short scale

[elavate7]

hey, can short scale basses use normal strings????or do i have to get the short scale?

[billbass1]

You can get away with it , most of the time .
Depends on the particular bass and gauge of the strings.

What kind of bass you have in mind ?

[fretlessguy]

You can, but it is better, in my opinion, to go ahead and use strings made for that scale. If avaliblity is the problem, then go to www.juststrings.com or www.bpstrings.com. Both sites have a number of short scale sets in various gauges and and string types for reasonable prices.

[xaxxat]

I just trimmed down a set of long scale SIT Silencers and put them on an SX Jazz short scale. No problems at all...

[Bochafish]

Sorry for the hijack..

I am putting Daddario chromes on my Stingray 5. I accidentally ordered the Super long scale length. Will I be ok just cutting them down to fit? or should I return the strings, and just get some regular scale ones?

[adamrobertt]

There's no reason to buy "short scale" strings, and in my experience (played a Mustang exclusively for a few years) it's actually better to just buy standard gauge strings. Just put them on like normal and cut off the excess once you wind them. There should be no issues.

Edit: If you have the other style of tuning pegs (the ones found more commonly on basses) just make sure you give yourself like two inches of extra string past the peg to get enough wraps.

Honestly I think that "short scale" strings are all marketing hype. They come in the same gauges as standard strings. The distance between your bridge and nut doesn't change, so the tension should be the same regardless of what the package says.

[ttasselm]

Originally Posted by elavate7

hey, can short scale basses use normal strings????or do i have to get the short scale?

I would say that this really depends on the bass you're playing. I'm generally opposed to stringing shorties with longer scale strings only because I've seen too many inexperienced players cut them too short and experience tuning and intonation issues. This isn't to say that you can't ever do it, though, as long as you know what you're doing.

I have a Fender Mustang re-issue that has taken well to medium-scale strings based on its string-through-body design. I have strung it with short scale strings in the past, but the medium scales generally fit much better.

My Ibanez Mikro is a 28.6" scale that takes short scale strings just fine.

[Bochafish]

I sent my question in to D'Addario customer service, and this was the reply I got. (I accidentally purchased super long scale strings for my 34" scale bass)

Hi Don,
Technically, it will work, but the super long scale is designed for 36-38' for a reason. The tension is different- If you start having issues with intonation etc, you'll know why."

So I guess cutting down strings meant for a higher scale instrument is not recommended for intonation reasons.