I just got my brand new fretless Bongo 5 HHP (to go with my fretted 5 HHP). I tune E-A-D-G-C. When I went to put on a set of GHS 38" tapewounds, I found that the G (fourth string) was too short. I measured the length from the bridge to the tuning machine, and found it to be 43". Looking online, I found LoBella tapewounds at 42", but can't find anything else. Does anyone know of either single or 6-string sets that have long enough tapewound strings to fit this? Thanks much.
Help! Tapewound strings on a fretless Bongo 5--not long enough...
- Thread starter Jazzdoc
- Start date
MrMusashi
Well-known member
hello jazzdoc and welcome to the forums!
i am puzzled by your post because of 2 things. actually make that 3 things
1. the ghs black nylons doesnt have any thinner string than 050. not in a kit, not as a single. the tension would be pritty hard if you tune a 5 string set up to eadgc instead of beadg
2. i have a set of them on my 20th sr5. i took the liberty of measuring the distance from the bridge entry point to the centre of the d tuner which was 42,9"
i then loosened the g string and pulled it in a straight line past the d tuner. even if i trimmed the string to make the string fit the g tuner i still had a good inch past the d tuner. without the trimming it should be plenty to have a secure fit into the tuner
3. the ghs actually are 37 1/4" from the ball end to the start of the red silk. then add all the string with the silkwrap around. they usually add plenty of string length wrapped in that cloth to make sure it reaches where it should.
have you actually put the strings on, or do you perhaps just wonder if they will fit?
or, perhaps you are just trolling us?
if you are not trolling, perhaps just unsure i apologize. i did not mean to offend you in any way. i was just wondering
labellas can be had in 38" length from ball end to the silk spinning and also in 043 which would be suitable for the high c tuning. give labella a call to hear the total length of the string before you order them
hth!
MrM
i am puzzled by your post because of 2 things. actually make that 3 things
1. the ghs black nylons doesnt have any thinner string than 050. not in a kit, not as a single. the tension would be pritty hard if you tune a 5 string set up to eadgc instead of beadg
2. i have a set of them on my 20th sr5. i took the liberty of measuring the distance from the bridge entry point to the centre of the d tuner which was 42,9"
i then loosened the g string and pulled it in a straight line past the d tuner. even if i trimmed the string to make the string fit the g tuner i still had a good inch past the d tuner. without the trimming it should be plenty to have a secure fit into the tuner
3. the ghs actually are 37 1/4" from the ball end to the start of the red silk. then add all the string with the silkwrap around. they usually add plenty of string length wrapped in that cloth to make sure it reaches where it should.
have you actually put the strings on, or do you perhaps just wonder if they will fit?
or, perhaps you are just trolling us?
if you are not trolling, perhaps just unsure i apologize. i did not mean to offend you in any way. i was just wondering
labellas can be had in 38" length from ball end to the silk spinning and also in 043 which would be suitable for the high c tuning. give labella a call to hear the total length of the string before you order them
hth!
MrM
Hello, and thanks for the welcome,
No, not trolling. And, yes, already installed the other four strings without difficulty. I actually had them previously on a Yamaha TRB II 5 F, and they did just fine from a tension standpoint. I didn't actually measure the string itself, but when I mounted it through the bridge and pulled it taut, the tip of the winding barely touched the peg.
I can certainly call La Bella next week, unless anyone has any other thoughts/experience.
No, not trolling. And, yes, already installed the other four strings without difficulty. I actually had them previously on a Yamaha TRB II 5 F, and they did just fine from a tension standpoint. I didn't actually measure the string itself, but when I mounted it through the bridge and pulled it taut, the tip of the winding barely touched the peg.
I can certainly call La Bella next week, unless anyone has any other thoughts/experience.
MrMusashi
Well-known member
my apologies. i knew i should have just been friendly and not guess..
MrM
MrM
MrMusashi
Well-known member
i just looked up a photo of your yamaha bass and see that it has a 3+2 tuner configuration. and on top of that it has a smaller diameter on the tuner post, so naturally when you cut it to a suitable length it will be too short when you try to stretch it to a 4+1 setup.
the d tuner will be further away.
you can get away cheaper by just ordering a single d string from ghs. lengthwise they will be more than long enough when they are uncut
hth
MrM
the d tuner will be further away.
you can get away cheaper by just ordering a single d string from ghs. lengthwise they will be more than long enough when they are uncut
hth
MrM
Thanks for the reply. That would be okay, except that I never cut down my strings previously. I did what you mentioned and measured my string. The '38 inch' string consists of the tapewound section measuring 38" plus the extra fabric -covered windings for a total of 43". And that makes it not long enough to reach. Guess I can call GHS and see if they have a longer string.
MrMusashi
Well-known member
my d string had no problems reaching the 43" from bridge to tuner post. i also have 3 windings around the post and i did cut the string shorter to make the number of turns "just right"
i would call ghs and inquire about what might be going on..
MrM
i would call ghs and inquire about what might be going on..
MrM
So, some follow-up for the group...
1. I called GHS. Their tapewound strings are not made by them. They are made out of house and have a very limited set of options.
2. I called La Bella. All of their strings, no matter whether they are roundwound, flatwound, tapewound, or taperwound, measure 48". Thus, I ordered a 6-string set, and will use the upper 5 strings. This should do the trick.
That's all. Thanks for your thoughts.
1. I called GHS. Their tapewound strings are not made by them. They are made out of house and have a very limited set of options.
2. I called La Bella. All of their strings, no matter whether they are roundwound, flatwound, tapewound, or taperwound, measure 48". Thus, I ordered a 6-string set, and will use the upper 5 strings. This should do the trick.
That's all. Thanks for your thoughts.
