Which flats for Ibanez Mikro short scale (28.6'')

[george bel]

I recently tried flats for the first time (Fender 9050L, 045 - 060 - 080 - 100 ) for my Squier CV 60s jazz bass, I chose them because of the price basically (I am fairly new to bass in general).

I am impressed mostly from the feeling in the fingers, and I like the sound as well

I have also an Ibanez Mikro short scale (28.6") and now I really can't stand the feeling of rounds it has (when doing simple slides for example) comparing to jazz bass.

I have put the Ibanez mikro set IEBS4CMK (045, .065, .085, .105). I had bought them together with the bass, I don't know why (are similar to the ones it had ...)


Unfortunately there is no equivalent to fenders for short scales in terms of price, so I have to pay at least one quarter of the price of the bass...

I have checked what fits in mikro in terms of size ("ball to end") and based on this, these are the options (I can easily get):

• La Bella 760 FS-S "045, .065, .085, .105" standard tension: I think most of the people here go for this set?
• La Bella 760FM-S "049, .069, .089, .109" medium tension: a bit thicker, would it be better for small scale in terms of tension?
• La Bella 760FM-P Mini Flatwound 049, .069, .089, .109: Seems that are the same as same as 760FM-S above but just smaller in length for fitting in Mikro/ mini-P ? (are 31'' ball to end)
• D' Addario ECB81S Chromes 045-065-080-100: the only set I can find in my local store, the most expensive I think.
• GHS "3020 Precision Flatwound Short Scale " 45-60-75-95: a bit cheaper but it is very light tension, isn't it?

From what I have read, I expect D' Addario to be more bright that LaBellas and close to the Fenders I have in jazz bass?
I like the Fenders (I don't have something to compare though) and Mikro sounds to me muddy in general comparing to Jazz, so probably Chromes would be a good choice?

If I go with LaBella, which one should I get? standard od medium? Are 760FM-P different from 760FM-S?

 

[bassrique]

Dunlop Flats for the win.

Before I purchased these strings, the bass was almost unplayable. Now, I love it so much I bought another one for a fretless project. Same strings.

They aren't bright but they aren't old school either.

Great gig bag as well for that bass. Gruv Gear Edge 2 IIRC. ~$119. It's the sleek bag without the bulbous top. Not much storage, but light and easy with quality construction. It's a bag that stands up vertical after taking the bass out. Must have feature.

 

[Killing Floor]

TI Jazz Flats. If the set you have is too long they can be made shorter with a special tool called wire cutters. Just remember they can’t be made longer.
And no matter who says it matters if the winding touches the post, it doesn’t. Ever.

 

[HaphAsSard]

From what I have read, I expect D' Addario to be more bright that LaBellas and close to the Fenders I have in jazz bass?

Yes, by and large. Chromes retain a metallic chime longer than Fender flats do.

I like the Fenders (I don't have something to compare though) and Mikro sounds to me muddy in general comparing to Jazz, so probably Chromes would be a good choice?

In my opinion, you're on the right track.

In your shoes, I'd consider the D'Addario ECB81S
(or the probably similar Gibson SBG-FWSSM, same gauges, Burgundy red silks and brass ball ends instead of blue and multi-coloured, respectively);
and also the Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound - also known as "cobalt flats" - sets 2817 (50-110) or 2818 (45-105);
or the Dunlop DBFS45105S, as suggested above.
The EBs and the Dunlops are both pretty flexible, which may seem counterproductive on a supershort scale bass, but should help with the muddiness. The Ernies are very bright, even more so than Chromes. The Dunlops' tone is, again as said above, in-between vintage and modern.

If I go with LaBella, which one should I get? standard od medium?

The FM should feel more "normal" when comparing their tensions to those of strings a long-scale bass; on the other hand, they'll be stiffer, and the .109 might start sounding overly dark and chorusy (bell-like) at a lower point on the fretboard.

Are 760FM-P different from 760FM-S?

I believe the only difference is length.

 

[george bel]

Thanks for the replies

View attachment 5230917 View attachment 5230918
Dunlop Flats for the win.

