Medium scale bass string gauges?

Basstovsky · #1 06-11-2011, 09:14 PM

I just got an excellent medium-scale (32") bass, after experimenting with medium scale on a string-thru frankenbass, and I'm curious about string gauge.

I almost exclusively play 45-65-85-105 gauge strings, going with either round or hex cores to tweak the tension for each bass (in my experience round core strings are noticeably more flexible), but when I look for medium-scale strings, almost every set I find is either 50-70-85-105 or 45-65-80-100. Frankly I'm looking for suggestions before I say the hell with it and cut down a set of long-scale strings and force them into the tuners.

Would the change in gauge be significantly noticeable? Should I go with the lighter gauge set since the scale is shorter?
Or with the heavier set because the shorter scale reduces the tension versus long scale?

Possibly useful additional information, with my current band I tune half-step down from standard, I will be using nickel roundwound strings, and the bridge is a top-loading design.

Blues Cat · #2 06-11-2011, 09:21 PM

Heavier, especially tuned down.

JimmyM · #3 06-11-2011, 10:59 PM

Cut down a long scale set. As long as the tuners don't have tiny little posts, it'll be fine. I've done it on short scale basses and medium. As for what gauges, I doubt I'd bump up my gauges just to tune down a half step.

TomB · #4 06-12-2011, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Cut down a long scale set. As long as the tuners don't have tiny little posts, it'll be fine. I've done it on short scale basses and medium. As for what gauges, I doubt I'd bump up my gauges just to tune down a half step.

+1... I just went through this myself on a short scale. ...no problem, even WITH skinny little vintage Gibson posts... there's a way!

Basstovsky · #5 06-12-2011, 08:27 AM

The tuner posts are pretty small, the smallest I've had at least, this was my main concern over using long-scale strings, that the main part of the string (not the tapered part i mean) would either not fit or hack up the tuning posts, at least on the E tuner.

If everyone seems to think they will be fine I'll just get my normal strings and make em fit

jmceachern36 · #6 06-12-2011, 09:38 AM

I have 4 short scale basses all strung with long scale strings. I wouldn't worry about it.

JimmyM · #7 06-12-2011, 05:41 PM

My Jay Turser Beatle bass copy has posts that small or smaller and they handle it. The only bass I've got that can't handle it is my Danelectro Longhorn, but it has cheap guitar tuners, not bass tuners.

Basstovsky · #8 06-12-2011, 08:13 PM

Alright then, time to order some strings

Thanks guys

iiipopes · #9 06-12-2011, 08:25 PM

Here's the deal: since you have a 2+2 tuner arrangement, the breakdown is as follows:
1) G string will work because it doesn't matter. It's thin enough to wrap around anything. Think about it: standard low E on any popular 10's guitar set is @46.
2) D string is long enough in the tooth to not matter.
3) A string is also long enough in the tooth to not matter.
4) The E string matters. Even Fender strings go right to the edge on a standard Fender bass with the silk. Rickenbacker offsets the low E tuner to make sure silk goes around the post, not outer windings.

If you see a set of strings you like, and they're available in a local store, take your bass and see if it will string up and still be in the silk. If not, time to custom order medium gauge E strings.

BBox Bass · #10 06-12-2011, 08:32 PM

I put D'Addario 160M (50-105) on all 4 of my 4-string 32" scale basses. Two are customs, but the 2 I bought online came with 45-100. I thought they felt floppy in standard tuning. Since my band tunes down half a step, I knew they would be unacceptable and I replaced them immediately.

One of my 32s is a 5-string. I have yet to find a medium gauge 5-string set made for medium scale basses, so I buy long scale strings and remove the outer windings on the B, E, and A near the tuning post. If I don't, they tend to break.

JimmyM · #11 06-12-2011, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iiipopes

4) The E string matters. Even Fender strings go right to the edge on a standard Fender bass with the silk. Rickenbacker offsets the low E tuner to make sure silk goes around the post, not outer windings.

All due respect, but while what you're saying is true, I see no risk from that happening. I've been told it's not good for strings, but I've yet to ever have a string break at that point, and I've used long scale strings on short scale basses for years.

TomB · #12 06-13-2011, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

All due respect, but while what you're saying is true, I see no risk from that happening. I've been told it's not good for strings, but I've yet to ever have a string break at that point, and I've used long scale strings on short scale basses for years.

+1 to this. Although you can't get away w/much of the wrapped section around the E-string post as a practical matter, some is OK, and a med. scale should be less problem than a short scale. I've been doing it safely since the mid-60's. If I remember correctly, every string I've broken over the years has been at the ball end.