Webby308 Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 I've been looking to change from flats to roundwounds which I assumed would be an easy thing. Obviously there are loads of choices of strings, but I keep running into trouble finding the right lengths... The bass in question is a Wal Mk1 fretted, and I'm after strings that finish (if you see what I mean) just after the nut - rather than needing 15cm or so chopped off. Does anyone out there have any suggestions of strings that are 37 inches from the stop in the bridge to the first machine-head I could consider? All the examples I've been recommended have been for long scale (or 34 inches) and are obviously not what I'm after... Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Webby308 Posted June 28, 2022 Author Share Posted June 28, 2022 Just noticed I still need to learn how to spell lengths... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunion Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 I’ve never found any strings that didn’t need trimming to get a neat looking head they have to cater for all sorts of headstocks, 2+2, 3+1 etc never really thought about it it’s just always had to be done. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 ^ As well as the distance from nut to peg plus string thru body or even a trapeze tail... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Dare Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 String manufacturers have to allow for varying distances between nut and tuner, plus different headstock types (4 on one side, 3+1, 2+2) and different bridges (through body, Fender type - little distance between string end and saddles and so on). So they tend to make them a little over long. Something like a Wal has a short distance from nut to tuner compared with, for example, a Fender. The unwrapped section is designed to be cut back if needed. It won't harm the string. Ideally, the wound length should not wrap round the tuner post. I've found with some string makes on 34" scale basses and Fender-type bridges, which leave little distance between the string end and the saddle, that a medium scale string is better. The silked portion starts behind the nut. It's a case of suck it and see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 Newtone will make you strings of whatever length you want. However what is the problem of just cutting the strings to the correct length? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernaut Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) Buy some snips... You do know long scale strings mean they measure 37.25" - 38" ? Edited June 29, 2022 by Supernaut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 There doesn't seem to be a problem, but just one, deliberately done. You are after a solution where you need scissors a decent piano wire cutting tool (Knipex or similar). Then you buy a box of certain brand strings you want to use. Measure, cut to length, put the strings back to their packages and start using them. Solved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMoon Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 12 hours ago, itu said: There doesn't seem to be a problem, but just one, deliberately done. You are after a solution where you need scissors a decent piano wire cutting tool (Knipex or similar). Then you buy a box of certain brand strings you want to use. Measure, cut to length, put the strings back to their packages and start using them. Solved. I find it best to bend the string for "fender-type" tuners first, then cut to length. Apparently it helps reduce the possibility of the windings unravelling from the core. Those who know more will likely chime in if this is reality or just precaution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 4 minutes ago, BlueMoon said: I find it best to bend the string for "fender-type" tuners first, then cut to length. Apparently it helps reduce the possibility of the windings unravelling from the core. Those who know more will likely chime in if this is reality or just precaution. You only need to do this with strings that have a round rather than hexagonal core. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Webby308 Posted July 1, 2022 Author Share Posted July 1, 2022 Thanks everyone - it looks like some trimming is the answer, so now (after looking at Strings Direct), I just need to make a choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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