Where in the heck do I find strings to fit this thing? The only short scale 5 strings I've found are DR Hi Beams, but the B string is still too long and winds up a solid 3mm past the taper, probably damaging the core, and I really want a .130 or greater and not this .125. I've even been over the Ibanez shop looking for the ones that came with it and I can't seem to find anything! Can someone direct me to somewhere I can get custom strings made? I REALLY wish I could get a set of Di'Addario NYXLs for it!
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Ibanez TMB35 5-string short scale
- Thread starter khix83
- Start date
The info provided by this link is helpful in certain situations, but it still doesn't answer the OP's question as to what's available in low B's that would fit a short-scale bass.
My suggestion would be for the OP to get in touch with Jason at Fret Nation directly by email at [email protected] to see what he might be able to do.
It's unfortunate DR's "short scale" with 33.75" winding length (ball end to taper) is actually "medium scale" by most other manufacturers' specs.
I have that bass as well-I do like the existing strings and would be interested in the same brand/gauge. Please let me know if you make any progress!
Curtinsmith
Commercial User
- Dec 17, 2020
- 16
- 6
- Disclosures
- Owner/Luthier of Curtinsmith Guitars, specialising in short and medium scale custom builds.
You can use pretty much any long scale round wound string. Use some pliers to undo the outer winding at the end of the string, then pull it directly away while pulling the string from the ball end. It should easily unravel. Do this until it unwinds to just before the tuner post, then cut the outer winding. Use the pliers to crimp the outer winding if needed. It might stick out a mm but it shouldn't come undone any more. I find I only have to do this on the B string, but it can also be done on the E string too. When I can't order specific short or medium scale string sets, I use this method for my short and medium scale builds. Hope this helps.
Curtinsmith
Commercial User
- Dec 17, 2020
- 16
- 6
- Disclosures
- Owner/Luthier of Curtinsmith Guitars, specialising in short and medium scale custom builds.
I use Pitbull 30 series short scale strings on my 30", 30.5" and 31" builds for both 4 and 5 strings. The 30 Series strings are made of nickel alloy windings and high carbon alloy hexagonal steel core. Comparing them with other strings, I have found that they have a higher tension than strings of the same gauge, which work especially well with shorter scale lengths!
