Thomastik should also make Jazz Flat JF304s for 30" short scales.

[philthygeezer]

The JF324s fit 32" scale basses pretty well, and I am guessing the string-through Mustangs too.

But they are too long when the short scale isn't string-through.

And now there are myriad 30" scale basses that didn't exist five-ten years ago, that would benefit from a new set of JF304 Jazz Flats. The hugely popular P-J Mustang, the Gretsch 2220, G&L Fallout, and EBMM/SBMM Short Scale Stingray, for instance.

IMO it's high time for a set of JF304s.

 

[philthygeezer]

Bump. If you agree, please lend your support by posting below.

Would really like to see the JF304 happen!

 

[danster]

It really depends on your bass. All short scales are different. For example - my Eastwood Classic 4 took JF344's. because of the tail piece I suspect. I don't know if the JF324's would have worked.

 

[Lex P.]

The JF324's fit my Gibson Les Paul Junior Tribute bass...ok...but an actual 30" scale would be much better. In the photo you can see the E string's step up in diameter just starting to wrap around the tuning peg.

 

[danster]

Lex- My Eastwood headstock looks just like that.
Doesn't seem to affect anything...

 

[Lex P.]

Agreed. Very stable.

 

[Jeffery Young]

Yes, I would definitely buy a set of JF304s.

 

[thisheregiraffe]

The JMJ Mustang comes with Fender 9050 flats and they aren't short/medium scale strings. I guess it's not ideal, but maybe it's not that bad if the unsilked part of the strings wraps around the post a bit..?

 

[duncmill]

I've used both TI jazz flats and rounds on my short scale basses with no problems. Even installed a used set of long scale TI rounds on a Gibson SG in a pinch; worked fine. Fifty years ago I never thought twice about cutting long scale strings to use on my short scale basses.

 

[Spupilup]

I have the 32" Jazz Rounds on my SBMM Short Scale Stingray and they work just fine. They hold tune with no issue, I was able to intonate them perfectly and they sound incredible. I haven't tried the Flats but I have them on my L1000 and wanted something different for the Stingray.

 

[Jeffery Young]

For me, it's not about whether I can get the existing short scale strings to fit, but rather that since I'm dishing out decent dollars for TI's if given the choice I would appreciate a fully proper fit, with the silk windings landing at an even spot not too far up from the nut (aesthetics, but more about feeling like everything is dialed in properly). It's not a deal breaker on TI's but I think the demand may be there...

 

[andare]

The JMJ Mustang comes with Fender 9050 flats and they aren't short/medium scale strings. I guess it's not ideal, but maybe it's not that bad if the unsilked part of the strings wraps around the post a bit..?

View attachment 4072418

I think old school flats like Labellas might break if they wrap the fat part around the post. Modern flats and rounds seem to be fine.
However some short scale basses have smaller tuners so full-size long scale strings don't fit in the holes. 30" strings should be an option, as well as various gauges. Only Labella makes 30" strings in several gauges.

 

[petch]

IMO it's high time for a set of JF304s.

Absolutely! Happy to spend the $ for TI's but would prefer a better fit for my Fallout.

 

[Killing Floor]

30.7" scale, not string through, 34" scale TI strings. Just saying.

 

[GwenOnBass]

TIs fit exactly none of my three basses. Too long, or too short. For the cost of a set of TIs, they shouldn't look janky IMO.

 

[Xad]

I would definitely buy several sets of JF304s!

 

[iiipopes]

Oh! God! NO! TI flats are already more floppy than some rubber bands. If you put those strings on a 30 inch scale, the tension will be at least 26% or even less than on a regular scale bass. They simply won't hold enough tension to be stable, and intonation will wobble under the fingers. Remember that tension varies as the square of the scale length, not linearly.

For the best round tone on a short scale bass, the GHS Balanced Pure Nickels is God's gift to short scale bass players. I wax poetic in other threads about their consistency, stability, feel, no twang or thump, big tone, and they mellow nicely.

 

[michael_t]

Oh! God! NO! TI flats are already more floppy than some rubber bands. If you put those strings on a 30 inch scale, the tension will be at least 26% or even less than on a regular scale bass. They simply won't hold enough tension to be stable, and intonation will wobble under the fingers. Remember that tension varies as the square of the scale length, not linearly.

I'm starting to think it's intentional on TI's part not to offer the Jazz Flats in true "short scale". Maybe this is their way of discouraging people from using them on anything shorter than 32" scale (ie "medium scale").

 

[iiipopes]

I'm starting to think it's intentional on TI's part not to offer the Jazz Flats in true "short scale". Maybe this is their way of discouraging people from using them on anything shorter than 32" scale (ie "medium scale").

Actually, I believe it is the arrogance of the company.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Actually, i believe it is a business decision.