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Post subject: Musicmaster Bass - Best strings
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 5:29 am
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Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2014 5:11 am
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Location: Hamstead Marshall UK
I want to put a set of strings on an old Musicmaster Bass. I'm not sure how old it is but the serial number is stamped on the neck fixing plate and in the 300,000s. This neck and set up seems very short. I just received a set of fender 5250XL (only short scale the shop had) but these are slightly too long (wound 33 1/4") and an inch of wrap winding will be on the machine head - I'm worried they might break. The E string winding must stop at 32" when taught.
I know also that it's best to go heavy in gauge rather than light to stop them flopping all over the place.
Can any one suggest a set they've had good results with?
Cheers
Petethehop


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Post subject: Re: Musicmaster Bass - Best strings
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 1:51 am
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Location: Albemarle, NC
Hi PeteTheHop! Those are technically the correct strings for that bass. Also the tension in these should be fine. They are made for 30 inch scale basses like the Musicmaster and Mustang with the right amount of tension. I'd stick to these or if you opt for another 30 inch set stick to that one. Changing string types and gauges just complicates setup.

You say your Musicmaster seems short? Measure and see if it is 30 inches from nut to center of saddle travel on the bridge. If it is 30 inches it is exactly right since this is a 30 inch scale bass. Don't neglect to trim the strings by snipping off the appropriate amount of excess with wire cutters during string installation. You want to trim off enough to have about 2 and a half to 4 turns of string around the tuner posts. Measure twice, cut once. DO NOT CUT TOO SHORT!

Andrew Pouska has put together an excellent step by step tutorial on how to string an electric bass here:
http://www.studybass.com/gear/bass-strings/how-to-change-bass-guitar-strings/

There is a good setup tutorial from Gary Willis which you can consult for fine tuning of your setup after string installation here:
http://www.garywillis.com/pages/bass/bassmanual/setupmanual.html

The two most common bass string errors I see are:
1. Not inserting the end of the string into the little hole in the center of base of the tuner post. I often see instruments with the end of the string poking out from the side of the tuner post. Of course this is how you string a Spanish guitar, but it is not how you string an electric bass. It is more secure and the tuning will be more stable when the end of the string is fully inserted into the little hole.
2. Too few or too many turns of string around the tuner post. Since the headstock on a Fender bass is not angled back you need a few wraps to create enough of an angle that the angle helps hold the string in the nut slot. I frequently see instruments with less than a full turn of string on the tuner post! I also see instruments with so many wraps they start piling up on top of each other. Both these things are bad because it negatively impacts tuning stability and playability. Getting about 3 turns is enough on most instruments but on the "A" string sometimes I shoot for 3 and a half to four turns. Turns should lie snug side by side each other and NEVER EVER on top of each other!


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Post subject: Re: Musicmaster Bass - Best strings
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 1:43 am
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Hi brotherdave
Good tips and a good comprehensive reply. It is 30”, tho’ my only possible problem is: one inch of fat (over wrap) part of the E string will be around the tuning spindle. I guess i’ll just have to risk it.
My next problem is the nut needs replacing (split), measuring up I need something between the Jazz and P bass parts. Looks like a night of fashioning and fettling in the workshop.
Thanks again


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Post subject: Re: Musicmaster Bass - Best strings
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 7:17 am
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Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:00 am
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Location: In the pocket north of Washington D.C.
While not an ideal situation- I have had many a bass string wrap around a tuning post with the speaking length of the string. It will not break the post in spite of what you have been told.

If your bass needs a nut- You can do it yourself, but it may be a job to give to a professional if you want the best results.

I cut my own nuts, but it is a skill that takes practice to acquire and you may want to get a bone nut installed for the best tone from your bass.

Good luck with your Musicmaster bass.

BTW- I think a serial number in the 300000 range puts it at 1971.

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If thine enemy wrong thee, buy each of his children a drum.


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Post subject: Re: Musicmaster Bass - Best strings
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:32 pm
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Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:07 am
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Location: Central WI
I really like these, use the black ones on both of my Musicmaster basses.

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