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Strings For Scroll Basses


All models of Scroll Basses, both the new ones that I build and the vintage Ampegs, require special length strings which can be very difficult to find. Here's what I supply and recommend:

AEB-2, AUB-2, AEB-1, AUB-1, ASB-1 & AUSB-1

These models all need very long strings in a custom size that I call Ampeg Length. They are not stocked by any string manufacturers, or available in any music stores. These strings are about 3" longer than standard "Long Scale" sets (used on most common 34" scale length basses), and are about an inch longer than the "Super Long Scale" sets that a few manufacturers carry.

GHS lists a special set of their Boomers roundwounds as fitting the Ampeg AEB-1, but they don't normally stock them, and I'm not sure of the availability in recent years. They're actually alittle too long for a correct fit on an AEB-1, and they are very bright sounding.

The correct dimensions to fit these models are:
40 1/4" from the ball end to the end of the outer winding (the beginning of the silk threads).
45" in overall length.

I've had strings made up to these dimensions by four manufacturers so far: D'Addario, LaBella, Thomastik-Infeld, and Rotosound. Right now, all I have in stock are D'Addario Chromes flatwounds, and D'Addario XL roundwounds.

Some of my AEB-2's and AUB-2's were shipped with LaBella 760FL flatwounds, which I really like, butunfortunately I can no longer supply them. LaBella has been completely uncooperative and unreliablein filling orders, and I've given up dealing with them out of frustration. It's a shame, becausethey make a great product...

D'Addario is a wonderful company to deal with, and I like the Chromes flatwounds. They're somewhat tinny sounding when they're new, but after a few hours of playing, they soften up and have a nice warm tone. These are the standard strings on the new AEB-2 and AUB-2 Scroll Basses that I build, and I also think that they're the best choice for vintage Ampeg AEB-1, AUB-1, ASB-1 & AUSB-1 models.Some AEB-1 and ASB-1 owners may prefer the XL roundwounds, but I personally think that they are too bright for those instruments. The Ampeg "mystery" pickup has an annoying ring in the higher frequency range, and the roundwounds just make it worse. Like my new Scroll basses, vintage Ampegs were designed for the frequency curve of flatwounds, and putting roundwounds on one won't make it sound like an Alembic!

Early in the AEB-2/AUB-2 project, I had some strings made up by Rotosound. Although I love the sound of Rotosounds on the two Rickenbackers that I own, they were too bright and metallic sounding on my Scroll Basses. Some vintage Ampeg owners liked them, but I've now run out, andprobably won't be ordering any more.

Thomastik-Infeld made up a few sets of their flatwounds for me, and I like them. They have a different character than the other strings; much more flexible and springy feeling, with a very strong fundamental tone. Unfortunately, I don't have any more of them in Ampeg Length, and can't justify the cost of the minimum order to stock them.

I'd like to carry more brands and gauges, but there's a big initial investment required,and this is a very small market. I have to order 50-100 sets at a time and, with the setup charges, that costs me $800 to $2000. In a typical year, I only sell 30 to 50 sets total, so I can't afford to buy and stock a variety of types. I've chosen the D'Addario Chromes in medium gauge asa good string that most of my customers like, but that's all I can do for now.


Prices & Ordering Information:

D'Addario Chromes Flatwounds in 045/065/080/100 gauge: $25 per set

D'Addario XL Nickel Roundwounds in 045/065/085/105 gauge: $20 per set

These prices include Priority Mail shipping within the US. Just send me a check or money order, and they'll be on the way. If you want to order multiple sets, or need international shipping,I'll be glad to quote you a price.


AMB-1 & AMUB-1

The AMB-1 and AMUB-1 models use strings of the length that most manufacturers call Super Long Scale or Long Scale Plus, which measure 37 1/2" to 38" from the ball end to the end of the outer winding, and 44" to 45" overall.

My recommendations are D'Addario Chromes flatwounds, which are available in several gauges, or LaBella 760FL (light gauge) or 760FM (medium gauge) flatwounds. These are smooth, tight strings that have a wonderful warm tone. An alternative is Thomastiks, which springier feeling with a clearer tone. Roundwounds also sound good on an AMB-1, if you like the brighter tone.

I don't stock any of these strings, but a great place to get them is JustStrings.com. Remember, the AMB/AMUB is only 34" scale length, but you must have Super Long Scale or Long Scale Plus length strings.

Vintage Ampeg SSB & SSUB

The vintage SSB and SSUB use strings of the sizes that manufacturers call Short Scale or Medium Scale, which measure 33" to 34" from the ball end to the end of the outer winding, and 42" to 43" overall. There's a good variety of strings available in these sizes, so your choice depends on your preference in tone. I have GHS roundwounds on my SSB and some unknown brand of black tapewounds on my SSUB, and they both sound great in their own ways.

New SSB

The new SSB Short Scale Bass that I build uses standard "long scale" strings, which are available from many manufacturers in all kinds of types and gauges. At the moment, I've been putting D'Addario Chromes flatwounds in medium gauge on the production instruments, because that's what I personally like best.