I really like pressure would strings....

[Possum Willy]

If you can't find pressure wounds that work, the next best thing might be DR Sunbeams in short scale. They're 33.75", will get longer when tuned to pitch, and are the smoothest roundwounds I've tried. Thomastik Jazz Rounds might be another good option. Their short scale set is actually medium scale.

Way cool, that's what I'm looking for!

 

[Jon Moody]

So this can be done economically?

Short answer: no. Your original post is asking for medium scale Pressurewounds, which we do not make at present.

 

[Possum Willy]

Love that bass you have there, very nice ! Hope you get the answer you are looking for !

Thanks, did a bunch of mods to it to make it my own. Cut my own pickguard from black pearl, new tuners from Hipshot in flat black, Ibanez Accu-cast B500 bridge, new flat balck control knobs from EMG. Still trying to figure out what pickups and electronics I want to go with.
The price point for the Mezzo allows me to play with all of this and get the sound I'm looking for.

 

[Possum Willy]

If you can't find pressure wounds that work, the next best thing might be DR Sunbeams in short scale. They're 33.75", will get longer when tuned to pitch, and are the smoothest roundwounds I've tried. Thomastik Jazz Rounds might be another good option. Their short scale set is actually medium scale.

Went with the Thomastik-Infeild, a little pricey, but it fits and looks like what I need. I'll let you know when I get them installed and start playing!

 

[Possum Willy]

Short answer: no. Your original post is asking for medium scale Pressurewounds, which we do not make at present.

Thanks, all I needed to know!

 

[matante]

Went with the Thomastik-Infeild, a little pricey, but it fits and looks like what I need. I'll let you know when I get them installed and start playing!

Glad to be of help.

 

[Possum Willy]

Does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes Pressure Wound strings for the Medium Scale bass, like the Ibanez Mezzo?
You guys are great, so my thanks beforehand as I know I'll get replies.
View attachment 4406595

Ok guys, just like I thought, some very good knowledge out there and I really appreciate all answers (as well as any others that may come) I've gone with several selections and will do the research on each set of strings as I get them. When I'm finished, hopefully others who play the 32 inch scale will have a few choices for round wounds that don't have a bunch of finger noise. I picked up the following:

1) GHS Pressure Wounds, 34 inch scale
2) GHS Bright Flats, 32 inch scale
3) DR Sunbeams, Short Scale (33.75 length)
4) Thomastik-Infeild Jazz Bass 32 inch scale

Guess I'll be busy in a day or two trying these out. I'll keep all of my settings on amp and guitar the same and report not only on how they fit, but how they feel and sound too.
Thanks for the input guys!

 

[michael_t]

1) GHS Pressure Wounds, 34 inch scale = 37.25" from ball end to silk.
2) GHS Bright Flats, 32 inch scale = 35.5" from ball end to silk.
3) DR Sunbeams, Short Scale (33.75 length)
4) Thomastik-Infeild Jazz Bass 32 inch scale = 35.5" from ball end to silk.

Just wanted the info on the actual winding lengths on the strings mentioned above. Referring to string lengths in "scale length" can cause too much confusion.

 

[Possum Willy]

Just wanted the info on the actual winding lengths on the strings mentioned above. Referring to string lengths in "scale length" can cause too much confusion.

Gotcha, very good point, I should have made that more clear.

 

[Possum Willy]

Ok guys, just like I thought, some very good knowledge out there and I really appreciate all answers (as well as any others that may come) I've gone with several selections and will do the research on each set of strings as I get them. When I'm finished, hopefully others who play the 32 inch scale will have a few choices for round wounds that don't have a bunch of finger noise. I picked up the following:

1) GHS Pressure Wounds, 34 inch scale
2) GHS Bright Flats, 32 inch scale
3) DR Sunbeams, Short Scale (33.75 length)
4) Thomastik-Infeild Jazz Bass 32 inch scale

Guess I'll be busy in a day or two trying these out. I'll keep all of my settings on amp and guitar the same and report not only on how they fit, but how they feel and sound too.
Thanks for the input guys!

