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medium scale extra light strings?

I don't know if you like tapewounds, but D'A medium scale regular gauge tapes are 50-105, which are the equivalent under the tape of @ 35-90. If you like flats, La Bella has an LTF set in medium scale, and possibly others. I understand the dilemma. I now play 32-inch scale basses, also. The choice of strings is abysmal compared to regular long scale. For that reason, I have a build going with a reverse headstock neck so that any string set will work with no risk of breaking an E or A string at the tuner.
 
Thomastik Jazz Rounds short scale. These are 32" because they are made for "short scale with tail piece". Basically medium scale strings by most other manufacturer's standards.

They are the smoothest feeling roundwounds you will ever find, by quite some distance!

The short scale set is .042-.093 but the strings are perhaps even more supple/flexible than you would expect, even with these ultra-light gauges.

The short scale set is actually slightly higher tension than the long scale set, except for the A-string which is slightly higher tension in the long scale set... Thomastik gauges can be extremely weird sometimes.

Personally I find the long scale too floppy, causing fret buzz unless I raise the action higher than I want to but the short scale set is VERY nice, although very borderline light/floppy for my taste! I use the short scale set on an actual short scale bass (with a tailpiece). If you're gonna use them on a medium scale bass the tension will be slightly higher, which is this case is probably a good thing!

The tone can only be described as OUTSTANDING! Very organic, "woody", warm tone. The tone is ultra smooth but still plenty of upper mids presence to cut through a dense mix. It feels like you actually hear the tone of your BASS, without the tone of the strings getting in the way. The dynamics are very lively/bouncy. They're far the most articulate bass strings I've ever played. So much that they may need some time to adapt to.

But do NOT get these strings if you want zing or "clank". You won't get that with these strings. Also, they're not particularly suitable for digging in hard. These strings shine with a softer touch. And no other strings sound even remotely like them. They are totally unique and totally wonderful, IF you can handle the low tension and supple feel.
 
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Dunlop Super Bright Nickels 40-100 in "medium scale" with 34" winding length. Due to the thinner-than-average hex-core wire, they're more flexible than a typical hex-core 40-95 set.

Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Medium Scale Set 4-String 40-100

thanks - i ordered a set. haven't used dunlops before - hope i like 'em!

Newtone. Whatever scale. Whatever gauge... Stainless or nickel. Round or hex core. Great strings...

that's what i did last time i had a 32" scale bass. this time, i was hoping for something off the rack.

FretNation.com. Huge selection, very helpfull folks. If you don’t see it, just ask.

GHS Boomers come in .030. D’Addario has xl in .035. DR pure blues VW are .040 and very nice.

right now, you can't browse the site by strings/gauge like you used to be able to. jason says they're working on a new site.

they don't come in 32" scale, however.

I put GHS Pressurewound on my short scale Gibson Les Paul Jr. Tribute. Like them a lot.

Sound like rounds...feels much smoother. Like them so much they are on all my basses.

i didn't care for pressurewounds, but thanks for the suggestion.
 
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EB regular Slinkies come in medium scale, although you might not like the gauge. I think they feel and sound pretty good, break in fast, and are cheap ($20 on Amazon).

GHS Boomers also in medium scale, 45-100, but I haven’t tried them yet.
 
Flame suit on. But you can get regular scale and cut them shorter.

Some misinformed folks will say you have to get the silks right or the winding precise. My 4 year old long scale TI flats on my 30.7” scale said hold my beer.

Totally agree. The worry of breaking a long scale string on a short scale bass is greatly overblown. Since pcake is looking at light gauge, this is even more a non-issue.
 
Totally agree. The worry of breaking a long scale string on a short scale bass is greatly overblown. Since pcake is looking at light gauge, this is even more a non-issue.

It depends on the bass, more specifically the size of the tuner posts. Wrapping the full winding of a roundwound is usually not a problem with big, Fender-style tuner posts, but it can be problematic on smaller and skinnier tuner posts.
 
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