30" Scale Bass with Bass VI Strings?

[Salem6127]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread. I play an Ibanez SRC6MS with the nut and bridge modified to accommodate a custom assemblage of .120–.030 GHS bass and guitar strings for B0–B2. As it has become a go-to instrument for me, I have considered replacing the serviceable stock tuning machines with locking Sperzels. Those claim to take up to .125 with no need of any taper to the string, which would really open up my options for strings; but based on what I’ve read here, I would want to check with Sperzel to see if they can handle diameters down to .030. I wonder whether some constructions of strings would slip in the locking mechanism less than others at lower diameters

Also glad of course to hear that these strings worked out well for your unique situation! While it wouldn’t likely save you anything on cost, you could consider ordering four singles in the diameters you prefer; at least you wouldn’t find yourself stuck with two superfluous strings with every change. You might even like this set from Rotosound.

My experience with the bass Sperzels is they can definitely accommodate up to a .125

As for the thinner strings, the EB .30 roundwound didn't even stand a chance. It wouldn't just pop out mid tune, I couldn't even get a tweak of tension before it just slipped out. I doubt other rounds would stay gripped if these EB rounds couldn't. Very coarse steels may stand a better chance, but it's a gamble. Now, you could in theory just wrap/tie the string around the post to get around this, but guitarists all over the net vehemently insist you'll have terrible tuning stability by doing this. Not sure it's worth the risk for your Ibanez VI.

 

[Salem6127]

Yeah they were the first strings I've tried in a loooong time that I couldn't even stand long enough to try to break in- basically no redeeming qualities! I've used steel DR strings on shorties before and liked them, so it definitely wasn't just a steel roundwound on a short-scale issue- I think there is just something off about those Roto short-scale sets

Maybe they were made specifically for @Salem6127 ’s unique instrument

Funny you mention this, Riff. Because I planned to pick me up a set this week lol. Hopefully we don't see this string inquiry thread turn into a RS66S hate thread in real time after I try em out

Hmmm, an acrylic bodied short scale with a single MM neck pup, NO tone knob, a glossed & painted fretboard, and XJ stainless steel frets? What could go wrong!? Surely some of the most infamously obnoxious steels in the entire market couldn't make this already super bright bass sound like absolute nails on a chalkboard!

Hold my beer boys...

 

[Riff Ranger]

My experience with the bass Sperzels is they can definitely accommodate up to a .125

As for the thinner strings, the EB .30 roundwound didn't even stand a chance. It wouldn't just pop out mid tune, I couldn't even get a tweak of tension before it just slipped out. I doubt other rounds would stay gripped if these EB rounds couldn't. Very coarse steels may stand a better chance, but it's a gamble. Now, you could in theory just wrap/tie the string around the post to get around this, but guitarists all over the net vehemently insist you'll have terrible tuning stability by doing this. Not sure it's worth the risk for your Ibanez VI.

Maybe this will turn into the do-even-weirder-things-than-intended-with-weird-basses thread the locking tuners on my baritone guitar—pictured here with my SRC6MS aka The Abomination—securely hold a plain steel .012, so I might see about going with locking guitar tuners on the skinny side of the Abomination, since I use guitar strings on that side anyway.

 

[Salem6127]

Whelp, I shoulda listened... Went to string up my new pack of RS66S and my G snapped immediately. And not at the tuner either, so I know it's not my bass. On top of that, the E is near impossible to intonate. What a disappointment! I don't know whether it's just the short scale packs that are cursed as you guys mentioned, or Rotosound QC as a whole, but this will certainly be the first and LAST time I buy a Rotosound product

The EB VI rounds formerly mentioned have been long dead (has it even been a week?) reminding me why I stopped using them on 34" scale basses years ago. So I dug my 3 month old short scale Sunbeams outta closet and back on they went. Was immediately greeted by great tone and feel, heavy gauge aside. Might just try cutting regular scale, light-gauge DRs short next time.

 

[sunbeast]

Whelp, I shoulda listened... Went to string up my new pack of RS66S and my G snapped immediately. And not at the tuner either, so I know it's not my bass. On top of that, the E is near impossible to intonate. What a disappointment! I don't know whether it's just the short scale packs that are cursed as you guys mentioned, or Rotosound QC as a whole, but this will certainly be the first and LAST time I buy a Rotosound product

The EB VI rounds formerly mentioned have been long dead (has it even been a week?) reminding me why I stopped using them on 34" scale basses years ago. So I dug my 3 month old short scale Sunbeams outta closet and back on they went. Was immediately greeted by great tone and feel, heavy gauge aside. Might just try cutting regular scale, light-gauge DRs short next time.

I've personally had a few dead out of the package Rotosound strings over the years (they've been great at replacing them BTW), but never any of the funky intonation issues like in those short-scale 66s. I have no idea why that specific set is so bad, but I read multiple reviews that suggest it is common from that set.

Another good short-scale string if you wanna try something else are the StringJoy nickels- I've had a few sets and really love them. On the brighter side for nickels but stiffer feel than the Sunbeams IMO