Shortscale strings with most bottom end

[berlihe]

I've tried a ton of short- and medium-scale strings (both fit my Eastwood K-200, depending on manufacturer), and in both flats and rounds, the big problems for me have been evenness of tone up the neck on the E string (a problem on many long-scales as well) and evenness of tone across the strings, with the E string again as the unmatched one. I tried the short-scale GHS balanced nickels and found them to be really as-advertised: much more even up the neck and across the strings than anything else. So unless you really want flats, I think these are a good option, also because the evenness allows for finer EQ tuning (in my experience). Just my two cents! For what it's worth, I actually haven't been much of a fan of other GHS strings, these stand out for me.

 

[Aidenn7]

Flats roll back tone to taste... I prefer TI's

 

[maeda]

Maybe "bottom end" is not the best descriptor, but I just purchased a used, shortscale Mustang PJ bass and it came with roundwounds, light scale I think. I like the sound of these strings in the mid to upper range, but not so much on the lower range (e.g., open strings to the 4th-5th fret). EQ helps, but I'm interested in what flats you'd recommend that would better accentuate lower frequencies in the low range (open to half-rounds as well).
At present, I tend to roll off all the treble on the bass and my Rumble amp and turn the amp's bass all the way up to get more bottom out of the lower notes (with limited satisfaction), but wonder if some different strings would be the better solution or at least improve the low frequencies in combination with the EQing.

I started on an old '75 Musicmaster, in general most shortscale fenders I play don't quite have the heft of a full scale Fender. I would try putting on some less bright round wounds (GHS Balanced Nickels or DR Sunbeams for example), and make sure they are shortscale sets. Make sure the bass is setup, and with a little higher action than factory and see if that helps. If the pickups feel a little too bright you can maybe try throwing some electrical tape over the pole pieces, especially if you dig in.

 

[FlyingPigSound]

Maybe "bottom end" is not the best descriptor, but I just purchased a used, shortscale Mustang PJ bass and it came with roundwounds, light scale I think. I like the sound of these strings in the mid to upper range, but not so much on the lower range (e.g., open strings to the 4th-5th fret). EQ helps, but I'm interested in what flats you'd recommend that would better accentuate lower frequencies in the low range (open to half-rounds as well).
At present, I tend to roll off all the treble on the bass and my Rumble amp and turn the amp's bass all the way up to get more bottom out of the lower notes (with limited satisfaction), but wonder if some different strings would be the better solution or at least improve the low frequencies in combination with the EQing.

I was super unimpressed with the PJ series overall. If you really want a Mustang that has a pair, try the JMJ Mustang, if it's in your budget. It comes with flats that are decent, but I upgraded by TI Jazz Flats, which are my all around favorites

 

[Nebula24]

I've got D'Addario ETB92S Tapewound (short scale, medium gauge) on my epi eb0. Got rid of the clank of dead rounds that she came with.

On my eastwood jetson tried chromes but didnt like the tension. Put on some labelle low tension flats and love it. Tension similar to my tapes. Just add in a smidge of tone.

 

[Marcus Duke]

Heh heh—my head is spinning. Well I'm starting with the Chromes recommended by a number of you. I also was playing with a friends Fishman preamp (really made for guitar, but what the hell, figured I give it a try), and I got more than enough air-moving bottom end from that, even from my Rumble.
Thanks all past and future posters for your input. I appreciate your time and effort much!

 

[Marcus Duke]

I was super unimpressed with the PJ series overall. If you really want a Mustang that has a pair, try the JMJ Mustang, if it's in your budget. It comes with flats that are decent, but I upgraded by TI Jazz Flats, which are my all around favorites

Since I'm not really pursuing bass for gigging that much (keyboard is my main axe), I'll get everything I can outta the PJ for now, especially since I just bought it. I am starting to pickup some easy gigs (e.g., backing up a folk singer); if they keep on coming, I may look for another bass, but it's more likely to be a Rob Allen shorty or something like that (for now, $2k+ was way more than I wanted to spend). I'll keep your recommendation in mind, nonetheless. Thanks!

 

[Jigmay]

I have these on a hollowbody shot scale and they feel and sound great. The low tension doesn't mean it's a "floppy" string. Just easy on the hands. Great low end.
LaBella Low Tension Flats