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Short scale strings

#2
Depending on the instrument you can... However most likely what will happen is the Thickest String if the full windings wrap around the tuning post they will most likely break. The D and G strings are usually the same in both sets unless there is a silk wrap on them.

Always best to get the correct length string for your instrument though to ensure the most stable tuning and longevity.
 
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#3
I have a set of 34" scale DR Legend SS Flats on my 30" scale Mustang, it's a string through body and that helps, but the E and A strings are still a bit long and some of the windings end up on the tuner post. No problem however, they stay in tune and sound great.

I was apprehensive about the .105 E because these strings felt too thick and too high a tension on my Jaguar, but they feel perfect on the short scale.
 
#4
Short scale strings can be had in any gauge with about any type of string that the 34 inch can. I'd just as soon buy strings made for the scale. Yes, you may have to order online, but that's not a problem since I order multiple sets of all kinds of instrument strings any way. I don't see much of a reason to buy longs and cut them off.
 
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#5
fretlessguy said:
I don't see much of a reason to buy longs and cut them off.
Click to expand...

actually, to have clean headstock with two windings on each post, you have to cut every string, maybe just the G on Fender basses can stay uncut.

the point with short or medium scale strings is the tapering on the headstock side. with basses that use small tuners, 34" strings can be a problem.

basses like Mustang, Musicmaster, Gibson/Epiphone EB or SG and similar use standard tuners, so if the string winds with the non tapered part, there is no problem.
with Kluson tuners or Hofner/Danelectro tuners using long scale strings is a problem, because the big part of the string have to bend too much, and it breaks.
 
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#8
I bought long scale for my EB3 copy (30" scale)--the A, D & G strings were okay--but the low E wouldn't work.
It kept taking up too much of the post--and even when I cut it as short as possible (with the smaller diameter still being there) it was too long--and the regular string was too wide to fit int he slot on the tuner.
I wound up taking vice grips and flattening the string so it would fit and not have to double wrap the post.
It never sounded right--and so I will never do that again.

One store used to stock short scale strings, but they were bought out & the new store won't stock them.
Nobody else around here does either.

I have a set for the next string change--but after that I'm likely going to have to order strings online.

I play my 34" scale fretless much more--so the strings should last and it will be a while before I ned to get new strings or it--but they will be short scale.
 
#10
'94 Gretsch G6119B-2.JPG Sometimes yes; most times, not a real good idea. As SLaPiNFuNK said, best thing is to use the proper length strings. I've done it, and gotten away with it, but it was a pain; especially the big E string. But, can you use them as a normal thing? Depends; my '94 Gretsch Broadkaster has always worn long scale strings. But it's a big bass, and even though it's a short scale, its almost 40" from the tailpiece to the top tuners. So, on that one, I can get away with it. On most normal short scale basses, I wouldn't do it unless there was no other choice at that moment, and they would come off ASAP. Just get the right ones from BSO; save yourself some grief; and be happy.:)
 
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#11
GIBrat51 said:
View attachment 605337 Sometimes yes; most times, not a real good idea. As SLaPiNFuNK said, best thing is to use the proper length strings. I've done it, and gotten away with it, but it was a pain; especially the big E string. But, can you use them as a normal thing? Depends; my '94 Gretsch Broadkaster has always worn long scale strings. But it's a big bass, and even though it's a short scale, its almost 40" from the tailpiece to the top tuners. So, on that one, I can get away with it. On most normal short scale basses, I wouldn't do it unless there was no other choice at that moment, and they would come off ASAP. Just get the right ones from BSO; save yourself some grief; and be happy.:)
Click to expand...
That, and the Mustang situation, and other instruments such as the Harmony H22 and the various Hofners, are why everyone needs to read Jason's articles on how to measure for string length and what the manufacturers make concerning winding length.
 
#12
iiipopes said:
and the Mustang situation
Click to expand...

the Mustang needs 32" or 34" strings. having big tuners, it has no problem with long scale strings, if you buy a standard DR or Ernie Ball set, and use it on a 34" bass, the E string will wind on the tuner with the big part of the string, because it's made to fit 36-37" basses...

different situation if the tuners are small, like Hofner's or Danelectro's, and you'll need strings that wind only with the tapered part.
 
#16
iiipopes said:
it is not good that the windings go around the tuner post.
Click to expand...

as long as you have big posts, it's not a problem. think about GHS producing the Precision Flats only in 38" scale (the 34" was dismissed), or DR and Ernie Ball producing only for 37", so the E and B string always wind on the post with the full part of the string.

I broke a Dunlop Super Bright E string because the bass (34" Jazz Bass style) had small tuners (Kluson). with bit posts it's not an issue. I've used the mustang for many years before selling it (and buying it again last month :P ), always with long scale strings, and never had problems or broken strings.
 

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