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Help me make my Short scale sound bigger....

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dtray187

Guest
Apr 26, 2013
12
0
#1
Hey guys, I have a squire jaguar ss. I tried the Ibanez mikro and it had a deeper tone, but action was bad and sustain wasnt there since it was a 28.5 instead of a 30.

I want to keep the jaguar, it has great action and very playable for me ( short arms and fingers )

BUT, I need to know if its possible to close to a full size tone out of this guitar with new strings and pick up upgrades?

Its way too bright and the low end isnt tight or deep.

What p bass pick ups are the best for what I want and strings too?

Thanks guys!!!

The only other option for me is the Gretsch Electromatic G2220 , but Im not all the way sold on it if I can make this work!
 
#2
Positively Flat Wound strings....Dadarrio chromes or Fender 9050 which are made by dadarrio, but are less expensive.

I use flats on my two short scales and it makes a world of difference.
 
#4
Try the new strings first. It's the less expensive option, by far. If the new strings aren't enough, then perhaps some pickups might bolster the sound.

I don't think Fender flats are made for short scales, or at least, that's what a Fender rep said when I asked him about exactly that. Mind you, that still doesn't mean they won't work on an SS. I put a set of GHS long scale nylon tapewounds on one and they didn't fly apart. I know D'Addario makes one set of flats specifically for short scale, ECB81S Chromes (45-100's).

Has anyone ever contacted Seymour Duncan directly? Maybe a service rep could steer you in the right direction.
 
#8
dtray187 said:
Thanks! Some people like rotosound flatwounds shorts better, what do you think?
Click to expand...

I love the way the Rotosound flatwound strings sound on my SS Jag. Just the sound I was looking for. Nice and deep. :cool:

attachment.jpg


I'm going to try some GHS Precision Flats next time.
 
#9
dtray187 said:
Thanks! Some people like rotosound flatwounds shorts better, what do you think?
Click to expand...

Never tried them, but I know they ain't cheap!

If you want them, shop around for the best price. For example, I took a quick look at both Musician's Friend and Guitar Center's websites. Despite being owned by the same company, MF had them for almost ten dollars less.
 
#11
Most non Alembic short scales lack the fundamental clarity on the low end, but really shine on the upper registers. Thus the fan fret was born. The best of both worlds tonal wise, but still considered long scale.
 
#14
I would play with different strings first. As others have said the flats if you really want an old school thump, etc, etc.. You need to be careful with strings on the Jag SS, some brands are cut for a 2x2 tuners instead of in-line like the Jag. Your G string would be problematic. LaBella does this.

If strings doesn't help, I would think about new pups. I got a DiMarzio P/J set and am very happy with the sound. Stop by the club (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/squier-jaguar-short-scale-club-part-2-a-821134/ ), post a pic and get a number. There's a ton of good info in the club threads. These things are fun to mod.

Yes, I'm biased.
 
#15
I'm going to try some GHS Precision Flats next time.
Click to expand...
They are the unsung hero of the flatwound world. Definitely try them. At the price, you have nothing to lose.
Most non Alembic short scales lack the fundamental clarity on the low end
Click to expand...
You'll never get the performance of an Alembic from this bass, but... One of the principal reasons Alembics can get such a strong, fundamental low tone, is that their body construction (including everything that holds the strings - bridge and nut) is rigid and keeps the fundamental vibration from dissipating into the body and neck. I know fans of "body resonance" will hate the concept, but the physics are true. Alembic goes a step farther and mounts its brass bridge into an 6 oz brass block inset into the body. I've had great results adding high mass brass bridges and bone or brass nuts to short scales. Alembic - no - but noticeably better, more present lows.
 
#16
Thanks everyone! I just ordered a set of flatwound chromes!

If this doesn't get me there , how do you think the Gretsch G2220 fairs with flats? Everyone says its just a bigger sounding guitar..... or replace the pick ups as suggested earlier?

I'm only asking since so stores carry them here and they go off sale in a few days ....
 
#19
The Gretsch has humbuckers, typically makes the sound more wooly and less focused than a single coil. Also, the pickups are in different spots than the SS Jag. As they come, they have more "thump" to them, less bite and definition than the Jag. You can shake a room with either one. If you like everything else about the Jag (I do) then strings (rounds can be great too, just don't use light gauge, you need more mass and tension for what I think of a "big" sound), amp settings, then consider adding a simple preamp. I have a two band MM clone (thanks Unclefluffy) in one of my shorties and it makes a huge difference in "bigness". If on the other hand you want a more mumbly, rootsy sound I'd recommend the Gretsch.
 
#20
dtray187 said:
BUT, I need to know if its possible to close to a full size tone out of this guitar with new strings and pick up upgrades?

Its way too bright and the low end isnt tight or deep.

What p bass pick ups are the best for what I want and strings too?
Click to expand...

Your SS Jag should sound fine with Chromes (mine does). Keep the (noisy, bright) bridge pickup turned down all the way, neck pickup turned up all the way and adjust the tone to taste. The stock neck pickup is just fine, I've thought about replacing the bridge pickup on mine with a Fender Super 55 Split J bridge, but not until I think I'll need more power on the bright side.
 

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