Custom Like  No  Other.

About Tuning And Scale Length.

​

Being the brand that offers perhaps the most comprehensive range of standard scale lengths (eleven plus custom!), we receive so many inquiries about the optimal tuning/scale length ratio that is probably worth dedicating a page to this topic.

​

Firstly, we have to establish that, inasmuch as we are able to tweak the physic laws ruling our universe, we can't break them and expect good results. Secondly, it is paramount to be clear on what to expect. To us, a B0 string ( the beast of the 34" scale length) must ring clear, with good harmonics, with no overtones and feel tight. Any less than this is not good enough, and our clients seem to agree.

​

We have built each and every one of those eleven scale lengths multiple times for over a decade. So we kinda know what we are talking about. Also, our 34" basses don't need a string gauge heavier than a .125 to sound and feel right and that's our reference point. 

 

Here's the gist of it: a standard 0.125 string tuned to a B0 requires a minimum of 30" scale length on a very well built instrument. It might sound redundant, but I'll say it just the same: Construction style and quality are key to tone clarity, as some 34" scale basses with poor sounding B0 string demonstrate.

​

Increasing the string gauge without increasing the scale length can help somewhat, but that too has its limits. Beyond a certain point overtones will creep in and kill your tone.

​

With that in mind, decreasing the scale length while lowering the pitch is clearly a tough proposition. In our experience, 30" is the minimum scale length that guarantees a clear sounding B0 string (.125 gauge) and a tight, familiar feel. Shorter scales are best suited for E1 tuning (with same string gauge). A 27" scale with a .135 gauge might still be an acceptable compromise to some. But I would argue that, to a refined ear the lower frequencies start losing definition. And sound engineers tend to have that refined ear.

​

So, we recommend 30" scale as the minimum for a great sounding B0; E1 for 27", 25.5" and 22.75" each with its own distinctive voice. Lastly 18" and 16" sound and feel great when tuned to one octave higher.

​

Of course, custom strings can overcome the obstacles because they are designed and built to compensate for the string's shorter speaking length, which is why we offer them. But they are built very differently from standard strings, and because the gauge is much heavier at .160 or so, they feel different. So, it's not a fair comparison.

​

There you have it. Of course, you don't have to take our word for it. Just ask yourself this: If your B0 sounds and feels right at 34"/.125, how can it possibly give you the same quality and feel at say, 25"? And if we need a .160 custom string to achieve a good sounding B0 on, say, a 22.75" scale, how well can we expect a standard string to perform in the same punishing conditions? 

​

There's a lot more to be said. But this should be enough to paint a good picture and I would respectfully suggest to first test any instrument promising very low tuning on extremely short scale lengths. After all, what might 'sounds and feels great' to others might not cut it for you.

​

Keep it groovy!

​