Strings on a Short Scale Bass?

[dragonfly66]

I'm new to the bass and this forum (my second post) and I have a 5 string bass and a short scale bass. I don't know a whole lot about anything bass YET, but I'm learning. My short scale hasn't arrived yet, but I know I'm going to have to change the strings. I've heard flat wounds aren't good on a short scale and I heard that there are special strings for short scale basses. I've also heard that any string will work.

Is there a recommended string specifically for short scale basses?

[slejhamer]

Depends on the bass; my 31" Birdsong was designed to take regular long-scale strings if I string through the body.

I think (and others can correct me if I'm wrong) the general thinking is you don't want too much of the full wrap portion of the string around the tuning posts. Supposedly this can weaken the strings. Short-scale strings will begin to taper sooner, allowing you to get more windings around the tuning posts.

Are you talking about the Iby Mikro in your signature? I'd find out what strings others are using with that bass and go from there. Most manufacturers have a short-scale set or two that should work for you.

Flats can be great on a short-scale, by the way, but again it depends on the bass and the sound you're after. A 30" Fender Mustang with flats, for example, gets a really nice vintage thwump.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by dragonfly66

<snip> I've heard flat wounds aren't good on a short scale <snip>

I heard Elvis was working in a convenience store.

Word I heard was Flats were the go-to string for beatle bass clones; short scale. Chromes came on my 30.5" Epi Voila, & stayed on; nice!!

Flats are merely a class of string with a different sound than other classes. If that sound works for you; great! If Rounds work better, that's great too! It all depends on what you want to sound like.


There's a difference between scale length & "string length". With the same scale length, bridge/tailpiece design & normal or through-body mounting will change the required "string length". D'Addario used to have a great little section on their website describing how to measure your instrument & determine the proper "string length" to order from them; anyone know if it's still there?

[vin*tone]

Originally Posted by dragonfly66

.. I've heard flat wounds aren't good on a short scale and I heard that there are special strings for short scale basses. I've also heard that any string will work.

Is there a recommended string specifically for short scale basses?

Short scale players.... What's your poison?

Might be interesting reading for you. A heap of players prefer flats
I'm waiting on a '66 Mustang ATM!