The way I understand it, solos are designed to maintain "normal" tension when tuned UP a semitone on a standard 41.5" scale. So tuned down to EADG on a 41.5" scale reduces the tension quite a bit, which some people like.

However, to maintain that same lower tension on a 43" scale you'd need to tune down to Eb - so bringing it back up to EADG restores the tension almost to the "normal" spec.

So in fact, my logic would be that putting solos on may well be the LEASTdrastic of all changes!

And they are available and not too dear

Well, I don't know how the math works really so I suppose the tension might work out to be about right - but I think the problem has more to do with the fact that the solo strings are also thin. It isn't like they're a lower-tension string and can thus be tuned up a semitone; they're just a light gauge (thin) version of the same string. So tuned down (EADG), even if the tension of the longer string length is closer to normal, they still feel strange I think.


edit: actually, I'm not sure that makes sense. Have to think about this. :D

think?
 

Thomas, rather than think about it, try it!

Some basses work better with solo strings. My Blockless sounded great with them and with no loss of tone or power. Actually, heavier or normal strings can 'choke' a top and the sound as well.

Check my first post on the subject - I have tried it, and thought it seemed odd. The thin strings just didn't feel right, even if the tension was closer to normal. Which I'm not convinced of. ;)

On how many basses did you try it and what vintage and condition were the basses? String length?

Like I said, not all basses feel the same. Those that are tight, need help to lessen the tension on them.

Good Morning,

@Arnold- I glued the bottom to the block and then used two brass screws in the block on the overhang, which I carved around the lining to secure it. It has been up to tension for over 24 hours with no noticeable change. Believe me, I am keeping my eye on it. Also, it is fully seated on the block, it doesn't touch the top anywhere.

@Ken- don't worry, I have every intention of coming by the shop if you are in town with the bass in tow.

@Others, I will eventually try some solo strings, however I am not in a hurry now as the bass feels pretty good. I am beginning to realize how much the low neck overstand bothers me when playing solo rep. Orchestral music on this bass is fine. I rarely notice the long string length unless I am trying to do octave string crossings in half position, or a perfect fifth. When you hit thumb, that is when the monsterous string length hits you in the face. "A is that far away from the harmonic?!?!?" You also have to go farther down on bigger shift because of the overstand and the notes feel farther to reach. I really have to overcompensate on some of this Bach.

Thanks for the kind words and support,
Brian

i think this is a good idea to easily check the effect of the saddle-height to the stringtension

^^^ I'd be embarrassed to take a bass out in public with that on it, let alone present it to a customer. :eek:

^^^ I like it, better than the moser bridge. It's clever. But what price?

I got this response from Moser's rep a couple of years ago -

"The price for the saddle for 3/4 bass including the tail piece fastener is
EURO 65.- plus EURO 15.- for shipping to USA. But please note that this
saddle has just the raw form of the instrument and needs to be adapted to
the specific instrument. We suggest to let this little work be done by a
luthier."

i think it is meant as a tool, not a permanent application

hmmm, tools aren't usually screwed onto an instrument. Not that I have a problem with using some hardware to affix a tall saddle, but that's a bit much. I'm sure it works fine and everything though.

he has a new model that does not need the screws anymore

http://www.kontrabassblog.de/wp-cont..._moser_500.jpg

Odd how replies to threads on this forum show up in my email inbox and yet disappear from the forum itself.

Anyway, in response to the mystery post about raised saddles extending over the top - how to you feel (mystery poster) about saddles that are "cantilevered" off of the top?

(Again, not that this has much to do with string tension as much as it does pressure on the plate, really, but since nobody seems interested in separating such ideas...)

??
 

I think there was a glitch on the Ban settings and a banned member came back for a minute each week. I thought it was set on permanent. Anything he sneaks on here was and will be deleted from the date of his Ban as well as any other offensive posts I find from before.

You and him can email all day for all I care as long as it's not on my Forum.

Electric Upright Bass
 

the string length on my EUB is 41 1/4. I'm using E,A'D thomastik spirocore Weich and Olive G string. Nut hight seem to be ok.
My question is : Why do I have such high string tension compared to my double bass with the same strings? The fingerboard also seems to have the right arch to it.
What to do?
Thanks

??
 

Maybe no acoustic vibrating wood to absorb the string vibrations as on a Double Bass?

Less than optimum angles between the TP, bridge and FB relations?

Find a good DB Luthier that understands EUB's?

Personally, I don't play one so I can only give suggestions by guessing, sorry.

An EUB typically has much smaller after-length both in the pegbox and below the bridge. And a stumpy tailpiece. This also can significantly affect the way a string feels ... it's "give", stretchiness and flexibility. And makes the EUB sustain like a slab.

If the string length is the same, the actual "tension" is and must be the same.

What brand your EUB?

EUB set up
 

Hey Ken
Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for your info.
Cheers