Extra Extra Extra Light Strings?

Jack.Straw · #1 07-10-2008, 06:01 AM

Hi guys... quick and easy question for the learned: What type of short-scale (30") electric bass strings create the least amount of tension? I can't use nylon or gut because the pickup is magnetic. Is nickel going to be my best choice? What is the lightest gauge string that will still give me a low E on a short-scale bass?

Thanks in advance for your advice,
-Jack

Dave Muscato · #2 07-10-2008, 06:11 AM

There are strings available for short-scale basses. D'Addario, Fender, Rotosound, etc make them. You can also put together a set yourself out of whatever gauges you'd like. What kind of sound are you lookin' for? Usually that is what prescribes the metallurgy, not the other way around.

Darkstrike · #3 07-10-2008, 06:12 AM

Try Thomastic Jazz Round's, I know they are the lightest on a regular scale, shoud be a short scale set.

Darkstrike · #4 07-10-2008, 06:15 AM

http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/guitars/index.html

Jazz E-Bass 4-string set Round Wound

Set: JR324 short scale 32" medium | Set No.: JR324 short scale 32"
ins mm lbs kp
JR32042 G 1st Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .042 1.07 30.42 13.80
JR32056 D 2nd Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .056 1.42 33.28 15.10
JR32069 A 3rd Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .069 1.75 28.10 12.75
JR32093 E 4th Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .093 2.35 28.95 12.95

That should be the lightest Round set for a short scale you can get

jschwalls · #5 07-10-2008, 06:29 AM

I put Rotosound Stainless RS66S 40-90 short scale set on my bass.. VERY little tension.. When I tune down 1/2 step the E string almost becomes too floppy.

But they are great in standard tuning..
got them from juststrings.com

Jack.Straw · #6 07-10-2008, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/guitars/index.html

Jazz E-Bass 4-string set Round Wound

Set: JR324 short scale 32" medium | Set No.: JR324 short scale 32"
ins mm lbs kp
JR32042 G 1st Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .042 1.07 30.42 13.80
JR32056 D 2nd Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .056 1.42 33.28 15.10
JR32069 A 3rd Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .069 1.75 28.10 12.75
JR32093 E 4th Nickel Round Wound Roundcore .093 2.35 28.95 12.95

That should be the lightest Round set for a short scale you can get

Great, that looks perfect... thanks! $50 a set is a killer for me though. Guess i'll start looking around for deals. What i need is a place that sells individual strings (3-string bass).

Thanks again,
-Jack

Beachcoma · #7 07-10-2008, 06:42 AM

Here in the Netherlands $50 for a set of strings is kinda normal, for the cheap ones at least...