new at short scale

Lemoniefresh · #1 12-28-2008, 03:49 PM

I have a SX SJMB-62 short scale bass and I do not care for the strings that come with it. I am playing mid sixties underground garage rock (yardbirds, pretty things...etc) with a pick and am wondering if you have any suggestions for strings that would sound right. Strings that would fit that genre and sound fuller and deeper and still easy to play on. I did some searches on here but still do not see the answers to this specific question. I have heard some talk about Rotosound 66's. I am looking for strings that are under $25.

Honk'n_down-low · #2 12-28-2008, 03:59 PM

I have heard the 6 String Fender Bass Strings work well - they are made for the Original Fender Bass VI I believe. It is short scale.

Link to the Strings below - Wikipedia has info on the Bass.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ELAID=26016631

fretlessguy · #3 12-28-2008, 04:21 PM

My SX shortscale fretless came with a set of flatwounds that sound really cool and would fit that type of music, I think. When I emaild Kurt about them, he said they were Essex short scale strings, .45-.100, but I did not see them listed on the sight.
You might try ordering a set from them, but if not, A shortscale set of GHS Precision Flatwounds (www.juststrings.com) would work as well.
GHS makes almost every string type and gauge that's in their longer scale sets in short scale as well. D'Addario also makes several short scale.

Pilgrim · #4 12-28-2008, 05:08 PM

Given the type of music you play, you should be playing flatwounds. I'm a big fan of Labellas, GHS and Rotosound flats.

::::BASSIST:::: · #5 12-28-2008, 05:27 PM

chromes and Labellas. If you want cheap the Fender Flats are pretty good and about $20.

::::BASSIST:::: · #6 12-28-2008, 05:44 PM

BTW, how does that SX Jaguar balance? Any neck dive?

I was thinking of getting one of those myself.

Lemoniefresh · #7 12-28-2008, 06:29 PM

The neck dive is noticeable at times but I also am using a crappy flimsy strap. I feel like it would be less of a problem if i had some cushioning on that shoulder to help prevent it from sliding.
I do not believe that they make this exact guitar in short scale any longer but they have some similar ones there. Overall I love it for the price. The body is sort of smallish but I like it. When I first showed my bandmates the bass they thought it was vintage.

senorblues · #8 12-28-2008, 06:39 PM

Fender flatwounds are usually under $20 but you won't find them in short scale. They will work fine if you are careful stringing around the posts. They are pretty stiff but sound good. D'addario Chromes are closer to $30 and are available in short scale and feel more flexible. Fender and GHS also have Black nylon tapewounds that are not too expensive and are popular on fretless. With a heavier (100+) string you will probably need to drill the hole larger for your #4 string on your SX bridge.

::::BASSIST:::: · #9 12-28-2008, 07:04 PM

Just for the record I've used many types of 34" scale strings on shortscale basses and I've never had a problem.

Lemoniefresh · #10 12-29-2008, 11:05 PM

Thanks everyone! I was thinking of trying these because they are $19. Do you think they will do the trick?

::::BASSIST:::: · #11 12-30-2008, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Given the type of music you play, you should be playing flatwounds. I'm a big fan of Labellas, GHS and Rotosound flats.

Sound like Pilgrim likes the GHS flats.

I've never tried them. Are they smooth?

fretlessguy · #12 12-30-2008, 07:29 AM

I use them on my longscales so they should do just fine on your shortscale. They are of the old school flat sound. Plenty of thump and short decay. Long lasting.
www.bpstrings.com has the best price on them I have found. They even have them in shortscale, which I suggest getting. The longscale strings will fit everything up to 36 inch scales, so you would have to cut them off at the metal to fit them, which could lead to some problems.

ibnzneksrul · #13 12-30-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemoniefresh

I am playing mid sixties underground garage rock (yardbirds, pretty things...etc) with a pick...........Strings that would fit that genre and sound fuller and deeper and still easy to play on.

You just described LaBella flats, which they do have in short scale, but you ain't gonna find 'em for under $25.

lunarpollen · #14 12-30-2008, 02:28 PM

My fave short-scale flatwound strings for this type of music are Pyramid

They are pricier but they are so lovely and comfortable.

lmfreeman9 · #15 12-30-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

My fave short-scale flatwound strings for this type of music are Pyramid

They are pricier but they are so lovely and comfortable.

Whats the deal with Pyramids, I haven't heard much about them other than the price.

davecanady · #16 12-30-2008, 05:37 PM

I'm new to bass (6 months) and picked up Epiphone's viola bass...30" . I played with the provided strings and then switched to Fender's chrome flat wounds. I love the feel but I can't get the tones needed for a lot of things I play. I may try the ground flat roundwounds next.

Anybody try those?

lunarpollen · #17 12-30-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

Whats the deal with Pyramids, I haven't heard much about them other than the price.

I don't know exactly what it is about them... The elasticity and tension, the surface texture, the note decay, the balance of overtones... They just seem "organic" and just right...

::::BASSIST:::: · #18 12-30-2008, 06:47 PM

I have a set of pyramids I spent way too much on. They are certainly different... and not in a bad way. What I find annoying though is that the E is a zillion times bigger than the other strings. Thats why I havent given them a fair shake. Drives me nuts with that string.

**Howlin' Hanson** · #19 12-30-2008, 07:06 PM

OK, apologies if I am diverting this thread, but I have a short scale question. A few months ago, I picked up a Fender P-Bass Jr. which has a 28.5" scale. (I also have a Jazz and a P, both 34").

Your opinion is requested: will the 30" short scale strings work for the Jr.? Or should I keep looking for the strings intended for this bass?

lunarpollen · #20 12-30-2008, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

I have a set of pyramids I spent way too much on. They are certainly different... and not in a bad way. What I find annoying though is that the E is a zillion times bigger than the other strings. Thats why I havent given them a fair shake. Drives me nuts with that string.

Ha, if you ever want to depart with that one E string (i.e., if you plan to swap in an E from another make of strings), let me know. I accidentally cut the outer wrapping on mine with a high-speed rotary tool, and I don't feel like buying a whole new set just for one string...