Ok folks, the strings (all of them) arrived a few minutes ago. Did a cursory inspection to get a first impression and here it is:

1) GHS Pressure Wounds, 37.25" winding. Price - $37.43 with Shipping/Tax. Have these on my 34 Jazz, so know them well. They really do reduce string noise but still have a nice growl, which is why I bought them.
2) GHS Bright Flats, 34.5" winding. Price - $37.43 I have also used these before on other guitars and know them well. These start life as roundwounds and are then ground down to a fairly flat surface. They have a lot more bite than flatwounds, finger noise is almost non-existent but the growl is rather soft.
3) DR Sunbeams, 33.75" winding. Price - $24.63 with Shipping/Tax. New to me so excited about trying them. Initial impression is they are very slick for a roundwound string.
4) Thomastik-Infeld, 35.5" winding - Price - $90.63 with Shipping/Tax. Another new string for me, again excited to try them. Initial impression is, extremely slick for a roundwound. Will this be worth the extra cost? I'll let you know in a few days.

 

[michael_t]

1) GHS Pressure Wounds, 37.25" winding. Price - $37.43 with Shipping/Tax. Have these on my 34 Jazz, so know them well. They really do reduce string noise but still have a nice growl, which is why I bought them.
2) GHS Bright Flats, 34.5" winding. Price - $37.43 I have also used these before on other guitars and know them well. These start life as roundwounds and are then ground down to a fairly flat surface. They have a lot more bite than flatwounds, finger noise is almost non-existent but the growl is rather soft.
3) DR Sunbeams, 33.75" winding. Price - $24.63 with Shipping/Tax. New to me so excited about trying them. Initial impression is they are very slick for a roundwound string.
4) Thomastik-Infeld, 35.5" winding - Price - $90.63 with Shipping/Tax. Another new string for me, again excited to try them. Initial impression is, extremely slick for a roundwound. Will this be worth the extra cost? I'll let you know in a few days.

Looking at the list of four completely different string sets, I'd be curious to find out how you will find the DR and the TI, both of which are a lot more flexible in feel than the GHS sets due to the round core.

 

[Possum Willy]

Ok folks, the strings (all of them) arrived a few minutes ago. Did a cursory inspection to get a first impression and here it is:

1) GHS Pressure Wounds, 37.25" winding. Price - $37.43 with Shipping/Tax. Have these on my 34 Jazz, so know them well. They really do reduce string noise but still have a nice growl, which is why I bought them.
2) GHS Bright Flats, 34.5" winding. Price - $37.43 I have also used these before on other guitars and know them well. These start life as roundwounds and are then ground down to a fairly flat surface. They have a lot more bite than flatwounds, finger noise is almost non-existent but the growl is rather soft.
3) DR Sunbeams, 33.75" winding. Price - $24.63 with Shipping/Tax. New to me so excited about trying them. Initial impression is they are very slick for a roundwound string.
4) Thomastik-Infeld, 35.5" winding - Price - $90.63 with Shipping/Tax. Another new string for me, again excited to try them. Initial impression is, extremely slick for a roundwound. Will this be worth the extra cost? I'll let you know in a few days.

OK, here's my review!
Keep in mind, I changed nothing on my setup or amp controls. I wanted to give a "Bare Naked Lady's" approach to what these strings would do. No doubt, dialing everything in would have given a better sound, but that wasn't what I was going for.
Thomastik-Infeld

Pros
1) High Quality, extremely smooth for a roundwound, very little finger noise. Round core, wrapped with pure nickel windings, silk inlays between windings.
2) Extremely good balance of tone and volume across all four strings. No growl, but then these are called Jazz Bass strings, brite, but Jazz strings.
3) Light gauging - .042, .056, .069, .093
4) Extremely light action. I was actually able to play noticeably faster on these strings.
Cons
1) Price – $88.98 Set # JR324
2) Made in Vienna

DR Sunbeams
Pros
1) Very smooth for a roundwound, some finger noise
2) Nickle plated round core
3) Low Price – $33.75 Set # NLR-40
4) Light gauging - .040, .060, .080, .100
5) Made in America
Cons
1) Heavier action, strings are stiff.
2) Balance of tone and volume across all four strings iffy. I was surprised about the lack of umph* on the E and A strings. D and G strings sang well.
NOTE: *Could have been caused when I installed the strings. Inside the box (yes, you have to cut it open to read the instructions) are procedures for installing their strings. It is different from other manufacturers. But would not have changed the stiffness.

