any reason not to go light (100-40) on a short scale musicmaster?

**IvanMike** · #1 05-15-2010, 03:21 PM

for those of you that saw in basses my musicmaster project is underway. Got it set up to play like butter with some nice low action. Added twist - the wife wants to learn so i figured this might be a good axe to do so. I was thinking of come kind of compression wound for ease of playing and for a neat sound from this bass - might try smith compressors. Any reason why i shouldn't go with lighter gauge strings? I realize that they won't be as taut, but as long as they aren't floppy as all get out all is good. I think it's a 30" scale.

thanks for any input.

kreider204 · #2 05-15-2010, 03:27 PM

Possibly increased fret buzz. I have a 30" bass that tends to buzz more with lighter strings. No reason not to try it, though, and see if you can find the right amount of relief and action height.

Also, BTW, on a short scale, with lighter strings, you can put the action higher than you would on a full scale with medium strings without it making it harder to play, since the strings will be a bit looser, and the strings easier to press down.

fretlessguy · #3 05-15-2010, 04:41 PM

I use .45-.96 GHS Pressurewounds on my two shorties without any buzzing or irreglarites, so I don't think going light gauge will be a problem for you. If yours does have body thru stringing, however, you may want to check on the winding lengths to make sure the string set is long enough to go thru it and work. Fender short scale strings are made to go through it naturally. They now come in two different gauges.

rllefebv · #4 05-15-2010, 07:47 PM

My Chromes are .45, .65, .80, .100... Work great on my Musicmaster and Longhorn...

-robert

knuckle_head · #5 05-15-2010, 08:43 PM

The Bass VI has about that for its E - should be fine.

seanm · #6 05-15-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rllefebv

My Chromes are .45, .65, .80, .100... Work great on my Musicmaster and Longhorn...

-robert

+1 I also used 45-100 chromes on my reissue Musicmaster. Worked great.

wideyes · #7 05-16-2010, 11:39 AM

I'd make sure you get A). short scale strings or B). high tension strings. You may have to go with B if it's string through. YMMV, but I've found slapping regular rounds (especially light gauge) on a shorty to be in the neighborhood of "the wrong thing to do".

EDIT: if the wife wants to play, then I think flats are a good choice because they're usually high tension and she won't feel like they're trying to eat her fingers. A big turn-off for some ladies.