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What kind of strings do you use?

Preferred String Type

  • Roundwounds

    Votes: 5,505 69.2%

  • Flatwounds

    Votes: 1,868 23.5%

  • Nylons

    Votes: 142 1.8%

  • Compression, 1/2, groundwound (either or)

    Votes: 258 3.2%

  • Other

    Votes: 178 2.2%
  • Total voters
    7,951
#2,101
Got a question for you all:
I play a short scale bass (30”)
Is it ok to use medium scale (34”) strings on a short scale?
I love my bass, but the low tension is something I can’t stand, so I was wondering if I could use heavier gauge strings and trim off the extra so they fit on my short scale. I’m thinking of stepping up from a 110 low E to a 115 for better tension. Will this work? Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!
 
#2,102
Whitenoise17 said:
Got a question for you all:
I play a short scale bass (30”)
Is it ok to use medium scale (34”) strings on a short scale?
I love my bass, but the low tension is something I can’t stand, so I was wondering if I could use heavier gauge strings and trim off the extra so they fit on my short scale. I’m thinking of stepping up from a 110 low E to a 115 for better tension. Will this work? Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Most short scale sets come in heavier gauges. As to whether it will work or not to use medium scale, if your string posts are relatively thick and not too small, the fat part of the E and possibly the A will go around the string posts but it will usually not break them. If I knew what kind of bass we're talking about and what kind of tuners it has, I could probably give you a clear answer. As for me, I'd probably play it safe and look for a heavier gauge, not longer.
 
#2,103
JimmyM said:
Most short scale sets come in heavier gauges. As to whether it will work or not to use medium scale, if your string posts are relatively thick and not too small, the fat part of the E and possibly the A will go around the string posts but it will usually not break them. If I knew what kind of bass we're talking about and what kind of tuners it has, I could probably give you a clear answer. As for me, I'd probably play it safe and look for a heavier gauge, not longer.
Click to expand...
I play a Squier Jaguar SS with the stock clover tuners, but I’m going to be making a set of serious upgrades to that bass soon, so I’m going to replace those tuners with ones that will actually stay in tune for more than a minute of playing. (I’m not exaggerating by the way, it really does go out of tune that easily)
 
#2,104
Whitenoise17 said:
I play a Squier Jaguar SS with the stock clover tuners, but I’m going to be making a set of serious upgrades to that bass soon, so I’m going to replace those tuners with ones that will actually stay in tune for more than a minute of playing. (I’m not exaggerating by the way, it really does go out of tune that easily)
Click to expand...
Well as long as you replace the tuners with ones that have posts approx the same size, then medium scale strings would be fine. Also, it is rare that tuners cause string slippage, even on cheapos. I might investigate other possible causes for drifting out of tune before the tuners.
 
#2,105
JimmyM said:
Well as long as you replace the tuners with ones that have posts approx the same size, then medium scale strings would be fine. Also, it is rare that tuners cause string slippage, even on cheapos. I might investigate other possible causes for drifting out of tune before the tuners.
Click to expand...
Well, those tuners are also very sensitive, and it takes a while to tune up, then after that, I have to retune them every 5 seconds because they just go all out of whack. Everything on the bass is decently put together, but those tuners just give me a headache.
It’s gotten to a point where I rarely play my bass now because whenever I do, I have to deal with the same BS every time, and eventually I just end up putting it down out of sheer frustration and annoyance. I love that bass, but the tuners are garbage and need to be replaced. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.
 
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#2,106
Whitenoise17 said:
Well, those tuners are also very sensitive, and it takes a while to tune up, then after that, I have to retune them every 5 seconds because they just go all out of whack. Everything on the bass is decently put together, but those tuners just give me a headache.
It’s gotten to a point where I rarely play my bass now because whenever I do, I have to deal with the same BS every time, and eventually I just end up putting it down out of sheer frustration and annoyance. I love that bass, but the tuners are garbage and need to be replaced. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Guess it can't hurt to upgrade the tuners. Fair enough...I don't like those super sensitive tuners, either.
 
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#2,118
GHS Precision Flats short-scale on my Slammer. The supple strings add a bit of luxury to a distinctly non-luxury bass.

GHS Boomers on my Mustang. Last week, I asked TB for advice on a round wound without too much zing, and I did receive! So far so good, and I think I'll like them even more after they're broken in for a few days.
 
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