Which flatwound strings on which non-long scale bass?

[Ed_in_NE_Ohio]

I'd like to try my first ever set of flatwound strings on one of my non-long-scale bass guitars (either my 2019 Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ [30" scale] or my 2019 Eastwood Black Widow [32" scale] {see below}).

I've narrowed the string choices down to the following string sets based on availability, correct winding length for the instruments (I can get these three sets in either short or medium scale), and producers that I've had good luck with over the years:

• GHS Brite Flats
• GHS Precision Flats
• LaBella Deep Talkin'

I no longer play out, so standing out in the mix is not an issue. The music I play is solo Psychedelic / New Age / Experimental / Jam Band with hints of Classic Rock & Blues.

So, which strings should I put on which bass? If it matters, the other bass will then be strung up with GHS Boomers.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[starjag]

The La Bella set for Mustang thru-body should be the MUS set. That's what I use and love it. For the 32" you would need the La Bella medium scale. Enjoy!

 

[michael_t]

The La Bella set for Mustang thru-body should be the MUS set.

Fender Player Mustang PJ = top-load only.

 

[michael_t]

correct winding length for the instruments (I can get these three sets in either short or medium scale)

Just to make sure you do understand the difference between the two brands mentioned...

GHS "short scale" = 32.75" from ball end to silk.
GHS "medium scale" = 35.5" from ball end to silk.

La Bella "short scale" = 32.25" from ball end to silk.
La Bella "medium scale" = 34.25" from ball end to silk.

 

[Killing Floor]

I have a 30" but it has a tailpiece and the LaBella short scale fit perfectly, 760FS-S.
If you like thumpy vintage sound the LB is a great choice. They may feel "sticky" the first few times you play but don't freak out. They may be a little zingy the first couple times also. They settle in fast and feel really good.

I'm also a big TI fan but I don't think it's the best move to spend that much on your first set of flats. If you like the LB try the Thomastik Infeld later, they're fantastic, totally worth the money, but unless you're totally bought into flats it makes sense to try something more reasonably priced and the LBs are very good.

Other great options are D'addario Chromes, they are higher tension so if you like a tighter feel they are a good one. Or Rotosound 77s.

Don't mind me, I'm that guy who burns through every kind of string I can try. Enjoy your adventure.

 

[Ed_in_NE_Ohio]

Just to make sure you do understand the difference between the two brands mentioned...

GHS "short scale" = 32.75" from ball end to silk.
GHS "medium scale" = 35.5" from ball end to silk.

La Bella "short scale" = 32.25" from ball end to silk.
La Bella "medium scale" = 34.25" from ball end to silk.

Thanks Michael. This confirms my research, and leads me to believe that these brands will work for my two basses. The winding lengths for the two basses (measuring from the string ball to one inch beyond the nut) are:
Mustang: 32"
Black Widow: 34.5"

Also, I hope it's safe to assume there's enough silk on these sets to allow for a decent wrap on the G string peg of a Fender style headstock?

 

[michael_t]

Also, I hope it's safe to assume there's enough silk on these sets to allow for a decent wrap on the G string peg of a Fender style headstock?

That shouldn't be a concern. They should be plenty long enough.

 

[michael_t]

This confirms my research, and leads me to believe that these brands will work for my two basses. The winding lengths for the two basses (measuring from the string ball to one inch beyond the nut) are:
Mustang: 32"
Black Widow: 34.5"

I like it when people do their homework on "winding length".

 

[mstrpig]

I don't know if anyone's encountered this particular issue before but I have a Goya Bass that has a tailpiece with 89cm (35 3/64") length for the E and A string , and 87cm (34 1/4") Length for the D and G string (Tailpiece to nut).The problem is the G string. The speaking length of the string sets, measured from ball end to silk, leaves the G string too long because it's not a Pbass headstock, The closest LaBella, my preference, manufacture is Medium scale which leaves the G string at 34 1/4" not clearing the nut, So LaBellas are out. I don't know what the closest alternative is to La Bellas (.045- .105) are, but I'll have to begin my selection with finding someone who makes a .045 G string (flatwound),that's between 35"- 36" long so it will clear the nut and not exceed the tuning post . So far, I can't find anyone who makes a G string .045 gauge that fits that measurement. A surprising number of manufacturers don't specify the speaking length of their string sets. I know there have to have been lots of bassists with this same issue. I've heard S.I.T. do a flatwound set that will fit, but I don't know anything about their quality. If anyone has a suggestion I'd be grateful.

 

[michael_t]

I'll have to begin my selection with finding someone who makes a .045 G string that's between 35"- 36" long so it will clear the nut and not exceed the tuning post. So far, I can't find anyone so far who makes a G string .045 gauge that fits that measurement.

GHS Precision Flats "medium scale" = 35.5" winding length (ball end to silk). The 45G does come in that length.

Singles - Medium Scale Precision Flats

 

[Dan_reeves]

I have a 30" scale top load Bronco bass and a 33" scale violin bass and both wear GHS Precision Flats. I love them. Juststrings.com has both medium scale and short scale in stock, FYI. I have tried a lot of strings and these are by far my favorite.

Fair warning though, they really shine in a band setting - I had to get a little used to their solo at home tone. But once you do you're good to go. Good luck!

 

[mstrpig]

Big Thanks to all of you for your kind advice, I went with the GHS precision flats. I'm used to the LaBellas, the feel of them, but after a short time got used to the GHS and they feel good to me as well, in a different way. They also cut a little better. Thanks again folks, great forum.