Danelectro Longhorn

[T.A.R.]

Hey guys,
I've picked up a Danectro Longhorn and I'm looking for some string advice, I was thinking of putting TI flats flats on it since I was so happy with them on my RIC. I'm open to suggestions. I will post pics when I get her, Pretty Blue burst, tweed case.

[sloop_john_b]

Congrats! I have been wanting one forever. I don't have much experience with short scale strings but I'm sure the TI's would be a fine choice. My favorite flats are LaBella 760J's but like I said, I don't know if that would translate to the short scale.

Two of my favorite players used Longhorns - Garry Tallent, early on with the E Street Band:



...and Bruce Thomas, later in his career with the Attractions (his was a Jerry Jones).

[fatcat]

Congrats! I have been wanting one forever. I don't have much experience with short scale strings but I'm sure the TI's would be a fine choice. My favorite flats are LaBella 760J's but like I said, I don't know if that would translate to the short scale.

Two of my favorite players used Longhorns - Garry Tallent, early on with the E Street Band:



...and Bruce Thomas, later in his career with the Attractions (his was a Jerry Jones).

And Joey Spampinato, with NRBQ.

[fatcat]

I have a re-ish longhorn. It's a fun one, light and easy on the back.Plays well enough that I use it most of the time.
It has a lively set of pickups on it.Maybe a bit too lively.
Once I had bad hum trouble with it, because the hotel's main electrical room was right behind the band spot.

I'd wait for it to arrive before ordering strings.The bridge is made to hold strings with small ball ends and windings,more like guitar strings.
What I've bought for it are the LaBella 767 6 S flats,which are on it now.

For rounds,Ernie Ball 2837 and tossed the B E strings.

Fender 5350s fit likewise, I haven't installed them as I'm saving them for my bass vi.

Daddario XL156 is one I haven't yet tried, but will be the next to go on it.

[antipodean]

I'm using D'addario Chromes on my JJ Longhorn and they're excellent. I'm amazed at how versatile the little beast is with flats - it's not the retro one-trick-pony I had anticipated.

[T.A.R.]

Thanks guys,
It a Korean reissue due here on Thursday. The previous owner had told me the string were old that's why I was thinking about it. Interesting choices I imagine I'll try a few out over some time and see what I like best. Pics when she gets here.

[iamthebassman]

These:

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fd.ht ... =lab-760fd

[johnallg]

These:

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fd.ht ... =lab-760fd

Ronn, what am I missing here - the E string is only .079. Are short scale strings smaller in diameter?

[aceonbass]

Are short scale strings smaller in diameter?

There's no reason they have to be. In fact, for a given set of standard scale strings, tension would be reduced by approximately 10% when used on a short scale bass. I used stock RIC 4003 bass strings on 3000 basses when I had them.

[antipodean]

These:

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fd.ht ... =lab-760fd

Ronn, what am I missing here - the E string is only .079. Are short scale strings smaller in diameter?

If anything, they should be a heavier gauge if you want the same tension....

[kiramdear]

These:

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fd.ht ... =lab-760fd

Ronn, what am I missing here - the E string is only .079. Are short scale strings smaller in diameter?

If anything, they should be a heavier gauge if you want the same tension....

That would be my take on it, too. Standard gauge strings feel wimpy on a short scale.

[T.A.R.]

I ordered the ones Ronn suggested, I'm very curious. Does it have to do with the construction of the bass?

These:

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fd.ht ... =lab-760fd

[fatcat]

I lied,mine has the 760 FD set on it and not the LaBella 767 6 S
I was at first concerned about the lighter strings, but found it works just fine.

I found useful information and a parts source: http://www.danguitars.com/

[iamthebassman]

These:

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fd.ht ... =lab-760fd

Ronn, what am I missing here - the E string is only .079. Are short scale strings smaller in diameter?

These are the exact strings that shipped on Danos in the 60s.

[T.A.R.]

This is it as unpacked. Pretty clean even a case key! She had heavy round wounds on I swapped them out for the La Bella 760FDs. In doing that I will have to adjust the truss rod as there is significant back bow now and the G string buzzes at the fifth fret. I let it sit over night and the fret buzz moved to the second fret there is still back bow which I will have to adjust out, but it's a lot less than it was. The tone is pretty amazing through the Marshall Major it appears quite versatile not a one trick pony at all. Ergonomically it's very comfortable the lightness of the whole thing gets me it seems lighter than the VOX hollow body I have. The frets feel huge compared to my Ric, the neck fits the hand well if anyone is interested I'll measure the neck. Over all I'm pleased, it will never replace my Ric but it will be a fun addition to the arsenal.