Short scale strings for 8 string bass (octave).

tomgills · #1 08-26-2009, 06:32 PM

Does anyone know where to find a set of 8 (octave) bass strings in short scale?? My neck is 30.75" - it's a Hagstrom HB-8.
Dave Cowles from GHS said their medium scale Boomer 8 string set should work. Set # 8MS-DYB
Does anyone know if this is true?? The medium scale strings say they are for 32"-33" neck.
I'd like a bit of advice before I shell out $50 for strings.
Thanks to everyone for your input!!

JustDavid · #2 08-26-2009, 07:30 PM

I'm not familiar with Hagstroms, but an Epi Voila short-scale wants medium length due to the long tailpiece.

WalterBush · #3 08-26-2009, 07:40 PM

I just got a Hagstrom HB-8 myself...I couldn't find out what string guages they came with, don't know what brand, and couldn't get a good setup with the stock strings...

So I slapped a set of Rotosounds, .90 to .35 on in place of the primary strings it shipped with. So far, so good.

When the time comes, I'll probably just buy a baritone guitar set to replace the uppers. I don't like being that limited in string choices, though. If anyone knows where to get any 8 string set at any guage, I'd love to hear about it!

WalterBush · #4 08-26-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomgills

Does anyone know if this is true?? The medium scale strings say they are for 32"-33" neck.
I'd like a bit of advice before I shell out $50 for strings.
Thanks to everyone for your input!!

The 34" scale rotosounds worked fine...the HB-8 is strung through-body, it takes up an extra couple of inches on the strings. The GHS sound like they'll fit no problem.

Timmay on bass · #5 08-31-2009, 05:05 PM

I would get both a short scale set of 4 string Boomers (you can get them in .050-.107 or .045-.095 guages), and a set of Piccolo Boomers (guages .018-.050). It's not a problem to use the longer piccolo strings on a short-scale bass.
I use the medium guage Boomers on my 31" scale Kramer 8 string.

mm_stingray · #6 05-04-2010, 07:06 AM

I bought the GHS medium scale. Be forewarned that the gauge is significantly heavier than stock, and that the octave strings' ends will not fit into the ferrules on the back of the body (they'll stick out). However, the string length is no problem at all.