NoRhino Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 It's time to restring my recently acquired short scale bass. Can I use a set initially bought for my P bass or should I buy specific short scale strings? Yours in possibly blinding obviousness... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 Yes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naxos10 Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 Would suggest going for short scale strings but people do utilise long scale ones. Long scale will likely mean you will be winding the thick section of string onto the tuner which can cause the winding to break. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyJ Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 What @naxos10says, but I'd like to add there are both long scale (30") strings and medium scale (32") scales. Both might work, depending on how far the tuning posts are from the nut, whether your bass is strung through body or through bridge, and if the bass has a separate bridge and tailpiece or a one-piece bridge. These two basses both have a 30" scale, but this Gretsch: ...will have very different string requirements than this Mustang: The Gretsch will happily accommodate long scale strings, but the Mustang likely will not. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoRhino Posted April 14, 2022 Author Share Posted April 14, 2022 5 hours ago, LeftyJ said: What @naxos10says, ..will have very different string requirements than this Mustang: The Gretsch will happily accommodate long scale strings, but the Mustang likely will not. Short scale set ordered and due for delivery today. As usual, thanks to everyone who commented. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 I have long scale flats (EB cobalts) on my Mustang and ‘Ray short scale. There is some wrapping of the E & A string on the ‘Ray SS and just the E string on the Mustang (the Mustang is through body stringing and is better serviced by medium scale strings in an ideal world) both seem fine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveXFR Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 Do short scale basses use lighter strings to get similar tension to a normal length bass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 1 hour ago, SteveXFR said: Do short scale basses use lighter strings to get similar tension to a normal length bass? Other way around. I just my usual gauge (45-100) and enjoy the lighter tension. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveXFR Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 37 minutes ago, ezbass said: Other way around. I just my usual gauge (45-100) and enjoy the lighter tension. Does that mean they're less suited to low tunings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 10 minutes ago, SteveXFR said: Does that mean they're less suited to low tunings? Only if you go too light on the strings. Dropped D does not seem to be an issue with my normal, long scale gauge and 5 stringers exist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted April 14, 2022 Share Posted April 14, 2022 1 hour ago, SteveXFR said: Does that mean they're less suited to low tunings? My 32 is in BEAD. Its all about getting the right strings. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigguy2017 Posted April 15, 2022 Share Posted April 15, 2022 D'Addario EXL160M 50-105 Med Scale are great on a string-through Mustang. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 15, 2022 Share Posted April 15, 2022 31 minutes ago, Bigguy2017 said: D'Addario EXL160M 50-105 Med Scale are great on a string-through Mustang. ^^^ This Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
three Posted April 16, 2022 Share Posted April 16, 2022 (edited) @NoRhino It might be helpful if you could post details of the model of bass (maybe an image) and what kind of strings you normally favour - rounds or flats and gauge etc? Also, what kind of tone/sound you’re looking for. I play short-scale almost exclusively and tend to use only two types of string as they meet my needs and ‘compliance’ preferences really well - both short, super light nickel rounds. Both fit on a variety of basses with different construction and hardware but good to see what you’re hoping to achieve on what bass (and I hope the short strings you ordered are doing the job!) Edited April 16, 2022 by three 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwilym Posted April 16, 2022 Share Posted April 16, 2022 Rotosound 76 flats work fine on a Mustang style bass with string through body set up. Definitely would be too long if string traditionally from the bridge. So many variables here without knowing the specific scale length, how they get strung at the bridge end, the headstock/machine head configuration, how much silk (if any) is on the string, whether there is any taper on the string wrap etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyJ Posted April 17, 2022 Share Posted April 17, 2022 I just took delivery of a shortscale last Thursday (Mustang-like with string-through-body) and it's strung with roundwound DR Sunbeam 045-105's. I was amazed by how "normal" the string tension feels compared to my longscale basses! I dare say I have experienced longscales that feel floppier with D'Addario 045-105 than this shortscale does with the Sunbeams. I have yet to experiment with this and find "my" ideal strings for this bass, but so far I like what I'm hearing and feeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 17, 2022 Share Posted April 17, 2022 4 hours ago, LeftyJ said: I just took delivery of a shortscale last Thursday (Mustang-like with string-through-body) and it's strung with roundwound DR Sunbeam 045-105's. I was amazed by how "normal" the string tension feels compared to my longscale basses! I dare say I have experienced longscales that feel floppier with D'Addario 045-105 than this shortscale does with the Sunbeams. I have yet to experiment with this and find "my" ideal strings for this bass, but so far I like what I'm hearing and feeling. I think I can speak for a good number of here and request more details as to this mystery bass, pictures even. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftyJ Posted April 17, 2022 Share Posted April 17, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, ezbass said: I think I can speak for a good number of here and request more details as to this mystery bass, pictures even. Here you go: Atelier Z Baby Z-4J Edited April 17, 2022 by LeftyJ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 17, 2022 Share Posted April 17, 2022 5 minutes ago, LeftyJ said: Here you go: Atelier Z Baby Z-4J That is a wondrous thing and I now want the PJ version! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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