Wich strings are better for a 24" scale bass?

[Ramirogg10]

I am making a 24" Scale bass and I was wondering wich Strings are available for this kind of bass, or if I should use regular strings but cutting them?
Thanks!

 

[HaphAsSard]

I am making a 24" Scale bass and I was wondering wich Strings are available for this kind of bass, or if I should use regular strings but cutting them?
Thanks!

I can give you a list (tomorrow, it's quite past bedtime here);
be forewarned that it'll be a short one. Strings for 23-24" scale basses are available, but not exactly plentiful.

My best advice at this point is: stop what you're doing right now.
How far have you come in your build? Is the neck, and especially the headstock, ready? Is the body done?

It would be in your interest to add 5-6 inches (13-15cm) of string path (between where the low E string ball-end will anchor, and the same string's tuning post)
- either behind the bridge (depending on the bridge position, you could put string-through-body ferrules at the very edge of the body and it would be enough);
- or make your headstock reverse, and have the low E tuner be the most distant from the nut.

Why, you'll wonder?
Because, this way, you'd be able to use *normal* short-scale strings (circa 32 inches between ball-end and where the string tapers at the tuner end), and not worry about having to buy special sets or shorten strings.

The smartest move would be to make a shallow pool rout, similar to a Stratocaster spring compartment, directly under the bridge, long enough for standard, long-scale strings (circa 37 inches from ball-end to taper) to be installed on your little bass:
you'd then be able to access the amplest variety of strings, including the lowest four from a 5-string set, to be tuned to EADG at 24" scale, so that you could have tensions approaching those encountered with normal-scale basses, if you so chose.

 

[pingvuiini]

I play 23" scale uke basses exclusively. There may be enough string on these sets to accommodate a 24" scale bass before the tapering starts, but not guaranteed.

I've been using custom Pyramid tapewound and roundwounds on most of the basses. Max at Pyramid should be able to accommodate custom specifications if necessary.

The Kalas comes with roundwounds made by LaBella. These are available from Sweetwater.

I recently got a Flight Jazz bass (the green one) which is the only one with an inline headstock, and comes with its own brand of strings.

Tiny Boy/Bass uses Dogal strings.

The Lignum headless bass (second from right) utilizes an Allen screw system at the nut end so any scale of string can be used and cut down.

 

[bwildt]

Piezo or mag pickup? I have an old '60's 24-1/2 inch scale Kent (Teisco) with a mag pickup, so was looking for steel strings. I went with these. Gold Tone LaBella flatwounds.

MBLS MicroBass LaBella Flat Wound Strings

 

[Gopherbassist]

Flight FMBS-200 Mini Bass Strings - Flight Ukuleles

Flight FMBS-200 Mini Bass Strings are created specifically for our short scale basses, both in gauge and length. Flight Mini Bass Strings are cut and pre-striped for ease of installation, with steel round wound strings that create a punchy tone that is ideal for rock, country, pop, and more.

flightmusic.com

 

[pcake]

i have a 24.75" scale bass. i get strings for it from newtone

Custom Bass String Configurator – Newtone Strings

newtonestrings.com

you can pick any gauge or length. the platinum strings use finer wraps.

 

[Ramirogg10]

can give you a list (tomorrow, it's quite past bedtime here);
be forewarned that it'll be a short one. Strings for 23-24" scale basses are available, but not exactly plentiful.

My best advice at this point is: stop what you're doing right now.
How far have you come in your build? Is the neck, and especially the headstock, ready? Is the body done?

It would be in your interest to add 5-6 inches (13-15cm) of string path (between where the low E string ball-end will anchor, and the same string's tuning post)
- either behind the bridge (depending on the bridge position, you could put string-through-body ferrules at the very edge of the body and it would be enough);
- or make your headstock reverse, and have the low E tuner be the most distant from the nut.

Why, you'll wonder?
Because, this way, you'd be able to use *normal* short-scale strings (circa 32 inches between ball-end and where the string tapers at the tuner end), and not worry about having to buy special sets or shorten strings.

The smartest move would be to make a shallow pool rout, similar to a Stratocaster spring compartment, directly under the bridge, long enough for standard, long-scale strings (circa 37 inches from ball-end to taper) to be installed on your little bass:
you'd then be able to access the amplest variety of strings, including the lowest four from a 5-string set, to be tuned to EADG at 24" scale, so that you could have tensions approaching those encountered with normal-scale basses, if you so chose.

Thanks bro! Super interesting! I will consider all your advices!