Rounds for JPJ Mustang?

[thiocyclist]

I have a JPJ Mustang that I love, but I'm growing tired of the LaBella flats tone. On this bass, they are almost too good at sitting in the mix. The E and A strings sound huge; the D and G cut through fine as well but do not sound huge exactly. None of them have much "punch", but I would like some more of that in my sound.

Any recommendations on some rounds? Ideally, something we know will work on a short scale string-through design like the Mustang.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

It’s a very warm and dark bass by nature

IMO
A good set of the GHS Pressurewound or balanced nickels would be good

 

[Gorn]

I'd start with some standard gauge, run of the mill rounds to see how you like them before going with other people's recommendations. D'addario medium scape ought to do it right? I believe your bass would fit those.

 

[michael_t]

A good set of the GHS Pressurewound or balanced nickels would be good

Both the PWs and the BNs only come in "short scale" with 32.75" winding length (ball end to silk). Some say they're just (as in barely) long enough for the thru-body Mustang, while others say not quite long enough.

 

[thiocyclist]

It’s a very warm and dark bass by nature

Is that something particular about the pickup? IME, short scales emphasize fundamentals but aren't what I would call darker than long scales by default.

The D'Addario suggestion is probably a good place to start. I'm also considering Sunbeams. But maybe round cores on a short scale is a bad combo.

 

[Dan_reeves]

I liked DR Hi Beams on both my short scales, a Beatle bass copy and a modified Bronco. I would guess that they’d work/fit on your Mustang, and would really be the opposite of the flats you had on there.

The short scale Hi Beams are actually closer in length to most company’s medium scale so theoretically should fit.

 

[Dan_reeves]

Also, I wouldn’t necessarily be afraid of round core strings. Coming from the Labellas you might need to add a little relief to the neck but they won’t be crazy floppy or anything. Follow DR’s installation instructions that come with the box if you are not familiar.

 

[michael_t]

The short scale Hi Beams are actually closer in length to most company’s medium scale so theoretically should fit.

One thing to be aware of...

DR has recently shortened the "short scale" 105E from 33.75" to 33". A-G remain at 33.75".

 

[thiocyclist]

DR has recently shortened the "short scale" 105E from 33.75" to 33". A-G remain at 33.75".

Why would they make that change on one string only? Something about getting it to wind on the tuner post properly?

 

[michael_t]

Why would they make that change on one string only? Something about getting it to wind on the tuner post properly?

The idea is to have only the tapered end to wrap around the tuner post.

That said I don't know the reasoning for the change. 33.75" winding length is just about ideal as "medium scale", though DR calls it "short scale". 33" is an awkward length as it's too long to be a true "short scale" and too short to be a true "medium scale".

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I have a JPJ Mustang that I love, but I'm growing tired of the LaBella flats tone. On this bass, they are almost too good at sitting in the mix. The E and A strings sound huge; the D and G cut through fine as well but do not sound huge exactly. None of them have much "punch", but I would like some more of that in my sound.

Any recommendations on some rounds? Ideally, something we know will work on a short scale string-through design like the Mustang.

Before going on a string hunt, have you tried adjusting your pickup’s hight? Sounds like a gain issue more than a tone issue.

 

[Cave Puppy]

MEDIUM scale strings will fit that bass.

 

[Bass Boy]

I have a JPJ Mustang that I love, but I'm growing tired of the LaBella flats tone. On this bass, they are almost too good at sitting in the mix. The E and A strings sound huge; the D and G cut through fine as well but do not sound huge exactly. None of them have much "punch", but I would like some more of that in my sound.

Any recommendations on some rounds? Ideally, something we know will work on a short scale string-through design like the Mustang.

I dont think JPJ played a mustang!

 

[Killing Floor]

TI Jazz Rounds

 

[lermgalieu]

When I had my JMJ (assuming that's what you meant), I had D'Addario EXL170M (45-100) on there. They got the job done.

 

[Cave Puppy]

When I had my JMJ (assuming that's what you meant), I had D'Addario EXL170M (45-100) on there. They got the job done.

Yep. Medium scale.

 

[lermgalieu]

Yep. Medium scale.

That's the M

 

[fhm555]

I'd start with some standard gauge, run of the mill rounds to see how you like them before going with other people's recommendations. D'addario medium scape ought to do it right? I believe your bass would fit those.

I’ve been using a set of cut down long scale XL nickels on my PJ Mustang. They are not as zingy as they are on a 34” bass but they are not that bad.

 

[SteveBassJr]

I found any kind of rounds on my mustang feel way to loose for me. Not enough tension. I will either use flat wounds or Tape wounds.

 

[iiipopes]

Both the PWs and the BNs only come in "short scale" with 32.75" winding length (ball end to silk). Some say they're just (as in barely) long enough for the thru-body Mustang, while others say not quite long enough.

I can't recall the thread, but this has been discussed: depending on where the bridge is mounted and how deep the string ferrules are, the GHS Balance Nickels will either just barely clear the nut or they won't. Take a current string that is up to pitch on the bass, put a sharpie mark on the tuner side of the nut on the string, remove the string, then measure from ball to the mark. If the measurement is less than 32.75, then you're good for the GHS Balanced Nickels.