rescale bass strings

[Ron Nossaman]

> Even when I used to send them computer printouts with detailed wire 
> sizes and lengths I found that they would routinely make changes to the 
> core & wrap wire sizes, despite being admonished not to do so. I came to 
> the conclusion that my business really didn't matter to them, so I went 
> elsewhere. Too bad, because in other respects there service was first rate.
> 
> - Mark Dierauf

I never did figure Mapes out. They don't seem to have a way to 
calculate stretch, so they leave the wrap a yard short of the 
agraffe. Give them a set of measurements from hitch to bridge 
pin and to agraffe, and (despite extra bold text description) 
they assume it's wrap end to wrap end and will send you a $400 
set of useless strings. They want the strings back too, before 
they'll issue a refund, in case you try to use them anyway - 
somehow.

Arledge makes nice strings, but he argues with me about my 
scaling. He seems to be trying to make strings as "lively" as 
possible, which is likely welcome on old mostly dead 
soundboards, but is problematic on more efficient new boards. 
I've also had more of his loops break than should have been 
possible.

I use JD Grandt. John is stable, efficient, knowledgeable, 
reasonable, and makes a first rate "no surprises" string to my 
specs with good accuracy and quick turnaround. Great guy to 
work with, great product.

Ron N