Author Topic: Strings for Short Scale Bass? (Read 589 times)

flpete1uw · « **on:** November 27, 2012, 01:56:03 PM »

I have no doubt this has come up before so I apologize for any redundancy. My experience has only been with long scale 34 and Med. scale 32. I never had an issue using any strings designed for long scale on Medium scale Basses however the move to short scale seems like it might be a bit too much? I guess the issue is being that the choices are fewer in the short scale world or to extend my choices can I get away using strings designed for Med. Scale? All real world input welcome!!
Pete

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2012, 02:26:51 PM »

I always cut string's end since I don't like them doing more then 2 turns on the post. I do that to avoid strings getting loose or slip when bended hard as I'm used to do when playing. I cut the end, bend tip 90 degrees before install. They never reeled off and never got problems doing that (for 30 years, now) concerning tuning stability or pitch.

So I'm pretty sure there is no problem using long strings on short scales...

rustyg61 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2012, 03:12:22 PM »

The issue you may run into using long scale strings on a short scale bass is that you may cut the thread off on some strings & not others depending on how far back they are thread wound. Also, some strings taper off on the end windings so if you cut them back before the taper, they could start to unwind. I still use Alembic strings on my SCSD. I tried Curt Mangan's but they didn't have the brightness that Alembic strings do, so I went back to Alembics. It is definitley harder to find short scale strings! I get mine from Bass Central in Florida, they have a good selection & are one of the few vendors who carry Alembic strings.

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:18:26 PM »

GHS offers short scale option to all their string sets. In their site ou can find models and link to online sellers like juststrings.com.

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:22:54 PM »

GHS offers short scale option to all their string sets. In their site you can find models and links to online sellers like juststrings.com. Not as fancy as some other brands, but think they're fine (and fits my budget). I'm pretty sure other brands like D'Addario and Rotosound have short scale options, too.

hieronymous · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:51:52 PM »

It can also depend on the bridge/tailpiece design. Are you playing an Alembic? If so, then long-scale strings should be fine, since there is a fair amount of space between the bridge and tailpiece. If it is a one piece bridge with saddles, then short scale strings might be more appropriate. Then there are string-through-body basses too, like the Fender Mustang. Here's are two pics illustrating the different bridge types: Alembic strung with long-scale D'Addario Chromes:

Gibson strung with short-scale LaBellas:

What kind of short scale(s) do you have?

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:56:23 PM »

Harry,
I think he purchased this one.

Keith

hieronymous · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2012, 06:18:25 PM »

Ah yeah, nice one! I'd be willing to bet that long scale strings would be fine, but each brand is a little different...

I noticed in my pics that you can see the headstock of the Gibson in the pic of the Alembic - perfect clearance of the nut, but on an Alembic those strings might not work. Unfortunately (well, fortunately for me) I no longer have the Gibson so I can't measure...

dfung60 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2012, 07:55:51 PM »

I think the problem you have with long scale strings on a short scale bass will be that you don't want the outer wrap of the string to be bent around the tuner post. I'm not sure how they tack the end of the winding down on a regular string (must be soldered or pinched down), but there's nothing holding the speaking part of the string on the core but the tension of the wrap.

If the outer wind gets bent, then it can cause the windings to unravel, killing the string.

On an Alembic, you have a problem with the E string because the tuning head is close to the nut (certainly less than the 4 difference in scale length!). You may have a problem with the G string too since it's also close to the nut in a 2+2 config.

It's not an issue for an Alembic with brass nut, but on a Gibson EB bass, you'll stress the nut too if the fat part of the string goes into the tuner.

David Fung

Glynn · « **Reply #9 on:** November 28, 2012, 01:19:11 AM »

If you need Acoustic Bass Guitar strings then I use Fender 7060 45 - 100 Phosphor Bronze (32). As stated above, Rotosound do Short scale strings - just search for that.

An example is 'Rotosound RS66S Swing Bass 66 Short Scale 40-90'
?12 online. I have used them but they do others.

Glynn

Glynn · « **Reply #10 on:** November 28, 2012, 01:21:23 AM »

Last post for Rotosound RS66S refers to 30 and stainless.

Glynn

flpete1uw · « **Reply #11 on:** November 28, 2012, 03:13:10 AM »

Where else can you get such input?
Harry, I had to smile when you asked if I was playing an Alembic.
Keith, I did purchase that Bass still waiting on her.
Googling this question brings up an interestin debate about strings wrappings and the like. But like Harry asked are you playing an Alembic.
This is an interesting question though.
Pete

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #12 on:** November 28, 2012, 10:21:23 AM »

Does anybody really had an cutted string unraveled? I always read about it, but it never happened to me...

gtrguy · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2012, 11:27:17 AM »

Never had it happen in 35+ years of playing bass. I wonder if the end could be soldered if someone wanted to?

Dave

flpete1uw · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2012, 03:40:14 PM »

Mario, I never had an issue with any unraveling either. And as far as I can tell no noticeable issues with the sound. Like I said going 34 to 32 is one thing 34 to 30 I was thinking might be another.
From what it sounds like here with using Alembics there shouldn't be a problem cutting the strings to fit.

However, it could be similar to if your amp can go to 11 instead of 10?

~Pete