Help needed

[gazzatriumph]

Hi all,
I've recently moved to playing short scale (30 inch) after playing 34 inch since I started playing 40 years ago. I'm alot happier with the size of the bass for comfort reasons. I have a custom Maruszczyk Elwood with an Aguilera humbucker and HC jazz pick ups. I bought short scale version the roundwounds I have used for years D addario XL170 but found them a bit floppy to play so I have put on La Bellas 760 FL S Deep talking bass strings which for finger playing are great and get rid of the sloppiness but I'm struggling to get a good tone with a pick. I play rock and pop covers. I'm looking for any recommendations for a stiffer roundwound, I like the feel of the nickel coated ones. Do I need a different gauge. Any advice appreciated as buying different strings is an expensive game. Thanks.

 

[michael_t]

For a roundwound for short scale, I would suggest you try the GHS Balanced Nickels.

SETS - SHORT SCALE BALANCED NICKELS

Pure nickel wrap means not too bright and zingy, but still with the definition and clarity of a roundwound. Plenty of tension for short scale not to feel floppy and nicely balanced both in tone and tension all across four strings.

 

[michael_t]

Here's a comparison in tension figures between D'A EXL170S and GHS BN short scale...

D'Addario EXL170-S:

G 045 - 33.10 lbs.
D 065 - 37.64
A 080 - 31.18
E 100 - 27.03 (Total 128.95)

GHS Balanced Nickel 4700 Short Scale:

G 044 - 37.0 lbs.
D 060 - 35.8
A 080 - 35.6
E 106 - 34.9 (Total 143.3)

 

[gazzatriumph]

Thanks for your replies I've ordered a custom set from Newtone strings based in UK.