long-scale strings on short-scale

[sir juice]

I'm doing up a short-scale and it seems that short-scale strings aren't in huge quantity.

What would the consequences be if I were to simply cut full-scale strings about 4 inches in? There are some sets I'm looking at that are only available in short scale.

[Hippiejoe]

bump

[Clevelandbass]

I know what you mean about limited choice, certainly in your average "high street" retail outlets including around Charing Cross Road. As a short scale flats player, I've found mail order works for me, Stringbusters or Strings Direct among others but you may have to wait a while for your delivery. Try not to chop off the ends of longer strings you will probably loosen the windings and shorten the useful life of the strings

[Pilgrim]

Many people have put 34" scale strings on short scale basses. It doesn't hurt a thing if you get a good 90 degree crimp in the string end before inserting it into the post - that will keep the wraps in place.

I also think Juststrings.com or other online places can give you all the short scale choices you need.

One caveat: do NOT order 30" scale strings for a Hofner or other "Beatle Bass" style bass, or for the 60's style hollowbodies. The trapeze bridge on those requires a longer string than most solid body short scales. It's more like a 32". Labella makes a set of Hofner Custom Flats that are a bit longer to accommodate the needed length.

You can always cut down a longer string, but you can't do anything with a string that's too short.