GHS Pressure Wounds
Pros
1) I use these on my Jazz, extremely versatile strings.
2) Didn’t think it would work, but I was able to install them on the Mezzo, even with having the HipShot tuners with .354 posts. Don’t know how many re-installs I’ll get, but I’ll find out.
3) The feel is rougher, but finger noise is almost non-existent. Only occurred twice in an hour’s worth of playing and very slight at that.
4) Light gauging - .040, .054, .076, .096
5) Made in America, Price - $59.31 Set # L7200
Cons
1) These are 37.25 windings, breakage could occur on Medium Scale Basses. The E string wrapped halfway around peg, G string one full turn around.
2) Balance of tone and volume better than the DRs, but E and A strings still not as powerful as the T-Is and not as much growl as I had hoped.
3) Action is heavier than the T-Is and more towards, but lighter than, the DRs. Surprisingly, these strings are lighter gauged than the T-Is.

GHS Brite Flats
Pros
1) Another string I have used before, not as versatile, but gives a warm Jazz sound, also great for R&B and Blues. These strings start life as roundwonds which are ground. Has bite and definition of roundwound, slightly muted.
2) Zero finger noise, unless you try very hard.
3) A nicely smooth, but sticky finish, use of talc recommended.
4) Made in America, Price - $59.31 Set # 3065
Cons
1) Only 1 choice of gauges: medium gauge - .049, .062, .084, .108. I prefer to use light or very light gauges for a myriad of reasons.
2) Without using talc, you’ll wonder what happened to your ability to play.

Summary
What do I now have on my Mezzo? The Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Bass strings, set # JR324. I can't explain how well balanced they are, have the easiest action, great feel and how much of a confidence booster they are.
Next would be the the GHS pressure wound, but that is a distant second.
Next the GHS Brite Flats.
Last would be the DR Sunbeams. I'll try them again and see if following the "hidden" instructions make a real difference.

 

[michael_t]

GHS Pressure Wounds

5) Made in America, Price - $59.31 Set # L7200

GHS Brite Flats

4) Made in America, Price - $59.31 Set # 3065

Just curious as to where you get these GHS sets... $59.31 seems a bit high.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Possum Willy]

Yeah, I actually bought them from GHS. Hate going to things like Amazon. But you are correct, I noticed that after I wrote this, other places have them for about 33 and change.

 

[matante]

OK, here's my review!
Keep in mind, I changed nothing on my setup or amp controls. I wanted to give a "Bare Naked Lady's" approach to what these strings would do. No doubt, dialing everything in would have given a better sound, but that wasn't what I was going for.
Thomastik-Infeld

Pros
1) High Quality, extremely smooth for a roundwound, very little finger noise. Round core, wrapped with pure nickel windings, silk inlays between windings.
2) Extremely good balance of tone and volume across all four strings. No growl, but then these are called Jazz Bass strings, brite, but Jazz strings.
3) Light gauging - .042, .056, .069, .093
4) Extremely light action. I was actually able to play noticeably faster on these strings.
Cons
1) Price – $88.98 Set # JR324
2) Made in Vienna

DR Sunbeams
Pros
1) Very smooth for a roundwound, some finger noise
2) Nickle plated round core
3) Low Price – $33.75 Set # NLR-40
4) Light gauging - .040, .060, .080, .100
5) Made in America
Cons
1) Heavier action, strings are stiff.
2) Balance of tone and volume across all four strings iffy. I was surprised about the lack of umph* on the E and A strings. D and G strings sang well.
NOTE: *Could have been caused when I installed the strings. Inside the box (yes, you have to cut it open to read the instructions) are procedures for installing their strings. It is different from other manufacturers. But would not have changed the stiffness.

GHS Pressure Wounds
Pros
1) I use these on my Jazz, extremely versatile strings.
2) Didn’t think it would work, but I was able to install them on the Mezzo, even with having the HipShot tuners with .354 posts. Don’t know how many re-installs I’ll get, but I’ll find out.
3) The feel is rougher, but finger noise is almost non-existent. Only occurred twice in an hour’s worth of playing and very slight at that.
4) Light gauging - .040, .054, .076, .096
5) Made in America, Price - $59.31 Set # L7200
Cons
1) These are 37.25 windings, breakage could occur on Medium Scale Basses. The E string wrapped halfway around peg, G string one full turn around.
2) Balance of tone and volume better than the DRs, but E and A strings still not as powerful as the T-Is and not as much growl as I had hoped.
3) Action is heavier than the T-Is and more towards, but lighter than, the DRs. Surprisingly, these strings are lighter gauged than the T-Is.

