Shortscale Eko and a floppy E

[sikamikanico]

I have an old Eko shortscale semi-acoustic bass and while it's a groovy bass, I hate how E string feels and sounds.

• how much is this a product of the scale length (30")?
• or is it "just" bad construction? some say that a good constructed 34" bass will have as good a B string as a 35" bass...
• and the third option would be that the problem comes from the fact that the E string is from a different set (shortscale E didn't fit because of the tailpiece design)... but they're all Pyramid flats...

with all this information, what would you say is the biggest factor contributing to the floppy E problem?

and what strings would help from your experience?

[Meatrus]

I would say its mainly the scale length, if your used to playing other basses it will feel floppy. The only real remedy is heavier gauge strings (makes a big difference), or get used to playing with a lighter touch.

[rumblethump]

I use medium scale 32" Chromes on my Beatle copy. .100 E string. 30" scale bass. I don't find it too floppy but it is the nature of the beast. LaBella has a set just for the Hofner style basses that a lot of people will endorse.

Back to questions: 1. 33% scale 33% construction 33% string
3. Possibly... I find that the diameter of the string, larger being tighter, smaller softer, is a good rule.

[sikamikanico]

Originally Posted by Meatrus

I would say its mainly the scale length, if your used to playing other basses it will feel floppy. The only real remedy is heavier gauge strings (makes a big difference), or get used to playing with a lighter touch.

well, AD&G strings are OK, I mainly have the problem with the E... but yeah, overall they do feel different... and it inspires me to play differently, which can be a good thing

[FunkMetalBass]

The E-sting is always a bit under-tensioned, so it's more noticeable on the shorter scale. Depending on how heavy of a gauge you normally use, a .110 - .120 E should help restore some sense of normalcy.

[lunarpollen]

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

The E-sting is always a bit under-tensioned, so it's more noticeable on the shorter scale. Depending on how heavy of a gauge you normally use, a .110 - .120 E should help restore some sense of normalcy.

I was going to recommend the same thing. Do they offer a heavier gauge of E string?

[sikamikanico]

thanks... i will look into heavier gauges...