I've found the short scales to be much better at controlling dead and hotspots and generally sound much more even than long scales. My theory is, one reason for this is that a shorter neck is inherently stiffer than a longer neck of similar construction and materials.
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I've found the short scales to be much better at controlling dead and hotspots and generally sound much more even than long scales. My theory is, one reason for this is that a shorter neck is inherently stiffer than a longer neck of similar construction and materials.
Neither of mine have any dead spots.
Using Chromes on one and LaBella Beatle Bass Tapes on the other one.
As a point of reference, I have arthritis in the knuckles of both hands, but on the fretting hand, it cause issues on some strings... case in point, Chromes, which is what came on the bass when I bought it.
While I prefer the sounds of flats, the Chromes are much too stiff for my knuckles. Next came D'Addario tapewounds, also stiff, but not nearly as bad as the chromes. Also didn't really like the sound of those, cause they were just a bit raspy?? Next came some used D'addario 1/2 rounds, and while I liked the feel of them, and the sound for the most part, the E was dead but the rest weren't. Gig coming up and had to change them so I went with D'addario XL's. But I'd really rather have a flatwound sound if I could.
Well, I haven't changed strings since I've gotten the bass, so that may be a part of it.
You didn't state what gauge strings you're currently using. Lighter strings inherently have less tension than equal length heavy strings (pesky laws of physics). I personally do not like very low tension strings but as an older player I understand your specific requirements. You might want to consider Thomastik-Infeld (costly but very low tension, so floppy I can't use them) or [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] which IME feel softer than D'Addario, Fender or RotoSound flats. I'd recommend you get the lightest gauge you can find. Obviously the lowest possible action will make fretting easier. It may be worth the money to have a professional set up done.
I know it is not recommended, but I have used long scale strings on a short scale bass (just cut off the extra length). You may also want to consider this approach if you can't find a set of light gauge short scale strings you like (for the last 10 years I've had 34 scale strings on a Hofner copy 30" bass for this very reason).
Hope this helps some. Best of luck.
Regrettably most string sets seem to consist of an almost random selection of gauges, providing different tension from string to string. What you want is balanced tension. I like a bit of tension and prefer (for round wounds) 105, 080, 060, 045.
I would also try 100, 075, 055, 040 if I wanted less tension.
An alternative may be to tune down. My regular tuning for 34" scale is DGCF.
I would also try 100, 075, 055, 040 if I wanted less tension.
An alternative may be to tune down. My regular tuning for 34" scale is DGCF.
I've been a firm believer of a balanced tension set for a long time. The ones I've been using I ordered from Bass Strings Online, and custom ordered the ones I could get tensions on... for instance my last half-round order is just what Shardik posted as a suggestion, .040, .055, .075, .100
I use Bass Strings Online myself. Great source for putting together custom gauge string sets.
I also use d'Addarios tension chart and common sense to put together fairly balanced sets.
I also use d'Addarios tension chart and common sense to put together fairly balanced sets.
Anyone tried the GHS Brite Flat lights on the Jag? Hows the tension/sound on the SS?
I'm also curious about the Tru Bass 88 Tapes. I hear they have a better, deeper fundamental than some of the other tapes. I tried the D'addario tapes, and I didn't like the raspiness and brittle sound I got from them on my Jag, but at the same time I have them on my Ibanez AEB10 acoustic, and love the feel and sound of them. Go Figure!
I'm also curious about the Tru Bass 88 Tapes. I hear they have a better, deeper fundamental than some of the other tapes. I tried the D'addario tapes, and I didn't like the raspiness and brittle sound I got from them on my Jag, but at the same time I have them on my Ibanez AEB10 acoustic, and love the feel and sound of them. Go Figure!
I have a string question for you all. I pretty much love everything about my SS Jag, except for the lower string tension. Currently it's strung with DR Sunbeams. On my regular-scale bass, I use the slightly stiffer DR Low Riders, so I'm used to that feel and I mostly prefer it. (I play finger style.) I've never in my life used flatwounds, but I've heard that they are higher tension. Would replacing roundwounds with some sort of flatwound give me more of the right-hand feel that I'm looking for on the Jag? Thanks for your input.
EDIT: I just noticed that I posted this in the middle of a discussion of strings and string tension. BTW, I have medium-gauge (105-45) roundwounds on my Jag. Still too much play for my taste.
EDIT: I just noticed that I posted this in the middle of a discussion of strings and string tension. BTW, I have medium-gauge (105-45) roundwounds on my Jag. Still too much play for my taste.
There is one string factor that more than any decides tension for a given scale/tuning.
That is mass per length.
Since flatwounds are denser, they have more mass for the same gauge, and therefore gets more tension for the same tuning. If you're able to fit higher gauge strings, roundwounds will also give more tension.
That is mass per length.
Since flatwounds are denser, they have more mass for the same gauge, and therefore gets more tension for the same tuning. If you're able to fit higher gauge strings, roundwounds will also give more tension.
Maybe try a set of GHS Brite Flats, which are actually half rounds? Thicker gauge (49-108) and stiffer wrap. Might be as taut as you get without going full hog flatwounds.
How does the nut handle those larger E string diameters (108). Mine looks pretty maxed out with the 105 I'm currently using. Would I need to file or replace the nut to use Brite Flats or something like LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats (109)? Sorry, I think this has come up before on this thread, but I can't seem to find it.
Filing the nut slot is the least problem. If you don't find a string made for short scale, you'll have to wind a lot of heavy string around that poor tuner.
Another pickup question - anyone tried the Bartolini PJ set, or even just a bartolini bridge? Seems with them being rails it would get rid of any worries about poles lining up, etc.
I swapped out the OEM P pickup with an Bartolini 8S and 8SU.
I went back to the OEMs.
Hey everyone,
Been following you guys for a while and finally picked up a Silver SS Squier Jag recently, now I'd love to join the club!
Here's she is hanging out with a couple of the other family members. They seem to be getting along very well.
Plotting which stealthy mod to do first… Definitely swapping the cheap knobs for better Jazz Bass ones. So far the pickups sound alright through my practice amp. Need to haul out the monster rig and see what I really think though.
Been following you guys for a while and finally picked up a Silver SS Squier Jag recently, now I'd love to join the club!
Here's she is hanging out with a couple of the other family members. They seem to be getting along very well.
Plotting which stealthy mod to do first… Definitely swapping the cheap knobs for better Jazz Bass ones. So far the pickups sound alright through my practice amp. Need to haul out the monster rig and see what I really think though.
Hey everyone,
Been following you guys for a while and finally picked up a Silver SS Squier Jag recently, now I'd love to join the club!
Here's she is hanging out with a couple of the other family members. They seem to be getting along very well.
Plotting which stealthy mod to do first… Definitely swapping the cheap knobs for better Jazz Bass ones. So far the pickups sound alright through my practice amp. Need to haul out the monster rig and see what I really think though.
And you can have number 107.
Without going through all the posts, may I ask, are the modifications possible using standard parts? Will bridge, pickups and tuners made for long scale Fender/Squier fit these basses?
Thanks!
Thanks!