Dunlop flats are not widely available in my area or in online shops in Europe that's why I haven't included them in my list

TI Jazz Flats. If the set you have is too long they can be made shorter with a special tool called wire cutters. Just remember they can’t be made longer.
And no matter who says it matters if the winding touches the post, it doesn’t. Ever.

thanks for the suggestion, but given the cost of strings I don't think that I am going to try and cut longer strings... TI short scale don't fit Mikro scale

Yes, by and large. Chromes retain a metallic chime longer than Fender flats do.
In my opinion, you're on the right track.
In your shoes, I'd consider the D'Addario ECB81S

good to know

(or the probably similar Gibson SBG-FWSSM, same gauges, Burgundy red silks and brass ball ends instead of blue and multi-coloured, respectively);
and also the Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound - also known as "cobalt flats" - sets 2817 (50-110) or 2818 (45-105);
or the Dunlop DBFS45105S, as suggested above.

cannot find easily gibsons/Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound, same as Dunlop

The FM should feel more "normal" when comparing their tensions to those of strings a long-scale bass; on the other hand, they'll be stiffer, and the .109 might start sounding overly dark and chorusy (bell-like) at a lower point on the fretboard.
I believe the only difference is length.

Hm.. difficult decision regarding the tension... probably I will go for the D'Addario where there is only one option

 

[Chris Laarman]

Unfortunately there is no equivalent to fenders for short scales in terms of price, so I have to pay at least one quarter of the price of the bass...

I have recently paid €88 for strings for a €179 bass. (Thomastik AB345 for a Harley Benton B-35)

After all, it's the strings that vibrate, it's the instrument body that filters those vibrations (in a way that we consider more important than the vibrations themselves). In the case of a solid-body instrument with magnetic pick-ups, the body will matter even less to the output signal.

 

[george bel]

I have recently paid €88 for strings for a €179 bass. (Thomastik AB345 for a Harley Benton B-35)

After all, it's the strings that vibrate, it's the instrument body that filters those vibrations (in a way that we consider more important than the vibrations themselves). In the case of a solid-body instrument with magnetic pick-ups, the body will matter even less to the output signal.

I know... just need some time to get used to it....

 

[george bel]

(or the probably similar Gibson SBG-FWSSM, same gauges, Burgundy red silks and brass ball ends instead of blue and multi-coloured, respectively);

Searched about these Gibsons, seems that can be actually D'addario or Dunlop, sensibly priced but cannot find any info about winding length
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[HaphAsSard]

Dunlop flats are not widely available in my area or in online shops in Europe that's why I haven't included them in my list

Dunlop DBFS45105S, at the lowest prices I could find them in Europe:
DUNLOP DBFS45105S Sets - Flat nets short scale 45-105|MusicGoodDeal
JIM DUNLOP FILETS PLATS SHORT SCALE 45-105 | Woodbrass.com
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

cannot find easily gibsons/Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound

Gibson SBG-FWSSM
Gibson SBG-FWSSM Corde per Basso Elettrico 4 corde Flatwound Corde per Basso Elettrico
https://www.bax-shop.nl/elektrische...e-medium-snarenset-voor-elektrische-basgitaar

Ernie Ball 2817
Ernie Ball 2817 Power Slinky Flatwound Short Scale Electric Bass Strings 50-110 Gauge Bass Electric 4 string
https://www.bax-shop.nl/elektrische...d-short-scale-55-110-snarenset-voor-basgitaar
https://www.thomann.de/ie/ernie_bal...LCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
ERNIE BALL 2817 POWER SLINKY SHORT SCALE FLATWOUND EL. BASS STRINGS - 50-105
Link Removed
Ernie Ball 2818
Ernie Ball 2818 Regular Slinky Flatwound Short Scale Electric Bass Strings 45-105 Gauge Bass Electric 4 string
Invalid Link Removed

Searched about these Gibsons, seems that can be actually D'addario or Dunlop, sensibly priced but cannot find any info about winding length
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Same. I've been meaning to ask a fellow TB member.
...Heck: I'll do it now.
@fretno: if/when you have a Gibson-flat-equipped short-scale bass handy, could you measure the winding length, from ball-end to start of silk at the headstock? Thank you kindly!

 

[Chris Laarman]

Regarding shops in Europe:
I am a returning customer with Dutch webshop "Lord of the Strings". They (he, Carl?) may be cheaper than Thomann or more expensive.
Same applies to Bax, but "the thrill is gone".

LotS doesn't list the short-scale version of DBFS45105. I happen to have the regular version on a 32" acoustic Fender CB-60SCE.

