cutting strings to fit a shortscale

astro_ · #1 02-08-2009, 09:28 PM

Hi Folks!

I'm new here, so please excuse me if I act like a noob.

I recently bought a Mustang RI bass. Love it! The stock strings were crappy, so I bought a set of Fender short scale bass strings. Seems these strings weren't designed with the Mustang's through-body stringing, and the silk wrappings on the strings at the headstock end overlap the nut by about 1 cm. Plus, they're only available in a really light guage.

I've heard that medium scale strings would be the best fit, but I can't seem to find any for sale anywhere locally. So I thought, why not cut some regular full scale strings to fit? This way, I have a full selection of gauges and construction types to choose from.

However, I'm concerned this will affect the string negatively, since I'd basically be cutting the string where it is the thickest. Will the outer wrapping get loose and cause problems if I do this? I'd be willing to just try it out to test it, but since bass strings cost $20 to $30 a set here on average, I figured I'd ask if anyone has tried this out before I risk destroying a set of new strings.

Thanks in advance!

rllefebv · #2 02-08-2009, 09:59 PM

Hey Astro!

Welcome to TB! You can get medium scale D'Addarios from www.JustStrings.com...

Super fast shipping, and great prices... I'm not a fan of cutting Long Scale strings to fit, as I feel it wraps too thick a portion around the string post, but others have done it.

-robert

astro_ · #3 02-08-2009, 10:09 PM

Thanks, Robert!

I've checked out the website. Looks interesting, but I live in Canada so mail order from the US might lead to ridiculous taxes/import duties...

seanm · #4 02-08-2009, 11:25 PM

JustStrings sends USPS so there are no duties. I can't remember, but I think you have to pay GST.

I used light gauge long scale D'Addrio chromes on my MusicMaster RI, which was also short scale string through body. Note the original MusicMasters where not string through body, only the reissues.

I had no problems with cutting the strings short but it could depend on the strings. Some probably handle it better than others.

I would go for it. At worst, you are out one set of strings.

JimmyM · #5 02-09-2009, 12:38 AM

Ya, on a Mustang using long scale strings isn't so bad. The tuner posts are fatter, which helps a lot.

seanm · #6 02-09-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Ya, on a Mustang using long scale strings isn't so bad. The tuner posts are fatter, which helps a lot.

+1 Good point for other short scale users. The MusicMaster, and I believe the Mustang, used full size tuners. So when you cut the string off in the "large part" they still fit.

Spacelordmother · #7 02-27-2009, 02:33 AM

How about for short scale basses with smaller tuner diameters?

I am modding a short scale tele bass with a string-through Musicmaster bass and am wondering what my best options are.

If I can trim lighter gauge long scales that would be cool - I'd love to throw some med-lite sunbeams on it.

Thanks.

seanm · #8 02-27-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacelordmother

How about for short scale basses with smaller tuner diameters?

I am modding a short scale tele bass with a string-through Musicmaster bass and am wondering what my best options are.

If I can trim lighter gauge long scales that would be cool - I'd love to throw some med-lite sunbeams on it.

Thanks.

I had a Hagstrom medium scale bass with small tuners. Long scale light gauge (45-100 I believe) chromes where no problem. But really, you might have to just try it.