Hello and not sure where to post this question

[EmilyH]

Hi, I'm new to Talk Bass. Also a beginning bass player. Or you could say a wanna-be. I have 2 basses - a Squier Jazz bass and a Jay Turser short scale. The Squier is almost too big for me and the JT is ok fit-wise but it doesn't sound right. The strings seem floppy or spongy and the sound isn't clear like the Squier even when tuned correctly. Suggestions? I've thought about picking up a medium scale bass but am wondering if I can save money by adjusting what I already have.

Thanks in advance.

 

[hrodbert696]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. You'll figure out what sub-forum is for what, most of them are pretty straightforward (basses, amps, strings, effects, etc.).

Lower string tension is generally just part of what's involved with short-scale basses. Having said that, I would try some fresh strings on it and maybe taking it in to a shop for a setup. A new set of strings should cost you $20-25 and a setup maybe $50. Definitely cheaper than buying a new bass, and I often feel like my old basses are reborn just from a string change.

You may also want to take a look at your Squier. I don't know how old or how tall you are, but there are quite a few petite women who do very well on full-scale basses. A good strap and making sure that it hangs properly at maybe a 30-45 degree angle may help you feel like you're not having to stretch way out uncomfortably far. Some people play with the neck angled right up near their face, which obviously would not be much of a stretch at all. But it's all a matter of finding what works for you.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Ditto to the above. I have found that my instruments when tuned right with a good set up play better than I can. There is a lot of life left in yours. A new set of strings and a set up will be money well spent.

As to short scale or the Squier, my suggestion would be when you take the short scale in for a set-up, try out some of the new short scales, they have in stock. That should give you an idea if you want to use the short scale over the Squier, and if so go ahead with new strings and a set-up. Discuss strings with the tech at the store. I switched over to flats years ago and never went back.

Why flat wound strings? It gives me a sound I like. Flats with foam rubber under the strings at the bridge get me close to an up-right bass sound. Again discuss strings with the tech at the music store.

BTW welcome to the bottom end.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Welcome !
explore your short scale string choices.
A good place to start would be looking at
Basstringsonline.com
Owner is @SLaPiNFuNK aka Jason good knowledgable helpful guy. He answers phone calls and emails personally.