GHS bass boomers - short/medium scale...need some advice

Cieran · #1 05-01-2011, 08:16 PM

I'm thinking about trying out some of these but I am unsure what scale would fit my bass. I am stuck between getting the short scale - Fits 30" - 31" according to the GHS website, or the medium scale - Fits 32" - 33".

The distance between the bottom of the bridge and the nut is a fraction under 32", but I know that scale lengths are unreliable and manufacturers use different ways to measure them - for instance my bass is apparently a 30" scale according to the official specs.

Has anyone got a set of either the short or medium scales that they could measure for me? I would be extremely grateful as it will help me decide which set to go for and stop me wasting much needed money!

Thanks in advance

Cieran · #2 05-02-2011, 09:51 AM

anyone?

fretlessguy · #3 05-02-2011, 01:05 PM

If you have one of those Hofner basses,or a copy thereof, it will need a set of 32 inch scale strings because of the trapeze tailpiece. If it is a short scale but has body through strings, like a Fender Mustang, then you will need medium scale strings. Most others will use a standard short scale set.
What short scale bass do you have?

Cieran · #4 05-02-2011, 01:18 PM

It's a Gretsch G2202 which was originally a 30" scale but I have since put a badass bridge on it which has actually increased the length by about an inch. If I approximate from the saddles to the nut (as opposed to the bottom of the bridge to the nut) it measures about 31". You can see a pic of it here:

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/6...1001523tez.jpg

I am guessing that the short scale set will probably just fit which I would rather get as I can get these in a heavier 107 gauge which will help with the floppy E string. However I have also read that GHS Boomers are quite stiff so the 105 medium scale set might do the job. I currently have D'addario nickel EXL 105's on it which are great apart from the E string not having much definition....

fretlessguy · #5 05-02-2011, 06:53 PM

If it is 31 inch then probably a medium set would do it, or a short scale set would work, depending on the length of the windings. It might be good just to use a medium set to be on the safe side. If you like your Estrings clear and with definitions the .105 Boomer may be what you night. I currently use SIT .40-.95 rounds and GHS .45-.95 Flats
on my shorties. I like it a little lighter in gauge due to my arthritis.
I like the looks of that Gretsch you have, and have been toying over getting one. Don't those things fit in Strat guitars casses, or do I need to get a standard case?

Cieran · #6 05-02-2011, 07:24 PM

They are nice little basses although I did have to do a bit of work on mine to brighten it up a bit. However many people on here love the stock sound and are happy with it straight from the box.

I don't know about the strat cases but they do fit inside a standard electric guitar gig bag - that's what I carry mine in. In case you need the measurement the total length from the base to the headstock is just under 41".