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string tesion on shorter scale basses

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by ga_edwards, Jul 18, 2003.

  1. Jul 18, 2003 #1
    ga_edwards

    ga_edwards

    Sep 8, 2000
    UK, Essex
    I'm considering getting a 32" scale bass soon, as i'm getting into 2 hand tapping technique big time, and on some stuff, it's a bit of a struggle on a 34" 5-stringer. (if a 32" is good enough for Stu, then it's good enough for me).

    question is: if I stuck with the same gauge strings as on my long scale, 45's, would the tension me less or more? I'm thinking because the string is shorter, the tension will ne higher, but it won't have to be pulled as hard as a 34" string, so the tension goes down again. (rather like making a fret 2 note the same pitch as the open string note, shorter string, but looser pull).

    Would I have to go up in guage or down to have roughly the same 'feel', for want of a better word, as my 34" bass?

    sorry if I haven't explained it that well. One of those things I know what I wasnt to say, committing it to type is another story!
     
  2. Jul 19, 2003 #2
    poppamies

    poppamies

    Dec 15, 2002
    As the strings get shorter you'll have to loosen the strings to maintarin the pitch.
    To maintain the tension you'll have to go up in gauge.
    This is a very common issue with short scale basses. You'll probably have to put on a heavier gauge. Heavier gauge means that you'll loose a little bit of tone definition though.