Short Scale, Low B, Acoustic Strings

[PaulF707]

Hi
I've just got myself a Short Scale (30") Acoustic Five String.
It had a set of roundwound strings on it that played OK, but I really don't get on with roundwound.

I managed to find a set of LaBella Short Scale Flat Wound strings (the only short scale 5 string flat sets I could find), but the B string is almost too loose to play.

The low B is a .128 (on both the light and medium sets) - and whilst it does tune to a B (just), it is noticeably looser than the other strings, and the tone is not as good.

I've read a load of articles on the web about stinrg gauge and tension - and I seem to have read a number of conflidting articles...

Would a thicker string give me a higher tension on the low B?
How much thicker would I need to go to see the difference? (.130, .135 ?)

As there are so few short scale 5 string flat sets available, I'd probably need to try a normal scale string - which would mean winding the main part of the string (not the covered end) onto the tuning peg. Many sites say this is a major issue - is there any way to do this safely / succesfully?

If anyone has any thoughts / suggestions I'd be very grateful.

Cheers,

Paul

[animal52]

You're right on both counts. A thicker gauge will give more tension, and a long scale string will be tough to wrap around the tuning post.

Sometimes, with roundwounds, I've seen people unwrap and then solder the strings to bring the taper back, but I don't know how that would work with flats.

[Krucial]

Hi Paul,

Recently I started a tread in search of a shortscale flatwound low B.
In your post you kind of give the answer to my question: Apperently Labella does have two sets, a light and a medium.
Can you please give the exact name of the mediumset, so I can order one at my local shop?

For the answer of your questions: Yes, a .135 probaly will do better for you and as for shortening 34" strings: Mongo2 describes a good way in the "Who makes a 30" shortscale flatwound low B?" thread. Haven't tried it myself yet.

[PaulF707]

My strings are:
LaBella Deep Talkin'
They do:
760FLBS Light - Flatwound - 5 string
43 60 82 104 128 Short scale
and
760FMBS Medium - Flatwound - 5 string
49 69 89 109 128 Short Scale

I got mine from stringbusters.com (£36 ish)

I'll have a look at your thread as well...
Cheers