 

[george bel]

Dunlop DBFS45105S, at the lowest prices I could find them in Europe:
DUNLOP DBFS45105S Sets - Flat nets short scale 45-105|MusicGoodDeal
JIM DUNLOP FILETS PLATS SHORT SCALE 45-105 | Woodbrass.com
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Gibson SBG-FWSSM
Gibson SBG-FWSSM Corde per Basso Elettrico 4 corde Flatwound Corde per Basso Elettrico
https://www.bax-shop.nl/elektrische...e-medium-snarenset-voor-elektrische-basgitaar

Ernie Ball 2817
Ernie Ball 2817 Power Slinky Flatwound Short Scale Electric Bass Strings 50-110 Gauge Bass Electric 4 string
https://www.bax-shop.nl/elektrische...d-short-scale-55-110-snarenset-voor-basgitaar
https://www.thomann.de/ie/ernie_bal...LCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
ERNIE BALL 2817 POWER SLINKY SHORT SCALE FLATWOUND EL. BASS STRINGS - 50-105
Link Removed
Ernie Ball 2818
Ernie Ball 2818 Regular Slinky Flatwound Short Scale Electric Bass Strings 45-105 Gauge Bass Electric 4 string
Invalid Link Removed


Same. I've been meaning to ask a fellow TB member.
...Heck: I'll do it now.
@fretno: if/when you have a Gibson-flat-equipped short-scale bass handy, could you measure the winding length, from ball-end to start of silk at the headstock? Thank you kindly!

Regarding shops in Europe:
I am a returning customer with Dutch webshop "Lord of the Strings". They (he, Carl?) may be cheaper than Thomann or more expensive.
Same applies to Bax, but "the thrill is gone".

LotS doesn't list the short-scale version of DBFS45105. I happen to have the regular version on a 32" acoustic Fender CB-60SCE.

thanks a lot for these both!

 

[Bassamatic]

If you can get the set for the mini-P - use those. I have them on my Mini P and they sound great - Just like the big P. Better than trying to use standard strings. You don't want to wind too much of the wrap around the tuner - the string can break, , and you REALLY don't want to cut flatwounds - they will unravel.

 

[fretlessman71]

....and you REALLY don't want to cut flatwounds - they will unravel.

You mean, "cutting through the girth of a Long Scale flatwound string to make it fit a Mikro". I totally agree.

 

[Amandalyn]

I use the Black Tape Wound on my Ibanez Mikro. Easy on the fingers.

 

[Amandalyn]

String gauges for the Mikro from the Ibanez website

• string gauge
  .045/.065/.085/.105

 

[J Posega]

La Bella flatwounds for the Squier Mini P would probably fit on a Mikro.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

There is perfectly good information about strings that fit a Mikro in the Mikro Club thread. The OP of this thread knows that because he has asked about strings before in that thread. Nothing mentioned in this thread offers anything different.

 

[george bel]

There is perfectly good information about strings that fit a Mikro in the Mikro Club thread. The OP of this thread knows that because he has asked about strings before in that thread. Nothing mentioned in this thread offers anything different.

I knew about strings lengths and what fits to mikro, but my question here was mostly about differences between the available options.
Thats why I asked here, where is about strings, and I did get some valuable answers
(specific questions in mikro thread can be lost between lots of posts about various things)

 

[Prodigus Filius]

I knew about strings lengths and what fits to mikro, but my question here was mostly about differences between the available options.
Thats why I asked here, where is about strings, and I did get some valuable answers
(specific questions in mikro thread can be lost between lots of posts about various things)

Fair enough. Just trying to direct traffic to the Mikro club. Your one stop shop for all things Mikro he he

 

[fretlessman71]

View attachment 5230917 View attachment 5230918
Dunlop Flats for the win.

Before I purchased these strings, the bass was almost unplayable. Now, I love it so much I bought another one for a fretless project. Same strings.

They aren't bright but they aren't old school either.

Great gig bag as well for that bass. Gruv Gear Edge 2 IIRC. ~$119. It's the sleek bag without the bulbous top. Not much storage, but light and easy with quality construction. It's a bag that stands up vertical after taking the bass out. Must have feature.

Would you be of the opinion that there are only two options for short scale 5-string flatwound sets? La Bella and Dunlop?