short scale strings on normal size bass?

project_c · #1 01-19-2010, 10:38 AM

I accidentally bought a set of short scale TI flats - I started putting them on before realising they were the shortscale's (duh..) - they sound ok as far as I can tell, but is there any reason I shouldn't use them? I'll buy a new set, but meanwhile they fit the bass, and sound the same as the normal TI's, although the red thread goes right across the nut, which just looks wrong, it doesn't seem to affect the sound. Apart from the bad looks, is it safe to use these until I get a new set?

Jim Nazium · #2 01-19-2010, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by project_c

... Apart from the bad looks, is it safe to use these until I get a new set?

It's safe to use them forever. The tension will be the same. The only issue would be if the wrap going through the nut affected the sound.

project_c · #3 01-19-2010, 11:08 AM

Cool, thanks for the advice. The weird thing is the other 3 strings actually fit better than the long scale's, it's only the wrap on the E string that hangs over the nut. I guess I'll have to order them seperately if I change them again. Would it be a bad idea to unwind the wrap so it sits in the same place as the others?

Jim Nazium · #4 01-20-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by project_c

Would it be a bad idea to unwind the wrap so it sits in the same place as the others?

I don't think I would do that. I think the silk wrap is there to keep the outer layer of wire from unwinding. TIs are expensive strings; I wouldn't take the chance on ruining one. If the look really bugs you and you're going to replace it anyway, then go ahead and try it, but if you don't mind keeping it that way for a while, I'd say just leave it be.

Just my $.02 of course.

mpm32 · #5 01-21-2010, 10:55 AM

You won't have any issues unwinding the wrapping. Especially if you are only going to for that 3/4" or so.

Jayzen_SKA · #6 01-21-2010, 06:10 PM

could you not have just clipped a little extra off the string so they all lined up when you wound it ?

meRTKendrew · #7 01-21-2010, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayzen_SKA

could you not have just clipped a little extra off the string so they all lined up when you wound it ?

Jayzen_SKA · #8 01-22-2010, 05:46 AM

I REALLY don't know where my logic for that came from

jasper383 · #9 01-22-2010, 06:27 AM

Silks are there to protect the finish of the tuners and bridge, not to keep anything from unwinding.