RS77 shortscales too short!

leeeroy57 · #1 10-28-2008, 11:21 AM

I've just bought an Ibanez AGB200 and thought I'd get some new strings for it. Having never owned a short scale bass I went for the Rotosound RS77S flatwounds, but having strung it up I've found that the binding at the end of the string extends past the nut onto the first fret. The binding is also a bright electric blue, which ruins the look of the bass somewhat! I'm not too pleased about this since they cost me a fair bit, and I'll have to replace them before I get to try the bass at a gig.

So, could someone help me to not make the same mistake again? Should I find a short scale string with no binding, or get some medium scale strings and trim them down? Are there any good flatwound strings that don't have the coloured binding?

Thanks!

Lee

fretlessman71 · #2 10-28-2008, 11:35 AM

Short scale basses that have a trapeze type bridge need 32" scale strings - also known as medium. LaBella Hofner Flatwounds are an example of these. They're out there to be had. I feel your pain - took me a while to figure this out too.

mario222 · #3 10-28-2008, 11:35 AM

Its probably just the silk wrap at the end of the string overwraping the actual string. Use a razor to shave of the excess silk wrap. I though the tru bass rotos i put on my hofner short scale were too short but it just looked that way. Im pretty sure this is whats going on here. As for some short scale recomendations try Labella they make the Deep talkin bass sets in short scale, really good strings and Pyramid.
Hope this helps,
Mario.

leeeroy57 · #4 10-28-2008, 12:10 PM

Hmm, thanks. I'll try the string shaving idea later, and probably get some medium scale strings next time.

This is probably the wrong forum to ask this, but does anyone know how to adjust the intonation on the Ibanez AGB200? When I put the flatwound E string on it was buzzing like crazy and the intonation was way out. I've looked at the bridge but there aren't any screws, just some small, round black things with a little hole in the middle.

I've put the strings that came with the bass back on now, which appear to be some well worn in D'Addario roundwounds, which actually don't sound too bad!

fretlessman71 · #5 10-28-2008, 12:12 PM

If you can find a link to a picture of what you're seeing, that would help a lot... but my guess is that hole contains a set screw that you have to loosen with an allen wrench, and then MANUALLY move the saddle where you think it should go, and lock down the set screw again. I know, pain in the butt, if that's the case.

leeeroy57 · #6 10-28-2008, 12:23 PM

Here we go:

Hope that makes it a bit clearer.

fretlessman71 · #7 10-28-2008, 12:33 PM

Well done!

Find an allen wrench that fits those screws, turn THAT, and see if those saddles don't move back and forth for you. A clockwise turn should bring the saddle toward the ball end of the string; counter-clockwise should push it towards the neck. Assuming this works, and it sure looks like that's the case.

leeeroy57 · #8 10-28-2008, 12:38 PM

I think I have just the wrench.

Thanks a lot, you've been very helpful!

leeeroy57 · #9 10-29-2008, 02:00 PM

Well, I tried the string shaving tip from Mario222 and it sorted the silk wrap problem, however I'm still having trouble with the rattling E string. I can't seem to stop it, even with the action set ridiculously high.

It might be something to do with the gauge, as the ones that came with the bass seemed pretty heavy while the new E is .90. I'm not an expert with truss rods, but the neck seems pretty straight to me.

Does anyone have any further suggestions?

Spinal Tapper · #10 10-29-2008, 02:14 PM

You could contact RS - their customer service is superb!

I bought a pack of strings w/ a dead string in it, and wrote them an email complaint and they wrote me back kindly and mailed a replacement set of strings (even though I only needed one) along with some promotional stickers and a poster, no questions asked.

leeeroy57 · #11 10-29-2008, 02:59 PM

Well, I don't think the strings are to blame, more likely it's the bass. Good to know they've got good customer service though!

P-BASSLOVER · #12 11-07-2008, 06:45 AM

Those type basses need Medium Scale strings. Go to juststrings.com they have them all.
You could also use 34's and cut them down, they will fit.

P-BASSLOVER · #13 11-07-2008, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

Well done!

Find an allen wrench that fits those screws, turn THAT, and see if those saddles don't move back and forth for you. A clockwise turn should bring the saddle toward the ball end of the string; counter-clockwise should push it towards the neck. Assuming this works, and it sure looks like that's the case.

Make sure to loosen the string before adjusting any saddle for intonating! This way it will move easier, and you won't strip out the screw.