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-   -   The Length of your 'B' String? (http://www.smithbassforums.com//showthread.php?t=184)

Ken Smith 03-15-2007 08:46 AM

The Length of your 'B' String?
 
I am conducting this Poll/Thread to better understand the needs of all Multi-String Bassists regardless or the Brand or Model Bass you use/own. Your contribution will be helpful in the development of Strings to better fit your Bass and make Size availability less of a burden when shopping in the future.

This Poll was originally started 3/29/05 at TB

To best know what Length of String you need/use, measure the String from the 'Ball End', including the Ball until it just passes the Nut up by the Headstock. This is the "Minimum" length needed. Now, measure the Length from the Ball again and up to the 'B' String Tuning Post. This is the maximum length needed.

For Example, a 34" scale Bass will need at least 35.5" to 36.5" to clear the nut. 36.5" to 38" is the average range of length available for these Basses. With Basses being so 'non-standard, it is necessary to classify Bass String needs as "Regular", "Long" or even "Extra-Long" for 'String-thru Body'.

"One Size Fits All" is no longer possible these days. I think we need to "measure-up" all the Basses out there that we could possibly find.. Please get involved in your Stringing future by participating here. Thank You, Ken...

NOTE: The information above should help you in general with the length of Strings needed for your entire Bass. String length and winding length are too completely different terms and needs to be understood when shopping for the correct length strings for your bass.

These were the previous TB Poll results;
---------------------------------------
36.5" From Ball to Silk or Taper............ 20 (25.97%)
37" From Ball to Silk or Taper............... 20 (25.97%)
38" From Ball to Silk or Taper............... 19 (24.68%)
39" From Ball to Silk or Taper............... 17 (22.08%)
40" From Ball to Silk or Taper............... 9 (11.69%)
Other length? Please explain!............... 4 (5.19%)

Mike O'Malley 03-15-2007 10:16 AM

It's my own fault for having bought a dingwall bass with a 37 inch B. The fanned fret idea works realluy well for me, but it limits the range of strings available

Tim Bishop 03-19-2007 09:00 PM

Dingwall?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike O'Malley (Post 1824)
It's my own fault for having bought a dingwall bass with a 37 inch B. The fanned fret idea works realluy well for me, but it limits the range of strings available



It would have been soooo much easier had you purchased a Smith! It's not too late though. Hang your Ding on the wall and take the plunge! :eek:

Ken Smith 08-10-2007 10:26 AM

huh?
 
8 months and only 4 votes on the B size needed?:confused:
Guys, you can do better than that!:(

I am mostly concerned with Non-Smith basses here so voting would mainly benefit those Basses other than Smith models.

Tim Bishop 08-10-2007 04:58 PM

Voted
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Smith (Post 5958)
8 months and only 4 votes on the B size needed?:confused:
Guys, you can do better than that!:(

I am mostly concerned with Non-Smith basses here so voting would mainly benefit those Basses other than Smith models.

Ken,

The only other basses I have are vintage Fender P and J Basses. Given that, I have determined what the length of a B-String on those scale lengths would be today: 35.5 - 37.5. My vote is based on this.

I was going to throw into the mix a 1987 Alembic Persuader (short scale): 34.5 - 36.25, however, I can only vote once.

Jeff Tranauskas 02-17-2008 02:25 PM

My String Length
 
Ken,
I measured my bass and it is exactly 35-7/8" from the ball to the tuning peg side of the nut. It is another 2" to the center of the tunning peg at the B string.
The 38" winding length on the Rock Master Medium non-taper core low B is too long for this bass.
I end up with the thick part of the string at the post.
This only occurs on the low B string.
Can you suggested a B string that will work?
Are the taper core strings a little shorter?

Thank you

Tim Bishop 02-17-2008 02:56 PM

What bass???
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Tranauskas (Post 8139)
Ken,
I measured my bass and it is exactly 35-7/8" from the ball to the tuning peg side of the nut. It is another 2" to the center of the tunning peg at the B string.
The 38" winding length on the Rock Master Medium non-taper core low B is too long for this bass.
I end up with the thick part of the string at the post.
This only occurs on the low B string.
Can you suggested a B string that will work?
Are the taper core strings a little shorter?

Thank you

Jeff, what model bass do you use and what is the scale length???

By the way, measure from the nut to the bridge saddles. :)

Jeff Tranauskas 02-17-2008 06:04 PM

My low end bass
 
Tim,
I have a Carvin LB75 that is giving me trouble.
I know it is not a Smith and putting Smith strings on it is a lot like putting lipstick on a pig.
The Smith strings greatly improve the tone of the bass.
I think the overall B string length should be around 37".
The scale length is 34".
I measured from the ball to the nut because that is what Ken said to do.
I just want to know if a Smith low B string is available for this bass.
I don't have any problems with the A-> G strings.
Someday I will get a Smith and this issue will be moot, but for now...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop (Post 8140)
Jeff, what model bass do you use and what is the scale length???

By the way, measure from the nut to the bridge saddles. :)


Ken Smith 02-17-2008 06:38 PM

length..
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Tranauskas (Post 8139)
Ken,
I measured my bass and it is exactly 35-7/8" from the ball to the tuning peg side of the nut. It is another 2" to the center of the tunning peg at the B string.
The 38" winding length on the Rock Master Medium non-taper core low B is too long for this bass.
I end up with the thick part of the string at the post.
This only occurs on the low B string.
Can you suggested a B string that will work?
Are the taper core strings a little shorter?

Thank you

I have some gauges in the non-taper in 36.5 inches. Unless they break tuned to pitch, the 38" should be ok if you can cut some of the silked portion of the 'spread' which needs to be done anyway. Just make sure when you call and order you ask for the shorter B, if we have them. Unless you over tune them, they should be ok and not break.


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