Can a long scale bass strings be put on a short scale bass?

[Basswoman99]

Okay, so I bought a new short scale bass. However, I have a spare set of new strings from a full sized bass. (34'' to a 30''), and I have no idea what type of string size the short scale bass uses. I was curious if the strings would fit into the nut of the bass. If not, what would happen to the strings of the bass? would it damage the nut or it won't fit in?

Here's the type of string
> Elixir medium, roundwound .045 - .105

Thanks a lot!

 

[Watchootognbout]

You may end up having to cut the strings well past the silk winding.
That may cause the steel winding to unravel.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Not the best of ideas. Diameters will be near-identical and should fit the nut slot. Problem is that you want each string to taper or step-down between the nut and tuner posts and that's not gonna happen with a long scale string on a short scale bass.

Riis

 

[Bunk McNulty]

I have always used long-scale strings on my shortys. No problem, ever.

 

[Basswoman99]

Not the best of ideas. Diameters will be near-identical and should fit the nut slot. Problem is that you want each string to taper or step-down between the nut and tuner posts and that's not gonna happen with a long scale string on a short scale bass.

Riis

Oh, okay! Got it! Thanks a lot!!

 

[Basswoman99]

You may end up having to cut the strings well past the silk winding.
That may cause the steel winding to unravel.

Ohh, I see! Thank you!

 

[Basswoman99]

I have always used long-scale strings on my shortys. No problem, ever.

So, you're saying that it fits to the D and G string tuning posts perfectly? If so, did you have to replace the tuning posts and put a new nut on that would fit on the bass' strings? Or none of those?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Oh, okay! Got it! Thanks a lot!!

Okay, here's a start...better get out your tape measure:

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Drop the coin and install the correct strings.

Riis

 

[Basswoman99]

Okay, here's a start...better get out your tape measure:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Drop the coin and install the correct strings.

Riis

I think I shall! Anyways, the strings on the short scale bass are still pretty much brand new and as I bought the bass' today lol. I was just being curious... But thank you so much again!

 

[Zooberwerx]

I think I shall! Anyways, the strings on the short scale bass are still pretty much brand new and as I bought the bass' today lol. I was just being curious... But thank you so much again!

You're welcome. Lots of dope on short scale strings in the "Strings" forum. If uncertain, contact Jason at BSO for guidance. He's a valued contributor here on TB and a heckuva nice guy. Enjoy the bass!

Riis

 

[Basswoman99]

You're welcome. Lots of dope on short scale strings in the "Strings" forum. If uncertain, contact Jason at BSO for guidance. He's a valued contributor here on TB and a heckuva nice guy. Enjoy the bass!

Riis

Thanks! That sounds good and awesome! You're a legend! Thanks a lot for the help and I shall speak or ask again to you soon!

 

[Zooberwerx]

Thanks! That sounds good and awesome! You're a legend! Thanks a lot for the help and I shall speak or ask again to you soon!

I do have my moments. Hey...no pics, no bass!

Riis

 

[Basswoman99]

I do have my moments. Hey...no pics, no bass!

Riis

Nah, I think you're a total legend lol! I know, I know, I tend to keep my privacy, private! Sorry about that haha.

 

[Basswoman99]

I do have my moments. Hey...no pics, no bass!

Riis

Actually I changed my mind! It's not like it's my face that I'm showing! Here ya go: this one's for you...

 

[Jeff Scott]

I put TI Jazz Flats JF344 on my mid '90s CIJ Mustang Bass with no problems; they fit perfectly. This was a S-T-BDY instrument so YMMV.

 

[Basswoman99]

I put TI Jazz Flats JF344 on my mid '90s CIJ Mustang Bass with no problems; they fit perfectly. This was a S-T-BDY instrument so YMMV.

That sounds insteresting... hmm... What's with those acroynms that stand for? lol thanks.

 

[lug]

So, you're saying that it fits to the D and G string tuning posts perfectly? If so, did you have to replace the tuning posts and put a new nut on that would fit on the bass' strings? Or none of those?

I've used both long scale and short scale strings on shorties, never noticed any difference at all. The problem with longs on a shortie seems more "academic" than real world.

 

[MCF]

I've used both long scale and short scale strings on shorties, never noticed any difference at all. The problem with longs on a shortie seems more "academic" than real world.

I may be mistaken, but I believe the new Mustang PJ I recently got came with standard length Fender rounds cut to length at the factory. At least that is what they appear to be. The bass plays and sounds great.

Take a look at Scott's Bass Lessons vid on changing strings. Particularly the part about putting a bend near the end and cutting a little above it. Good advice whenever cutting strings.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

If you have to stuff the full-sized (non-tapered) E string into the tuning machine, it will not work.

 

[bholder]

If you have to stuff the full-sized (non-tapered) E string into the tuning machine, it will not work.

Depends on the tuning machine, of course, but true for some.