Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by TN Twang on February 11, 2016 at 12:00pm

http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Finding-the-correct-string-length-...

I'd never thought about it because all my (commercially built) basses have a 34-inch scale, but, yes, it can make a difference. A 34-inch string on a 30-inch bass won't be pulled as tight to get up to pitch and will have a greater tendency to buzz and "flop around" when plucked.

The guy at the website above also points out some issues. It's not only a matter of how long is your scale, but also a matter of how the strings fit into your tuning pegs.

Thanks for pointing out that there exist different string lengths for sale. (Hey! What do I know?) I think I'll try some 32" strings on my buzzy 34" acoustic and see if the heavier tension will solve the problem.

Permalink Reply by jeffrey ross on February 11, 2016 at 12:20pm

So the link was great if you are going electric etc. I use a neck through design and the strings will be attached at the tail block. I will have to measure from tail to tuner for overall length. Looks like customer service at JustStrings.com will be getting a call soon. 

As I am not a bass player I am going on instinct here and trial and error can be expensive with bass strings.

Permalink Reply by Kigar on February 11, 2016 at 4:24pm

I bought one and only one set of bass strings ever and did what sounds like the same process you are going thru.  I'd suggest getting close on the recommended scale length and make sure the overall length is long enough to reach your tail piece and still wrap the furthest tuners a few times.  Bass strings fight you a little bit at the beginning of stringing due to the thickness compared to standard guitar strings so a little extra length helps.

Permalink Reply by PhilUSAFRet on February 11, 2016 at 1:35pm

Strings must be matched to scale length for best performance.  It's a tension thing.

Permalink Reply by Brian Revels on February 11, 2016 at 3:05pm

Probably not the answer you're looking for, but... use Weedwacker line and it shouldn't matter the scale or "string" length.  I used .115, .90, and .80 for a three stringer I made last year (strings tuned nicely to E,A, and D).

Permalink Reply by jeffrey ross on February 11, 2016 at 3:27pm

Actual weedwacker strings? Or is that a bass players term for something I dont know about? Do they create a reasonable amount of volume and? I am using a piezo pickup so as long as they vibrate they will amplify I would imagine. So many new questions!?!? 

Permalink Reply by TN Twang on February 12, 2016 at 10:26am

There are guys on this board that really use weedwacker strings. I hope they'll all chime in with info on thickness, tone quality, etc. Never done it myself, but I'd like to learn how...

Permalink Reply by Brian Revels on February 15, 2016 at 1:43am

Yes, actually Weed Wacker line... sorry for the lack of a reply. I have 3 computers at home and not one of them works right when I click to reply to posts on this site (really stinks and I am not sure what the issue is). Am struggling with replying on a tablet right now.

At any rate... here's a video of the build I am referring to: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-MzvKYqVkgI

Acoustically it's not very loud, but neither is an electric bass (and it's about as loud as that... loud enough to hear the notes, but not loud enough to play without amplification. I used 2 piezo discs wired in series.

Again, sorry for the late reply, but hopefully this helps. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Brian Revels on February 15, 2016 at 1:47am

Oh, and email/message me here with any questions. I seem to have better luck replying to messages than forums.

Permalink Reply by PhilUSAFRet on February 15, 2016 at 4:18am

Uke players use the acoustic guitar version of the Behringer Bass Driver to get the volume and range they need to plug their passive piezo ukes into an amp.  Can save a lot by only having to build passive systems since they all would plug into this.

http://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-V-TONE-BASS-DRIVER-BDI21/dp/B000KIPUQG

Permalink Reply by TN Twang on February 16, 2016 at 4:00am

I've been very pleased with the Behringer "Acoustic Guitar Driver" as a booster for guitars. Pay one time; use on everything.  Looks like the price is right on the bass unit. Many thanks for the tip.

Permalink Reply by Murdoc_420 on March 25, 2016 at 9:19am

I'll chime in with some bad info: because in CBB there are no rules right?  :D

 I just built a 3 string neck through with a 24" scale. (I did run strings through to bottom of box to try and keep as much length as possible. 2" behind bridge and 2.5" through the box. So base of string to nut is 28")

 I used ADG strings that came off my 35" scale bass.

 It tuned up to ADG just fine and the strings have good tension (maybe a bit tight). It plays well and resonates great, also electric (piezo) and runs through an amp fine.

 So I think it's less important to get the perfect scale length than generally thought. This was an experiment so I wasn't sure but I am having no issues with 'wrong' length.

 I did however use the adg because the thickest part of the A which I had to put through the tuner was the largest string that would fit (uke tuners). The E was too large for that. Bass tuners are 3x the price... ah compromise.

 

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