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Sub Short Scale strings help?

hooky_marr

hooky_marr

Supporting Member
Jul 26, 2005
847
1,308
Chicago, Illinois
#1
I have a MIJ 2002 History sub-short-scale. The string length from ball-end to nut is about 27” on the E.

5CA6943E-0333-4449-89BB-3607819B3A38.jpeg

D4002C19-5CAA-42AF-A007-2F48227B51B5.jpeg


Trying to find strings that will fit - emailed Curt Mangan but he’s been very spotty with replies, and LaBella said they don’t do custom length winds.

My luthier put regular short scales on it, but as you can see, the speaking lengths of the E and A wind onto the post and they’re floppy; they bend sharp just by fretting a note. I don’t think the original manufacturer makes strings for these any more.

Anyone know a company that *does* do custom length winds? Also, what gauge / specs would be better for a tighter feel? Thanks.
 
#2
I'll refer to my reply to your earlier thread:
Strings for an extra-short-scale?
especially to the StringJoy and Fernandes options.
(The latter is really two options wrapped in one: either you install the set as intended - 065-080-105-125 - or you skip the largest, put the .105 as your E and add a 050 on top.)

Alternatively, look into Newtone Strings (in the UK) or Pyramid Strings (from Germany), both of which do custom lengths.
 
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#3
Can’t help you with the TalkBass thread but outside of TalkBass nobody has a problem with wrapping a fully wound string. Ideally you’d want proper length but I’d play that all day with zero problems and no concerns except cosmetics.

That l said, maybe contact Stringjoy. They do a lot of custom work.
 
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#5
Bassamatic said:
Gold Tone sells sub short scale strings for their bass ukes. Check them out. Flats and Rounds, made by LaBella, I believe.
Click to expand...
The La Bella/Gold Tone MBLS (aka MBSLS on the eBay) flats are...flat. In his previous thread, the OP clarified he wants rounds. (Someone else reading this thread in the future may be interested, so good looking out.)
As for the La Bella Silverbacks, they're nylon-core silver-plated copper roundwounds, so they don't work through magnetic pickups.
 
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#8
hooky_marr said:
Anyone know a company that *does* do custom length winds?
Click to expand...

I had Pyramid Strings of Germany make custom 23" scale tapewounds and roundwounds for my uke basses.
I carefully determine all the key measurements (i.e. string ball to bridge, bridge to nut, nut to tuner, etc.) and they were able to make a 5 string set that perfectly fit all my uke basses.

Cost was on the high side, but I was desperate to get away from the sillycon rubber strings. I really enjoy the sound, higher tension, lower action and ease of installation of the custom strings, so it was worth it.

I would think that Max at Pyramid would be able to make a custom set for you if you can't find anything stock.

PyramidRounds01.jpg

SSBASSES01.jpg
 
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#9
pingvuiini said:
I had Pyramid Strings of Germany make custom 23" scale tapewounds and roundwounds for my uke basses.
I carefully determine all the key measurements (i.e. string ball to bridge, bridge to nut, nut to tuner, etc.) and they were able to make a 5 string set that perfectly fit all my uke basses.

Cost was on the high side, but I was desperate to get away from the sillycon rubber strings. I really enjoy the sound, higher tension, lower action and ease of installation of the custom strings, so it was worth it.

I would think that Max at Pyramid would be able to make a custom set for you if you can't find anything stock.

View attachment 5025321
View attachment 5025322
Click to expand...
Thanks! I’ll get in touch with them.
 
#10
hooky_marr said:
I have a MIJ 2002 History sub-short-scale. The string length from ball-end to nut is about 27” on the E.

Trying to find strings that will fit - emailed Curt Mangan but he’s been very spotty with replies, and LaBella said they don’t do custom length winds.

Anyone know a company that *does* do custom length winds? Also, what gauge / specs would be better for a tighter feel? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hi, A.J. (ask me offline how I know), the Amp Shop Bass Exchange in North Hollywood, CA (they also have a Reverb shop), designs, makes, and sells 27" basses under the Form Factor Audio and Woodcraft Labels, and those instruments come new, or at least used to, with what were described as La Bella custom roundwounds. So you might contact them and ask whether they're sold separately, and whether those might work. Ask for Gary.
 
#13
Rocket Queen said:
Hi, A.J. (ask me offline how I know), the Amp Shop Bass Exchange in North Hollywood, CA (they also have a Reverb shop), designs, makes, and sells 27" basses under the Form Factor Audio and Woodcraft Labels, and those instruments come new, or at least used to, with what were described as La Bella custom roundwounds. So you might contact them and ask whether they're sold separately, and whether those might work. Ask for Gary.
Click to expand...

Why thank you kindly!
 
#15
hooky_marr said:
Nice, but how do you adapt them to a bass bridge? Presumably these have guitar size ball ends?
Click to expand...

I've not had a problem, I guess it depends on the size of the holes in your bridge. The majority of the sub short scale basses that I have built are headless but I have used them with a schaller roller brige with no problem.

Worst case scenario would be to add a small washer as I've seen with upright bass strings.
 
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