Half Rounds strings Recommendation for SHORT scale Gibson SG Bass

[StevieJukeJoint]

Can no longer get D'Addario Half Rounds for short scale. Any recommendations - keep in mind this is for a short scale bass, a 2018 Gibson SG.Standard, Walnut. Thanks

 

[michael_t]

GHS Brite Flats 49-108 do come in both "short scale" (32.75" winding) and "medium" scale (35.5" winding). They're Alloy 52 half-rounds.

 

[MrAB4003]

Rotosound 55s are better if you like stainless steel over nickel or nickel alloys. They're some of my favorite strings!

 

[michael_t]

Rotosound 55s are better if you like stainless steel over nickel or nickel alloys. They're some of my favorite strings!

Just so the OP is aware... The Solo Bass 55 are not half-rounds as such; they're "pressurewound" and closer to "roundwound" both in tone and feel.

By the way, do they even come in "short scale"?

 

[StevieJukeJoint]

Just so the OP is aware... The Solo Bass 55 are not half-rounds as such; they're "pressurewound" and closer to "roundwound" both in tone and feel.

By the way, do they even come in "short scale"?

I like your idea of GHS Brite Flats, but why 108 E string - too big for Shorty

 

[michael_t]

I like your idea of GHS Brite Flats, but why 108 E string - too big for Shorty

Funny you should mention that. A lot of short-scale players complain most of the "short scale" string sets are too light. As the scale length decreases, so does the tension. Many short-scale players feel they need to up the gauges to maintain a decent amount of tension on a short-scale bass.

Here are the actual tension figures for the short-scale Brite Flats (49-108): (Based on 30" scale)

G 049 - 42.9 (lbs.)
D 062 - 36.4
A 084 - 35.4
E 108 - 35.5 (Total 150.2)

 

[michael_t]

Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats (aka Slinky Flatwound) are true flatwound, except they're designed to sound like roundwound. They may be an option for you as they now come in "short scale" with 32.5" winding length (ball end to taper/silk). The gauges are 45-65-85-105.

 

[iiipopes]

I like your idea of GHS Brite Flats, but why 108 E string - too big for Shorty

It really isn't. The reason is that since the string is ground, there is a lot of space between each wind and the core of what is left after the grind. So the string is flexible and retains good tone, at moderate tension. I have played a set on each scale: 30, 32, 34. The string plays a little lighter in feel than the gauge or diameter might indicate.

 

[rockscott]

The only flats i have ever liked are cobalts!