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Help with Short Scale String Gauges!!!

backtobass

backtobass

Jul 20, 2010
615
729
Rockville, MD
#1
I play short scales and usually we play a half step down. I'm now playing for a band where everything is pretty much drop D, so after a half step down its C#. I'm trying to figure out which string gauge will be best to do this, balanced ideally. I don't want to do anything crazy that could potentially damage the bass with crazy tension. I really welcome your thoughts. If it matters, I play a Spector Bantam and an EBMM by Sterling Short Stingray. Secondary question would be which of these basses to set up for C#-G#-C#-F# tuning. Thanks everyone.
 
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#2
If you are already in D standard going do Db/C# is only a half step away.
Just tune down the extra half step and see if the strings are too floppy.
If the string tension seems good and it holds pitch the most you should have to do is adjust the neck relief a little and maybe adjust saddle distance a little.
 
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#3
My suggestion would be to go with a heavier gauge set of hex core strings of your choice. Something with at least a .105 E string. I opted for a set of GHS Bass Boomers on a short scale I might occasionally tune down a half step but I have no experience tuning down 1 1/2 steps. To be 100% honest with you I would not use a short scale bass for that kind of tuning. But that's me.
 
#4
backtobass said:
I play short scales and usually we play a half step down. I'm now playing for a band where everything is pretty much drop D, so after a half step down its C#. I'm trying to figure out which string gauge will be best to do this, balanced ideally. I don't want to do anything crazy that could potentially damage the bass with crazy tension. I really welcome your thoughts. If it matters, I play a Spector Bantam and an EBMM by Sterling Short Stingray. Secondary question would be which of these basses to set up for C#-G#-C#-F# tuning. Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...
What specific type of strings do you use? Rounds or flats, nickel or stainless?

Don't worry about the tension. The shorter the scale, the lighter the tension with the same gauges.
 
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#6
michael_t said:
What specific type of strings do you use? Rounds or flats, nickel or stainless?

Don't worry about the tension. The shorter the scale, the lighter the tension with the same gauges.
Click to expand...
I mainly use round nickels. I just found my normal gauge strings are a little floppy. I found a string tension calculator and found a few sets that will keep the tension similar to what the basses were originally set up for, or at least very close. Interestingly, I found that the Sterling SS Stingray is set up from factory at 145.3 lbs of tension where the Spector is set up at 138.4 lbs. I was kind of surprised at the difference.
 
#8
Even with the thickest gauge you could find, the neck will be fine, barring unique problems. The scale is short, tension won't be excessive even at 110. Most necks should handle much worse, even at standard E.

Have two shorties, I love the tension and low string travel of the Ernie Ball Group I Flats, but it's possible you are using rounds. The market is thinner for roundwounds on short scale basses-if I was in your position, I would choose thickest gauge as possible for the type of string I like. It most likely won't harm your bass, though you may need to change preamp/amp settings. My driving idea is to keep tension in my shorties as similar to a standard bass as possible, and while many adore the light gauges for short scale basses historically available decades ago, I find them too loose for what I do (nice bloom with long notes, but not ideal for clear note definition-though I am sure it's just personal taste or getting used to stuff-they just have too much "flop," so lower strong action isn't as practical.

Gauge 105 or higher would be my suggestion, though I understand options are limited for shortie roundwounds.
 

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