vikingblood Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 What is the max scale length I can use for electric bass strings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j. pierce Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Depends on how much extra length you have after the break points, I suppose. (I.e., if your last tuner is very far from the nut, you can't get away with as much. Same thing could apply at the bridge, I suppose.) I find that it also depends on the brand of strings - GHS strings don't seem to be able to go quite as far as other brands; I could barely make them fit my 35" scale 5 string, while regular D'addario's had no problem. Some string makers are offering strings for longer scales now - I know d'addario's site says they sell a "Super long" string they say is appropriate for 36-38 inch scale lengths, although I've never seen them. (But I haven't had a reason to look, either.) I'm sure others with more experience with ERBs and such will chime in. Keep in mind that it can be a pain if you have to special-order strings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 you need to be carefull over 35", as mentioned above brands will vary a lot... also pay attention to bridge and tuners, a 35" scale with through body stringing and a long headstock may struggle with a lot of standard strings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vikingblood Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thanks guys because I was considering building electric upright bass as close to 40'' scale length without having to buy upright strings. I just wanted to experiment with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ae3 Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 You might be able to contact a smaller string manufacturer and see if they will make longer ones for you. It's worth a shot if you really want them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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