GHS precision flats. E string too long.

Looks like you may have bought Extra Long Scale strings instead of Regular scale. Got a picture of the packaging?

 

This is the very feature that kept me from trying the Precision Flats for a long time. My OCD wouldn't allow it.

The good news is they're pliable enough not to cause any issue when the main body of the E string wraps around the post.

Here's my Am Std P with P Flats:

 

GHS P Flats come in three lengths:

Long Scale Plus = 38" winding. (No "universal long scale" with 37.25" winding.)
Medium Scale = 35.5" winding.
Short Scale = 32.75 winding.

This is where I like what La Bella has done with their "long scale" flats. 38" winding for G-D-A, 36.75" winding for E.

 

I really like the idea GHS includes the actual "winding length" (ball end to silk/taper) on the package instead of just "long scale", "medium scale", etc. Using "scale length" for strings can create confusion as different manufacturers define "scale length" differently when it come to how their strings are wound.

 

They only make one length E string. It is more than flexible enough to go around a jazz bass tuning post.

 

Yeah, I had the same reservations but it’s worked so far for me...

 

It’s fine, and they are wonderful flats, but my ocd took over for the set I put on my P. That and I would move down in gauge to 45-95 next time. I’ve got the medium length on my Kramer and they are buttery, and the silks stop right at the nut. They come out of the package ready to go.

 

I have been running full scale strings on my short scale basses for nearly 30 years. Never a problem. The current set of Steve Harris full scale flats has been on my Musicmaster for at least 7 years now, wrapped just like in your "before" picture. Not a problem, and they still sound great. Fender sends their Mustang PJs out of the factory wearing regular scale 7250 strings without wraps. No problems there IME, and they sell 'em by the boatload as far as I can determine. Don't worry about strings that are too long. Just worry about strings that are too short.

 

This reminds me that the JMJ Road Worn Mustang is factory equipped with long-scale Fender 9050 Flats.

 

I have had good luck with Chromes and TI flats in that regard, too. And they both work well on through-body Mustangs.

 

My GHS flats E string goes around to 9 o'clock , sounds fine , no issues or unraveling etc

 

Sure beats ordering three sets of super long Precision Flats and having the B string be too short in all three packs...

 

I’m sure someone has had a problem at one time when the core part of the string hit the post. I never have. I think this is more urban legend than reality.

 

My Roto 77 long scale wraps fine around my SG bass tuning peg. It's the stiffest string and the shortest scale (the peg itself is large though) and zero problems. Roto says doing so will void the warranty, but who needs warranty for something that won't foreseeably break at all.

 

But even if something works in SOME cases doesn't mean it's always ideal. What about strings where the manufacturer warns against stringing through body? Can they handle having the thick part wrapped around the tuning post? And what about basses with very thin tuning posts, like Broncos or many vintage short scales like Hagstroms? Basically guitar size tuning posts. I don't think I would wind the thick part of an E-string around those!

Then there's tension to consider too. Some strings could get too flabby on a short scale. I don't think I would put full scale TI Jazz Flats/Rounds on a short scale bass!

But the Steve Harris set makes sense. I can see the insanely high gauge working great on short scale, maybe even better than it's intended use, lol!

As for Fender shipping out Mustang PJs (no through body option) with long scale strings I think that says more about Fender than anything else...