Medium scale 32 inch which strings

[Skezza]

I have owned and do own a number of 4 and 5 string basses all of which have been 34 inch or 35 inch scale.

Due to the onset of arthritis in my left hand I have just bought off here a 32 inch scale 4 string GRECO bass off 

SLAPPINDABASS. really just to see if its easier to play and if i like it

Can I use normal long scale strings on this or do I have to use some specifically shorter medium scale strings.

Any advice would be welcome

[Manton Customs]

D’addario make a few different sets for medium scale, or you can go to Newtone strings and get your own custom gauge set made for you for the price of a standard set!

[Skezza]

Thanks for that I use Daddarios pro steels on my 5 strings so I might try a similar set in the medium scale length

[hooky_lowdown]

You can use full length strings on a 32 scale. You'll probably find there is not a lot of difference between 34 and 32 inch scale, so possibly won't help your onset artiritus. A short scale (30 inch) would probably benefit you more.

[Manton Customs]

Yep, you can use long scale - looks like crap and could potentially lead to string breakages as your bending the "fat bit" at quite a steep angle...but you can -  and probably a lot of people do. But if you like Prosteels, they do those in medium scale.

[Skezza]

Thanks guys This guitar was so cheap a japanese GRECO for £80 I thought ill give it a try.

 

a 30 inch may be my next purchase 

[hooky_lowdown]

1 hour ago, Skezza said:

Thanks guys This guitar was so cheap a japanese GRECO for £80 I thought ill give it a try.

 

a 30 inch may be my next purchase 

If you like the pj configuration, and looking for an inexpensive short scale, most peeps around here will suggest the squire vm jaguar. If you find a Mustang version all the better.

[Skezza]

its a mustang that I am attracted to lovely looking guitar

[naxos10]

+1 for Newtone strings which I have on all my short scale basses (30.5").

[Count Bassy]

On 21/02/2019 at 18:31, hooky_lowdown said:

You can use full length strings on a 32 scale. You'll probably find there is not a lot of difference between 34 and 32 inch scale, so possibly won't help your onset artiritus. A short scale (30 inch) would probably benefit you more.

Personally I find a very noticable difference between 32 & 34", much more that I expected.

 

String wise D'addario, Warwick, Newtone, and I thing Rotosound make Medium scale strings, and I'm sure there are many others.

 

Edited February 27, 2019 by Count Bassy

[hooky_lowdown]

35 minutes ago, Count Bassy said:

Personally I find a very noticable difference between 32 & 34", much more that I expected.

 

String wise D'addario, Warwick, Newtone, and I thing Rotosound make Medium scale strings, and I'm sure there are many others.

 

What specific difference did you find? After a few minutes playing I didn't find any difference,  I found it very easy to adjust.

[Count Bassy]

Just that the stretches are much easier on the 32", especially if "Double stopping". Eg trying to play a classic twelve bar thing up at the 12th fret (ie playing the guitar part) - I can do it on a32", but really struggle on a 34 inch, but everything is jsut that bit easier wherever you are on the neck.

Edited March 11, 2019 by Count Bassy