Recommend some roundwounds for a Hofner

Just to clarify, there are two sets that fit a Hofner (our short scale set fits it, no problem), neither of which are 105-45.

 

Well, it isn't a Hofner, but the one on the right (a Chinese Starfire) has DR Sunbeams on it. I took them off my Warmoth mini P-Bass, and even though they are short scale strings, they fit the Starfire just fine. It's actually slightly smaller overall than the MIK Rogue VB-100 next to it (which is wearing medium scale Roto 88 Tapes) and is also 30" scale, vs. 30.5". I've found that lots of short scale strings will fit the thing, but the Sunbeams went on it because they're just barely broken in; they did sound good, but IMO every P-Bass needs flats; and I'm kinda cheap that way. Besides, they sound good on the Starfire, too...

 

DR's "short scale" strings are 34" winding length, which is probably why they fit.

 

I didn't measure them, so I'll take your word for it. But, as I said, I've found that most of the short wound strings in my stash (and, pack rat that I am, it's a large and varied stash..) would work on it. Which is not the case with the Rogue. Medium scale strings are what that little monster wants...

 

I just installed 40-90 Elixirs on my HCT 500/1 and they feel good and sound very rich, plus they last for an incredibly long time (keep em clean). I was surprised at how little tension they seemed to exert on the tuners, no cranking tight, etc. Keep in mind that they're long scale but all you have to do is unwind a bit of the outer layer of the E string winding (with a needle nose pliers), so you're not wrapping the fat part around the tuning post. Worth the trouble for the quality and long-life.

 

I think you might like Dunlop Super Bright Nickels. Low tension and strong mids, and a bright top end zing that is still present even when they go dead. They make them in medium and short scale, but not sure which is right for you, seeing as how you said small scale strings work on your Hofner, which quite frankly surprises me.