Bass Guitar Strings Sets

At a glance, if your bass's ball-to-nut length is…

Up to 32” choose Short Scale

32”-34” choose Medium Scale

34”-36” choose Long Scale

36”-38” choose Extra/Super Long Scale

Scale length is calculated by measuring from the inside edge of the top nut to the centre of the 12th fret and multiplying this by two.  Or, for a rough idea measuring from the nut to the bridge.

Speaking length is the distance from the top of the bridge saddle(s) to the inside of the top nut of the instrument. This will almost always be slightly longer than scale length.

Ball-to-nut is the distance from the ball-end (anchor point) of the string to the back of the top nut. When choosing bass strings we believe this is the most important measurement as it takes into account different types of bridges and anchor/ferrule placement.

We insist that players use the measurement of ball-end (anchor) to top nut of their current set of strings.  This measurement is more accurate than scale length as it takes into account through-body stringing, and more complex or alternative bridges.  In many cases the set of strings required will be longer than the bass’s stated scale length!

For a deeper dive click here to read our full article on bass scale length.