flatwound shortscale problem

[Caksi]

Hi guys!
I have a problem stringing my Hofner violin bass...
As I live in 3rd world country, I can't just order strings online, and sometimes I must wait for a month to get new ones...

Can I just cut short these 34" scale strings to my size? Is it possible to make them fit my bass somehow?

[jambassist]

I don't know what kind of flats you have, but if you cut them too short, they're going to unravel. There are strings made specifically for the Hofner violin/Beatle bass and that's what need.

[honestjohnny]

Probably, those trapezes take up a lot of string length. Just leave some of the cloth wrapped end on when you cut them. Get a cheapish set to begin with if you can. Good luck.

[Diogenes]

Since short scale strings aren't available in as wide a variety as long scale I had to modify strings for the latter to fit my short scale bass. I determined the length I needed and would wind what would be the last two inches of the string with dental floss to keep the windings from unraveling before cutting. You could use a strong poly-thread but I found dental floss to work the best and still be readily available. Remember to wind the floss in the same direction as the strings outer winding.

[Caksi]

Thanks for answers!

@jambassist
I have PYRAMIDS GOLD, but it's not easy to get... I want to cut short the LONG SCALE strings, to Hofner's scale!

@Diogenes
Thanks man, I'll sure try that... I can buy 2 sets of Fender's flats for the price of PYRAMIDS! And it's much easier to get longscale strings!

I also read some threads on TB, about "dead E string" on violin basses... same with me... will .095 instead of .100 on E solve the problem? Or maybe lower action (I prefer it a bit higher, since I'm pick-playing this guitar)? Or is it just usual, and no solution?

Thanks again!

[honestjohnny]

Heavier gauge strings usually give a stronger output, because they give the magnets in the pickups something larger to interact with; more metal means a stronger pull. I think the problem is probably the pickups. Try adjusting the pickups higher instead of lowering the action.

[seanm]

I used to use long scale D'Addrio Chromes on my short and medium scale basses exclusively. I used the light guage (100 E). Never had a string unravel. YMMV.