Hi Gary
Looks like you're going to have some fun over the next month or two. A few comments based on my own experience of building four 22" scale basses:
I have not looked for different types of string material and always used the stock Ashbory sets. Although different materials have likely become available since its invention (only 20 years ago) I suspect Alun Jones and Nigel Thornbory did extensive experimentation to home in on the stuff we use. The tension is obviously graeater due to the longer scale, but they do work, and G breakages don't seem to be that more frequent. Mind you, if it goes when you're playing and hits you it can sting a bit! The G is 4mm diameter (that's what I sell) but after a while stretched in tune it is probably about half that. I would recommend that you expend your energy on the design and making of the bass and use stock strings. Try others after that but by then you'll have a benchmark feel and sound.
My other remark follows on from that. If the in tune diameter of the string is half of the unstretched string, the rest of the string has to go somewhere and that's around the machine head post. It's LOTS of winds, particularly on the G string. The elastic properties of silicone v steel are very different and a threaded rod will have to be awfully long to accommodate that stretch. Also I'm not sure you can do without knots. Due to the nature of the material any pressure point due to clamping concentrates stress around that point and weakens the string leading to breakage. The knot, though perhaps a bit inelegant, doesn't cause those stresses, proved by the fact that strings rarely, if ever, break at the knot.
I hope I don't sound too negative, but I wouldn't want you to go down any blind alleys.
All the best with your project and keep us posted.
Mike
Author
Topic: Building a custom Ashbory, My introduction (Read 1727 times)