TomH
Joined: Mar 15, 2006
Posts: 766
Oberlin, Ohio, USA
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Posted on May 05 2011 08:56 AM
I bought a 1965 Framus Star Bass on the local Craigslist. It's a short scale neck, with a 30.5 scale". The neck itself is 3" shorter than the neck on my Danelectro Longhorn. So, I bought some short scale flatwound strings, but when I put them on, the cloth part of the strings covers the 1st fret. Obviously, I need longer strings. Not to worry, because the short scale strings fit my Longhorn perfectly.
It must be the trapeze tailpiece and the large body on this bass that makes short scale strings too short, even though this is a short scale bass. I measured from the nut to the end of the strings and it is 34.5". So, I was at Guitar Center and I measured a Jazz bass. On this bass it is 35.25" from the nut to the end of the strings.
So, my question is, should I buy some long scale, 34", strings? It does seem weird buying long scale strings for a short scale bass, but maybe that's what is needed. I was also thinking about medium scale strings; however, I'm afraid that they would also be too short.
Thanks for any help you can offer!
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dp
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3546
mojave desert, california
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Posted on May 05 2011 04:01 PM
upright bass is like your Framus: you have to consider string length from tailpiece to bridge as well as length from bridge to nut. Sounds like you need "regular" or "long" scale (34")
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dp
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3546
mojave desert, california
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Posted on May 05 2011 04:02 PM
just make sure your long scale strings are somewhat medium to light guage...that way your tension won't be too high!
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TomH
Joined: Mar 15, 2006
Posts: 766
Oberlin, Ohio, USA
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Posted on May 06 2011 10:16 AM
Hey thanks! I ordered a set of Rotosound long scale flatwounds: 45-65-85-105. Can't wait to get them and put them on! One nice thing about this is that "regular" scale strings are easier to find and are available in more styles. Thanks again.
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ebrobston
Joined: Feb 14, 2010
Posts: 122
birmingham alabama
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Posted on May 06 2011 07:50 PM
Rotosound 77M flatwound bass string should be the right fit. I tried Rotosound "short scale" strings on a Hofner-style Eko bass, but they were too short -- but the medium scale strings were the right fit. These may have been discontinued, though.
— www.reverbnation.com/thehighfidelics
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dp
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3546
mojave desert, california
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Posted on May 07 2011 10:03 AM
love to see a photo posted of your newly re-strung framus, if possible
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CrispyGoodness
Joined: Apr 06, 2009
Posts: 565
North Cackalacky
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Posted on May 09 2011 07:25 PM
I have a Framus BG-15, and it's in the same "neither fish nor fowl" category; too long for short scale, and too short for long scale. You have to get a set or reg'lar gauge strings and cut 'em down to fit.
I've heard tell that Hofner brand strings--which fit their Hofner President Bass, another "long" short scale bottom master--could also work on a Framus, although I've never tried.
--Crispy
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