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Bass string scale length guide

How to check bass string scale length

To be sure what length string you require you should take some measurements as the terms “Short/Medium/Long/Extra Long Scale” can mean different things amongst manufacturers and the distance between where the ball end is anchored and the saddle needs to be considered. For example, string-through vs top-loading bridge designs can add to the string length without affecting the scale length.

The best way to check which scale length Rotosound strings will fit your bass is to measure from where the strings’ ball ends anchor to the nut (A) and also from the ball end anchor to the tuning post. You can refer to the image below:

Now refer to the chart below: You want to find the STRING LENGTH that sits between these two measurements.

SCALESTRING LENGTH (INCH)STRING LENGTH (MM)SCALE LENGTH (INCH)SCALE LENGTH (MM)
 SHORT32.2582030760
MEDIUM35.2589530.5 – 32772 – 810
 LONG3794032 -34810 – 860
 EXTRA LONG39.2599533.5 – 36850 – 915
SCALE STRING LENGTH (INCH)
STRING LENGTH (MM)
 SHORT 32.25
820
MEDIUM 35.25895
 LONG 37940
 EXTRA LONG 39.25995
SCALESCALE LENGTH (INCH)SCALE LENGTH (MM)
 SHORT30760
MEDIUM30.5 – 32772 – 810
 LONG32 -34810 – 860
 EXTRA LONG33.5 – 36850 – 915

We apply each string’s silk by hand so please expect a tolerance of +/- 10mm

Tips for fitting bass guitar strings

When fitting Rotosound bass strings, be sure that the silked part of the string ONLY is wound around the machine post. If the speaking length of the string is wound around the post, the string may then be prone to breakage. This type of breakage is not covered by our normal warranty.

Wherever possible, cutting a flatwound bass string should be avoided as it can unravel at that end. If this cannot be avoided then make sure that there are enough turns around the tuning post to ensure that the string is stable.

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