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Will 5 string short scale ever catch up, or even get close in string choices?

RabidMusic

RabidMusic

Jan 29, 2012
288
291
Kentucky
#1
I'm feeling a bit frustrated. After ordering an Ibanez TMB35 30" 5 string I got a call from my Sweetwater rep. I ordered a set of DR short scale strings and paid for set up which includes changing the strings. Well, the luthier informed my rep that DR uses a different scale that most companies, and their short scale are actually medium. Too long for a 30" bass. Sweetwater does not carry any short scale strings for a 5 string bass. They sell plenty of 5 string short scale basses. I watched the TMB25 go out of stock twice in the past few months. This is frustrating. I managed to find a set of Dunlop Flatwound Short Scale somewhere, but that was it.

People here suggested that the best way to improve sound on a cheap bass is to upgrade the strings. Well, where are those upgrades? :P
 
#2
The problem with a B string on a short scale bass is the engineering conundrum of getting enough tension without the string being so thick that it loses overtones and becomes thumpy, even as a new string. Because of this engineering dilemma, and the relatively low market for short scale five strings, the companies just don't see it as a viable marketing direction.

Scott Whitley of Link Removed probably knows more about short scale bass strings than anybody else. I suggest you peruse his web site, blogs, and ask questions as necessary. He reviews American made strings, as well as Optima and some others. I hope this helps.
 
#6
The DR strings will actually work fine. Yes, they are a bit longer than maybe preferred, but they'll still work - just like their long scale strings on a Fender style 34" bass.

Agree on the Labella recommendation - I'd look into them. Ibanez also has a 5 string branded set, but I think they are more for the Mikro and might actually be too short. I don't know that for sure though. Fret Nation for a time carried a DR set he asked to be made for the Mikro - you might want to call them and ask if they are still around and if they'd work on a 30" scale.

At any rate, people have been using regular long scale strings on shorties for a very long time and it'd usually work. Yes, it may not feel like you'd expect, but it is doable.
 
#7
80jazz said:
My guess is no, but I am a bassist who thinks that 35 inch scale is superior to 34 for the low B so what do I know?
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It may be. After all, the lowest bass strings of a piano are longer than the next octave of bass strings, and there are good reasons for it. Same with fanned fret basses, which can go from 34-G to 37-B. But not everybody's hands can fit a 35 inch scale or extended fanned fret scale, including me. I actually use a 33 inch Ibby BTB845V "solo" bass converted from E-G to B-G so I can play comfortably.
 
#10
iiipopes said:
It may be. After all, the lowest bass strings of a piano are longer than the next octave of bass strings, and there are good reasons for it. Same with fanned fret basses, which can go from 34-G to 37-B. But not everybody's hands can fit a 35 inch scale or extended fanned fret scale, including me. I actually use a 33 inch Ibby BTB845V "solo" bass converted from E-G to B-G so I can play comfortably.
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Dingwall's idea on that is excellent. I like the idea of a 5 string Dingwall. I am just unsure when it will happen.
 
#11
Don't give up on the short scale 5 string. When you can't order a dedicated short scale set, try using your regular long scale string set. Use a pair of pliers to unravel the outer winding just before the tuning post. Use the pliers to loosen the outer winding, then with a firm grip with the pliers, pull with the pliers and pull the string in the opposite direction. It should unravel easily in a beautiful long spiral. Continue until the outer winding is clear anywhere between the nut and the tuner. I cut it and crimp it with the pliers just before the B tuning post. Stays put and works like a charm. It means I don't have to source a special string set and can continue to use my favourite strings.
 
#12
I use Pitbull 30 series short scale strings on my 30", 30.5" and 31" builds for both 4 and 5 strings. The 30 Series strings are made of nickel alloy windings and high carbon alloy hexagonal steel core. Comparing them with other strings, I have found that they have a higher tension than strings of the same gauge, which work especially well with shorter scale lengths!
 
#14
Lenny JG said:
Shorter strings just need to be thicker. You can always shorten em up and unwind to fit in a tuning peg, but if it's too short you'll be sorry. Plenty of companies will make your strings for ya.
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Not necessarily. It depends on what the strings are made of and the mode of construction. As far back as the 1500's, Italian harpsichord makers knew that foreshortened bass strings could only be made so large in diameter before they started going thumpy and had overtone issues.

Unfortunately, "short scale" and "5-string" run head long into each other due to the inconsistent demands of the physical limitations of the instrument.
 
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