So I'm picking up a newer Dano Longhorn tonight but I'm curious about strings. I've done the proverbial search on here and found that if I want rounds then I'm pretty much limited to the D'Addario super light short scale set (EXL220S). Are there any other roundwounds that work on the Longhorns?
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Longhorn roundwound String Recs please!
- Thread starter ric4682
- Start date
Well...
I don't know who told you that; but it ain't true. Those strings are fairly close to the original 43-89 gauge Danelectro strings, but you don't have to use them - unless you want the vintage Dano sound. My '18 MIK Dano Longhorn came from the factory with 45-105 D' Addario rounds. For several reasons, they went in the dumpster ASAP, but they would have worked perfectly fine for anybody else. It wears La Bella 760FX flats (39-96) now, 'cause that's the sound I want from it. But, other than Hofner, Pyramid, or TI Jazz rounds (their short scale strings are too long), you can use any brand/gauge of short scale round wounds that tickle your fancy. I would hesitate to use really heavy gauge strings on it, but anything in the 45-105/107 range - or lighter - should be perfectly fine. The only problem you might have is with the ball ends; Danelectro likes to cut the slots in their bridge plates a little small. Just be aware of it when stringing it up. I hesitate to recommend any particular strings - but only because I don't care much for rounds...
I don't know who told you that; but it ain't true. Those strings are fairly close to the original 43-89 gauge Danelectro strings, but you don't have to use them - unless you want the vintage Dano sound. My '18 MIK Dano Longhorn came from the factory with 45-105 D' Addario rounds. For several reasons, they went in the dumpster ASAP, but they would have worked perfectly fine for anybody else. It wears La Bella 760FX flats (39-96) now, 'cause that's the sound I want from it. But, other than Hofner, Pyramid, or TI Jazz rounds (their short scale strings are too long), you can use any brand/gauge of short scale round wounds that tickle your fancy. I would hesitate to use really heavy gauge strings on it, but anything in the 45-105/107 range - or lighter - should be perfectly fine. The only problem you might have is with the ball ends; Danelectro likes to cut the slots in their bridge plates a little small. Just be aware of it when stringing it up. I hesitate to recommend any particular strings - but only because I don't care much for rounds...
Last edited:
Well...
I don't know who told you that; but it ain't true. Those strings are fairly close to the original 43-89 gauge Danelectro strings, but you don't have to use them - unless you want the vintage Dano sound. My '18 MIK Dano Longhorn came from the factory with 45-105 D' Addario rounds. For several reasons, they went in the dumpster ASAP, but they would have worked perfectly fine for anybody else. It wears La Bella 760FX flats (39-96) now, 'cause that's the sound I want from it. But, other than Hofner, Pyramid, or TI Jazz rounds (their short scale strings are too long), you can use any brand/gauge of short scale round wounds that tickle your fancy. I would hesitate to use really heavy gauge strings on it, but anything in the 45-105/107 range - or lighter - should be perfectly fine. The only problem you might have is with the ball ends; Danelectro likes to cut the slots in their bridge plates a little small. Just be aware of it when stringing it up. I hesitate to recommend any particular strings - but only because I don't care much for rounds...
Good to know! I feel like I read that the guitar-style tuners they use only allow for very light E strings, but that may have only applied to the old ones. Good to know I have more options.
GHS short scale strings work on a Dano. Boomers, Pressure Wounds and Balanced Nickels are the rounds they have. The winding length of a "short" scale string can vary up to 2" depending on what bass it was designed for. As has been mentioned TI and Pyramids were designed for Hofners and are way too long. Fender strings that are meant to be strung through body on a Mustang are also too long.
Yeah, that's probably just the original American Danos; although I have my doubts. I have 2 or 3 basses that use "guitar" tuners, and to be honest? I haven't found a bass string leader yet, that wouldn't fit in the holes. The speaking part of the string, though? That's a different matter. However... Just occurred to me that I have a friend with an old Sears Silvertone guitar - which was made by Danelectro. I'll have to check the string holes on those '60s vintage tuners - and we shall see what we shall see...
D'Addario "short scale" = 32" in winding length (ball end to taper).
GHS "short scale" = 32.75" in winding length (ball end to taper/silk).
The difference of 0.75" shouldn't make a whole lot of difference in terms of overall fit.
If you want to stick with a relatively light set, I would suggest GHS Pressurewound (40-96). If you want to go a bit heavier, GHS Balanced Nickels (44-106) are great strings for a short scale bass.
I've had Pressure Wounds on a Jerry Jones and they've been on a Dave Reimer Dano type bass (the Davo) for at least a couple of years now. I've also had GHS flats on several Dano type basses. Both sets work fine. The flats are close to the no fly zone on the E string but I've had one set on and off several basses and the E hasn't broken so I guess they get a pass.
That's what I use on mine when I want rounds, at least until Dunlop starts making Super Bright Nickels in short scale. But you can use any short scale strings you want.
As long as you stick to short scale and don't try to wedge a long scale E in there. Ask me how I know…lol