GHS Brite Flats
Pros
1) Another string I have used before, not as versatile, but gives a warm Jazz sound, also great for R&B and Blues. These strings start life as roundwonds which are ground. Has bite and definition of roundwound, slightly muted.
2) Zero finger noise, unless you try very hard.
3) A nicely smooth, but sticky finish, use of talc recommended.
4) Made in America, Price - $59.31 Set # 3065
Cons
1) Only 1 choice of gauges: medium gauge - .049, .062, .084, .108. I prefer to use light or very light gauges for a myriad of reasons.
2) Without using talc, you’ll wonder what happened to your ability to play.

Summary
What do I now have on my Mezzo? The Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Bass strings, set # JR324. I can't explain how well balanced they are, have the easiest action, great feel and how much of a confidence booster they are.
Next would be the the GHS pressure wound, but that is a distant second.
Next the GHS Brite Flats.
Last would be the DR Sunbeams. I'll try them again and see if following the "hidden" instructions make a real difference.

Thanks for the review. I've been tempted to buy a fretless lately and if I do, or when I do, I'll give the Thomastiks a shot. Someone once posted a sound sample here of the Jazz Rounds on a Ric 4003 in a live band and it was a marvelous tone.

I'm surprised my favorite strings did so poorly but I also have to ask you, the short-scale Sunbeams are only available in 45-105 gauge. Is it a typo or did you find them in 40-100? And how well did they fit?

Also, how well did the Thomastiks fit?

 

[michael_t]

Yeah, I actually bought them from GHS. Hate going to things like Amazon. But you are correct, I noticed that after I wrote this, other places have them for about 33 and change.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is always higher than the dealer price. I do understand what you're saying about Amazon, but there are a handful of good, reputable online dealers who can save you money, Fret Nation being one of them.

 

[Possum Willy]

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is always higher than the dealer price. I do understand what you're saying about Amazon, but there are a handful of good, reputable online dealers who can save you money, Fret Nation being one of them.

Thanks for the review. I've been tempted to buy a fretless lately and if I do, or when I do, I'll give the Thomastiks a shot. Someone once posted a sound sample here of the Jazz Rounds on a Ric 4003 in a live band and it was a marvelous tone.

I'm surprised my favorite strings did so poorly but I also have to ask you, the short-scale Sunbeams are only available in 45-105 gauge. Is it a typo or did you find them in 40-100? And how well did they fit?

Also, how well did the Thomastiks fit?

Apparently they are making them in 40-100s now, unless they misprinted the box (not likely) LOL. Fit for the Sunbeams was perfect. Obviously they consider 32s a short scale, lot of string makers do.
Yeah I was hoping they would have felt and sounded better. But like I said in the review, I might have messed
up when cutting them to install. At their price, I'll drop coin again to check them out making sure I crimp, then trim the stings, as stated, for proper installation.
Then, it would be only the heavy action.

Only the Thomastiks were nicely soft action, but then, they have that big price tag, quality costs! As far as fit, they were spot on for the 33.75 scale length of the Mezzo.
Hey, you turned me on to both of them, I really appreciate that!!

 

[Possum Willy]

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is always higher than the dealer price. I do understand what you're saying about Amazon, but there are a handful of good, reputable online dealers who can save you money, Fret Nation being one of them.

Thanks, I'll check that out. Smaller outfits, or even the manufacture, is where I like to spend my money. Costs more some times, just sick of the huge, Billion Dollar Babys.

 

[matante]

Apparently they are making them in 40-100s now, unless they misprinted the box (not likely) LOL. Fit for the Sunbeams was perfect. Obviously they consider 32s a short scale, lot of string makers do.
Yeah I was hoping they would have felt and sounded better. But like I said in the review, I might have messed
up when cutting them to install. At their price, I'll drop coin again to check them out making sure I crimp, then trim the stings, as stated, for proper installation.
Then, it would be only the heavy action.

Only the Thomastiks were nicely soft action, but then, they have that big price tag, quality costs! As far as fit, they were spot on for the 33.75 scale length of the Mezzo.
Hey, you turned me on to both of them, I really appreciate that!!

Thanks for that info. Enjoy.

 

[CEFox]

You might try D'Addario half rounds, similar in feel and tone and I believe they have the set you are looking for.