Cutting down bass strings

[reep]

I've got a 25.5" scale bass that I need strings for. The original Pi Z-01 strings (which were designed for the Fernandes Nomad travel bass) have finally failed (winding has come off the G-string). I don't expect to be able to find the same length of strings at a music store within driving distance. If I buy a set of regular short scale strings that are intended for a 30" bass, such as DR's or LaBellas, is there going to be issues if I cut some of the length off to use on my 25.5" bass?

 

[Aidil]

What were the factory string gauges?

And you'd probably get faster help by mentioning the string winding length required by that bass rather than just its scale length. Read the sticky thread on TB the string forum or search for measuring string winding length topics if you aren't familiar with string winding length.

 

[reep]

There aren't any factory string gauges.....This is a bass I built by converting a Telecaster guitar. I chose the Pie-Z03 strings based on the fact that they're used on the Fernandes Nomad travel bass, which is also 25.5" scale. I know I can order the same strings again directly from Japan, and I'm beginning to think that's my best bet. Thanks for your response to my question.

 

[reep]

For anybody else looking for super-shorty strings, the Pie-Zo BSZ-2000 strings (for 25.5" scale) seem to be readily available on eBay. They were about 1/3 what I paid for my last set from Fernandes.

 

[JimmyM]

For anybody else looking for super-shorty strings, the Pie-Zo BSZ-2000 strings (for 25.5" scale) seem to be readily available on eBay. They were about 1/3 what I paid for my last set from Fernandes.

I'd stock up if I were you.

 

[reep]

I got my new strings from an eBay seller and was really impressed....Delivery from Japan to my doorstep in Canada in eight days. When I installed them yesterday, the only hitch was that the G string was just barely long enough. I managed to get 1 1/2 winds around the tuner and it seems to be holding fine. I think this probably was an issue when I installed the first set of strings.....However, I may have created the problem when I recently took the original strings off and boiled them, because the wrap started unwinding off the core of the G string when I reinstalled them. I did some reading about winding length at the tuners and it was certainly a factor for me. I'd like to thank Aidil for his post regarding string winding length, which was at the heart of my problem. I appreciate the advice I get on TalkBass - You guys are great.

 

[bassnat]

Is it possible to cut down strings, even flatwounds, and apply heat shrink tubing on the string for the part on the tuning peg? I have never used heat shrink tubing but know it exists.

 

[mmbongo]

Is it possible to cut down strings, even flatwounds, and apply heat shrink tubing on the string for the part on the tuning peg? I have never used heat shrink tubing but know it exists.

The problem is having the outer most windings go around the tuning pegs which must be avoided. It may not even be possible with flats as they are too stiff.