• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Flexible Short-Scale Flatwounds

Outshined91

Outshined91

Supporting Member
Aug 23, 2019
1,808
2,336
US of A
#1
I just got a Mustang, and I'm looking to put some flats in it. It has sinfully low action with D'Addario Half-Rounds (.45 - .100), and I would like to keep that low tension and low action. What set of short scale flats can you guys recommend? The one caveat is no TI flats - they are too expensive for me as I'm a high school student. Any other set is affordable. Thanks! :D

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I would prefer a .100 E string (I understand that a higher gauge will increase the tension/action but I really do not like super light sets). :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
#6
Dunlops are great on a mustang but i'd recommend the 105 set over the 100. They do make both in Short Scale sets...40-100 and 45-105 I like low tension or more flexibility generally and am a big fan of strings like the TI flats. But the 100 set of Dunlops on my Serek short scale was a bit too loose for my liking. 105 set is perfect. I've come to prefer the 100 set of Dunlops on my P. Dunlop flats are very flexible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RyanKinBK, funkinbottom and DaveAceofBass
#11
I am using Chromes I think the standard short scale on my Bronco and they are pretty loose. Usually on the short scale is is harder to get the strings to not be floppy. Make sure you have a good setup, which can make the strings feel more supple. A high nut and a little relief can add a lot of stiffness to the feel.
 
#13
Dee-man said:
Try finding an affordable used set of TI jazz flats. They pretty much last forever.
Click to expand...

I was just about to write this - but someone beat me to it. Also, since you're based in the US - you may find a used set in the classfieds, and they'll probably be nicely broken in for you.

I can't think of anything that fits your description better - I'm currently using a 30-inch set on my main short-scale bass (have also tried Chromes & LaBella flats on the same bass - the standard ones, not "low tension" ones). Good luck and let us know what you settle on!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Outshined91
#16
Tim Skaggs said:
I don't think you want TI flats on a short scale anyway. They are way flexible across 34" so across 30" they will feel like rubber strings on a uke bass. Any light gauge flats will feel low tension on a 30" scale. I play Chromes in MEDIUM scale (strung through the body) on my Mustang with the action quite low. It works well.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I'm a HUGE fan of most TI strings (including the LONG scale Jazz Flats) but the SHORT scale Jazz Flats are too weird for me. The gauges for A-D-G are actually the same as the long scale set which means they're even floppier and extremely low tension on a short scale. The only floppier strings I can think of are the TI Jazz ROUNDS. I wouldn't necessarily mind the low tension if it wasn't for the fact that the E-string on the short scale Jazz Flats is considerably heavier gauge and stiffer than the long scale sets.

This means that the short scale Jazz Flats have extremely floppy A-D-G and a very stiff E. The jump in tension between E and A is so extreme that I personally find they close to unplayable.

And this is coming from someone who absolutely loves the LONG scale Jazz Flats and TI strings in general.

One more thing: The short scale TI Jazz Flats aren't really short scale at all unless you mean "short scale with tailpiece" like Höfner Beatles bass. They will be too long for a top loaded Mustang (unless you don't mind having the windings of flats around your tuning posts). The short scale TI Jazz Flats are actually more like medium scale (32 inch).

I wouldn't buy TI Jazz Flats used btw (I keep seing recommendations for this in many threads). They are very long lasting strings when installed on a bass but I've had several strings go bad when loosening tension for setup/adjustments. It seems like the windings can loosen slightly from the core when not under tension. The strings developed a weird metallic buzz and I could "slide" the windings slightly back and forth over the core. This was just barely noticable but enough to ruin the sound. I suspect the combination of round core and very soft/flexible means the windings can loosen when not under tension, even though they've been bent/crimped before cutting. It has happened too many times to me to be down to bad luck.

So basically, don't feel bad about not affording the short scale TI flats. They are probably not what you want anyway.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mikewalker and DavidEdenAria

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back