]

thank you.

You’re very welcome. As a general rule, it is best to use medium scale strings on your instrument. However, some manufacturers’ short scale sets will fit our Mustangs well. An example is the “short scale” Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats set JF324. And short scale Pyramid Gold flats. ( Pyramid will make mediums if requested.)

 

[Root 5]

Thanks for the tip.

I presume you are in the US? I second the La Bella recommendation, the Mustang set 760F-MUS. ( 43-104 gauge. ) Easy to get and great strings in every way.
Also GHS Precision medium scale set 3120 (40-95 gauge ). Great sounding, feeling strings.
Excellent European options - Thomastik Infeld, Pyramid, and the Optima Chrome med. scale set.

 

[hatcity]

I presume you are in the US? I second the La Bella recommendation, the Mustang set 760F-MUS. ( 43-104 gauge. ) Easy to get and great strings in every way.
Also GHS Precision medium scale set 3120 (40-95 gauge ). Great sounding, feeling strings.
Excellent European options - Thomastik Infeld, Pyramid, and the Optima Chrome med. scale set.

Thank you.

 

[HaphAsSard]

I haven’t measured that, however, I would guess 34”

Whenever you have the time, and thank you again. I was just wondering about not-long-scale strings that are actually still too long for the (classic, string-thru) Mustang; like medium-scale GHS and what Thomastik-Infeld calls "short-scale" (35.5" winding length, in both cases).

 

[Root 5]

Whenever you have the time, and thank you again. I was just wondering about not-long-scale strings that are actually still too long for the (classic, string-thru) Mustang; like medium-scale GHS and what Thomastik-Infeld calls "short-scale" (35.5" winding length, in both cases).

I will haul out a Mustang and have a look. I have a set of GHS medium scale flats ( 35.5" wind length ) and they line up nicely with the E tuner.

 

[Root 5]

Whenever you have the time, and thank you again. I was just wondering about not-long-scale strings that are actually still too long for the (classic, string-thru) Mustang; like medium-scale GHS and what Thomastik-Infeld calls "short-scale" (35.5" winding length, in both cases).

The length from the outside ball to the middle of the E tuner is 35.06" ( 890.59mm ) on a Japanese string through Mustang.

 

[hatcity]

Thanks guys...due to your diligent assistance I was able to solve the issue.

 

[HaphAsSard]

The length from the outside ball to the middle of the E tuner is 35.06" ( 890.59mm ) on a Japanese string through Mustang.

Awesome, thank you very much!

 

[ixlramp]

Remember: Strings do not and cannot have 'scale length', they only have 'winding length'. Any mention of 'scale length' by a brand is just an unreliable guide to the bass guitar scale length the winding length is likely to be compatible with.

You cannot use long scale strings and just cut them down.

True that cutting strings anywhere other than the silked/tapered section will ruin the string. However you link this statement to:

1. Strings are wound at playing tension. When used on a shorter scale they are never pulled to proper tension and sound muddy.

Tension is independent of, and unrelated to, string winding length.
The tension of a string depends on bass guitar scale length, pitch and gauge only. Not the string winding length. So-called 'medium scale' strings and 'long scale' strings will have the same tensions.

Strings are wound at a manufacturing tension that is usually lower than the intended tension (intended tension varies according to what set the gauge is in), this is done to make them sound good when used at lower tensions. For example a .050 can be a tight G in one set or an extra light D in another set, so it is wound at a low-as-possible manufacturing tension to work well at low tension at D. Players often detune their strings too.

A medium or short scale bass guitar does not make a huge difference to tension so medium gauge strings are likely to still exceed their manufacturing tension.

Although exceeding the winding tension is helpful, it does not make a big difference and will not make a string 'muddy', just a little stiffer, a little darker, a little more inharmonic.

 

[Kev1955]

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.

Labella has mustang bass flats, On my JMJ mustang currently using Medium scale labella lo tension flats. I measure the string length for string thru mustang ideally 32.5 to 34 inches, nut to tuning peg. Generally medium scale strings