Strings for American Performer Mustang Bass

So, you are going to pick strings, but not because of how they sound? Yup, about right for TB.

 

I have chromes on my Fender AM Perf Mustang. If you want something easy on your fingers try Thomastik Infeld short scale flatwounds, those are very soft and flexible.

 

chromes are a good choice - i find them gentler than other flats, which is why i have them on one of my basses. and yes, it sounds like thomastic jazz flats are a good option, although pricy.

but if you want to avoid damaging your fingertips, the most important thing is not to play for long each day. tape wounds are possibly THE single gentlest strings when it comes to not abrading fingertips, but even they can cause pain if you play too long. it's just the nature of the best.

 

Callouses are your friends. Once built up you can feel comfortable with any strings and I believe you can get a broader range of attack. Tapewounds I have tried can hurt a bit due to friction but your experience will vary.

 

I have no calluses but have never had a problem with tapewounds or flats. Chromes are fine; my favorites are Labella Deep Talkin' Flats in light gauge .043-.104.

 

I've had these (La Bella 760F-MUS) on my CIJ Mustang for a few years now. They were a little bright initially, but have mellowed out beautifully. The tension seems is a bit higher than my other shortscales, but I have come to appreciate it. They are silky smooth and only get better with age. Additionally, are specifically made for the string-through-body. I don't think you can go wrong with these.
La Bella 760F Deep Talkin' Stainless Steel Flat Wound Fender Mustang 4-String Electric Bass Strings

 

Just co-signing on this one. I have the American Performer Mustang and I'm using this set. Love them. Great balanced feel and tone I prefer.

 

I like both Dunlop medium-scale flats (light scale) and GHS Precision Flats. They both are very easy on the fingers with moderately low tension. GHS has a slightly deeper, middier sound. Dunlop has a tighter low end, a bit more bite in the highs, and excellent string-to-string balance. GHS last forever; Dunlop last about a year.

To me, on a Mustang, Chromes aren't the most fun to play. They'd be fine, and won't be too hard on the fingers, but they have more tension and don't have as smooth of a feel as Dunlop, GHS, LaBella, TI, etc. Lots of people swear by them, though.

 

Depending on the model/year, Mustang basses can be a little difficult to get strings for. So, ^^THIS^^. La Bella flats are always a good choice, AFAIC. And, since you are primarily a piano player, I can understand your concern about calluses and your fingers. You might want to think about a "Player's glove", which is designed to protect your fretting hand. They're pretty readily available (I understand), and might be just the thing for you.