Are Bass Strings Strong Enough for Non-Bass Instruments?

The question of whether bass strings can be used on non-bass instruments is often debated among musicians and instrument enthusiasts. Contrary to popular belief, virtually any stringed instrument can be adapted to accommodate bass strings, provided certain modifications are made. However, the practicality and the sound quality of such adaptations make the endeavor mostly pointless.

Piano: The Ideal Candidate?

The Piano stands out as a prime example of an instrument capable of becoming a bass guitar to some extent. This is because pianos have numerous bass strings that are wound to exert significant tension. While the visible strings on a piano are often thinner, the registry (the range of notes) is impressive. Depending on the model, there can be two really little thick strings for each note in the bass range, and the total string tension on a set of super-light tension 34-inch scale electric bass strings at concert pitch EADG can be around 150 lbs.

String Tension and Adaptability

The key point to consider is that strings come in different thicknesses and can be tuned to different tensions, making virtually any stringed instrument capable of supporting bass strings with appropriate modifications. The main challenge lies in fitting the thick bass strings and tuning them to lower pitches without compromising the instrument’s structural integrity or sound quality.

Acoustic Guitar Bass Strings

Acoustic Guitars are another instrument that can handle bass strings if certain conditions are met. A standard X-braced, steel-strung acoustic guitar, for instance, could theoretically run a set of four light bass strings at concert tension with a total string tension of about 160 lbs. However, the limitations become apparent quickly. Fat bass strings would not fit the instrument’s tuning machines, nut, or bridge without major modifications.

Moreover, the shorter scale of an acoustic guitar would lead to the strings being higher than the standard pitch, preventing the instrument from sounding like a bass unless the strings are tuned way below normal tension. At this point, the strings would be floppy, offering poor tone, playability, and tuning stability. It would be a mostly pointless exercise to attempt this modification without significant alterations.

Specialty Strings and Tuning

The Practicality of Specialty Strings cannot be overstated. Instead of trying to adapt a traditional instrument, one can opt for specialty instrument-specific strings. For example, you can use Magma Transpositor strings on a normal classical guitar to lower its pitch by one full octave, effectively turning it into a cello with overlap in range with a bass. Another common tuning for a 7-string guitar, the Van Epps tuning, which uses the notes AEADGBe, can lower the A string to match the pitch of a bass. Similarly, an 8-string guitar can be tuned with the low four strings to match the absolute pitches of a bass.

Bass Strings for Ukuleles

For the Ukulele, there are specialized bass strings available. These rubberized strings can be fitted to typical ukuleles, allowing them to render pitches identical to those of a standard bass. This makes it possible to play bass lines on a ukulele, albeit with some seat-of-the-pants modifications to accommodate the larger diameter of the strings.

Conclusion

The versatility and adaptability of bass strings to non-traditional instruments provide musicians with a wide range of creative possibilities. While these adaptations require some technical expertise and modification, the practical limitations often make them challenging to implement successfully. Therefore, utilizing specialty strings or adopting alternative tunings are usually the more straightforward and effective solutions for achieving a bass-like sound on other stringed instruments.