Supple/Flexible strings for 5 string medium scale

[JRMK]

Hi all!

I’m a dedicated Thomastik Jazz Rounds (and flats) enjoyer who recently got a short scale bass (it’s a Serek and it’s compatible with medium scale strings too). Surprisingly enough I was shocked to find that on my short scale strings are extremely stiff and therefore harder to play than my usual long scale wet noodles!

The thing is that Thomastik does not make 5 string sets of neither Jazz Rounds or Flats.

Would anyone have experience with an alternatives for supple, flexible feel in that format?

 

[michael_t]

Dunlop Super Bright Nickels medium-scale 40-120.

Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Electric Bass Strings Medium S

Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Round Wound Electric Bass Strings Medium Scale Set - 5-String 40-120 DBSBN40120M Gauges: .040 .060 .080 .100 .120 The new Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings are for the bassist that wants to stand out in the mix. Dunlop Super Bright...

fretnation.com

I don't own a short-scale bass, so I'm not sure how flexible they might be compared to the TI. But the Dunlop Super Brights are known for their flexiblity, so they might be worth a try.

 

[Ggaa]

DR strings except LoRiders.

 

[michael_t]

DR strings except LoRiders.

I was going to suggest the Sunbeams, but the short-scale 5-string set only comes in 45-125 and not in 40-120.

 

[JRMK]

Dunlop Super Bright Nickels medium-scale 40-120.

Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Electric Bass Strings Medium S

Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Round Wound Electric Bass Strings Medium Scale Set - 5-String 40-120 DBSBN40120M Gauges: .040 .060 .080 .100 .120 The new Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings are for the bassist that wants to stand out in the mix. Dunlop Super Bright...

fretnation.com

I don't own a short-scale bass, so I'm not sure how flexible they might be compared to the TI. But the Dunlop Super Brights are known for their flexiblity, so they might be worth a try.

Thanks for the shoutout - this indeed might be the way. Before settling on Thomastiks I used to use Dunlop SB Nickels 40-120 and that is a fond memory!

 

[JRMK]

Im coming back to report there is no way to get the medium scale set here in UK! Reminds me of Covid supply chain draught for strings

Might contact stringsdirect.uk asking if these can be ordered

I will eventually get them but the nut seems to be tougher to crack than it should be!

 

[TomB]

Dunlop Super Bright Nickels medium-scale 40-120.

Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Electric Bass Strings Medium S

Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Round Wound Electric Bass Strings Medium Scale Set - 5-String 40-120 DBSBN40120M Gauges: .040 .060 .080 .100 .120 The new Dunlop Super Bright Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings are for the bassist that wants to stand out in the mix. Dunlop Super Bright...

fretnation.com

I don't own a short-scale bass, so I'm not sure how flexible they might be compared to the TI. But the Dunlop Super Brights are known for their flexiblity, so they might be worth a try.

Super Bright mediums are pretty flexible, though I can’t make any recent comparison to TI’s, round or flat - they always struck me as unique. Labella RX Nickel rounds to me are similar to the Dunlops in feel, though mellower in tone.

Dunlop also makes their medium flats in 40-120 and I can report those are very flexible, too much so for me. I use their 45-125 set which feels great, at least compared with Labella DTFS flats, which I think are their only gauge in that scale length.

 

[Keith Guitars]

The LaBella LTF Low Tension Flats are great, and they definitely make a 5 set.
Thomastik does a 5 as well (I have a couple sets) but not sure about for 32” scale.

 

[TomB]

The LaBella LTF Low Tension Flats are great, and they definitely make a 5 set.
Thomastik does a 5 as well (I have a couple sets) but not sure about for 32” scale.

Does Labella make a LTF in medium scale 5-string? I looked at one point but couldn’t find any. If so they’d be worth a try on a Serek 30.5”.

 

[L-u-A-R]

Dogal Hellborgs come in 32'' scale.
Owing to the stranded core, I don't think there is anything more supple.

It's only the rounds that come in 32''.
I'm not sure how available the 32'' 5er set is, but it's definitely listed on their site.

 

[JRMK]

Thanks mate that’s an amazing shout out I always wanted to try them as these are often compared to Thomastik Jazz Rounds.

 

[turcmic]

I have Dunlop flats on my medium scale Serek. I do like them very very much . they are hard to find but totally worth it

 

[TomB]

I have Dunlop flats on my medium scale Serek. I do like them very very much . they are hard to find but totally worth it

What gauges do you prefer?

 

[turcmic]

What gauges do you prefer?

45-125. I didn't try other gauges. I always felt comfortable with these, low B is nice and beefy without loosing the clarity. I used 130 in the past on my previous 5ers but this feels like the perfect compromise for me.

 

[Wyvern]

Ernie balls nickel slinkies are rubbery to me, that's why I hate them.

 

[TomB]

45-125. I didn't try other gauges. I always felt comfortable with these, low B is nice and beefy without loosing the clarity. I used 130 in the past on my previous 5ers but this feels like the perfect compromise for me.

That’s what I use as well in Dunlop flat. Just about perfect for me.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

La Bella do LTF-5A-S short scale. They don't do the 5 string set in medium scale though

 

[learning_towalk]

I have Dunlop flats on my 32” woodcraft 5’er. Feel great under my fingers. Not overly stiff in the least.

For rounds, I know MTD is putting out round medium scale 5’er sets now.

 

[TomB]

I have Dunlop flats on my 32” woodcraft 5’er. Feel great under my fingers. Not overly stiff in the least.

For rounds, I know MTD is putting out round medium scale 5’er sets now.

For round medium 5’s there are more alternatives. I’ve had good luck with Labella RX nickel and Dunlop Super Brights. They both feel similarly flexible (and there are gauge choices) but the Labella is a tiny bit darker-sounding. I like them both. I wonder who makes the strings for MTD in this case.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

The LaBella LTF Low Tension Flats are great, and they definitely make a 5 set.
Thomastik does a 5 as well (I have a couple sets) but not sure about for 32” scale.

TI only does a 5 string set in long scale and super long scale.