ped Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Hi folks I'm taking ownership of a Squier Mustang bass next week. I think it has the strings it came with on at the moment (anyone know what they are? I know they're rounds..) My preference for strings on standard scale: Flats - Labella 760fx (0.039 - 100ish) Rounds - Exlixir super light (40-95) I will probably want flat son the 'stand but given the reduction in scale I was thinking about the LaBella 760FL S Flat wound (43/60/82/104). These are short scale - various people say because of the thru body stringing that I'll need medium scale, but nobody seems certain! Anyone know? (edit - it says they're not suitable on LaBella site) Elixir never made short scale rounds but I might try chopping down a long scale set (I have plenty!) Anyone else have any particular recommendations? The Labellas are £40 form Bass Direct which seems good. I'm quite looking forward to checking out the Squier. Should be good fun! Cheers ped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelDean Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 (edited) I can't help with the flats, but yes, you do want medium scale strings. I've got D'addario medium scale rounds (EXL160M) on mine and the tapers are juuuuust right. Edited August 13, 2022 by MichaelDean String type 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted August 13, 2022 Author Share Posted August 13, 2022 14 minutes ago, MichaelDean said: I can't help with the flats, but yes, you do want medium scale strings. I've got D'addario medium scale rounds (EXL160M) on mine and the tapers are juuuuust right. Thanks! Yes it looks like LaBella do 760FLMUS which are specifically through body. 43/60/82/104 seems like a fair increase over my FX long scale so reckon they'll feel quite familiar. That said, the bass sounds pretty nice with rounds: I expect it'll need some fettling to get it playing and feeling it's best but like I say it should fun... the only other Mustang I've played was a natural finish late 70s one that sounded terrible so let's see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meterman Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 I got a Squier Mustang bass a few weeks ago and put a set of LaBella 760FLMUS flats on, and I swear they just work. I’ve had half a dozen Mustangs from vintage USA, MIJ reissues to Squiers and this latest one with those strings is the best one I’ve had. Perfect combination. Love playing it. Hope yours hits the spot for you 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted August 13, 2022 Author Share Posted August 13, 2022 16 minutes ago, meterman said: I got a Squier Mustang bass a few weeks ago and put a set of LaBella 760FLMUS flats on, and I swear they just work. I’ve had half a dozen Mustangs from vintage USA, MIJ reissues to Squiers and this latest one with those strings is the best one I’ve had. Perfect combination. Love playing it. Hope yours hits the spot for you 👍 Thanks. I think I’ll give those a go then👍🏼 I’m not planning on changing anything else but I saw a company in Yorkshire makes a replacement pickup which looks quite fruity from the specs https://www.northernpickups.co.uk/mustang-bass Can’t see any reviews though and the stock pickup sounds fine from the vids on YT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 I just chopped down a set of EB Cobalt flats for my Mustang, no issues, sounds great IMO. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meterman Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 18 minutes ago, ped said: Thanks. I think I’ll give those a go then👍🏼 I’m not planning on changing anything else but I saw a company in Yorkshire makes a replacement pickup which looks quite fruity from the specs https://www.northernpickups.co.uk/mustang-bass Can’t see any reviews though and the stock pickup sounds fine from the vids on YT Ooh those do look interesting 😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 I put fender flats on mine, they seem pretty good for flats, although still not a convert. Seem better on the mustang than a full scale bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Dragon Posted August 14, 2022 Share Posted August 14, 2022 I was wondering, with the gauge of string you're considering, have you took in to account work that may be needed on the nut to prevent string rattle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted August 14, 2022 Author Share Posted August 14, 2022 25 minutes ago, Little Dragon said: I was wondering, with the gauge of string you're considering, have you took in to account work that may be needed on the nut to prevent string rattle? I think the LaBella Mustang set are probably about the same gauge as the stock strings but I could be wrong. With lighter strings I've never had to adjust a nut before but I don't mind having to if that's the case. I'll be tempted to give it a fret level and probably shield it too - I'll probably end up tinkering a fair bit! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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