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Post subject: New to shortscales and have three string tension questions.
Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:39 pm
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Roadie
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Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:12 am
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1. Will the tension of a set of 50-105 flats that I'm used to on my 34" pbass feel the same on a shortscale, or will the tension feel higher because of the shortscale's 30" scale length?

2. Do I need to get lighter guage because it is a shortscale?

3. Do I have to use shortscale strings, or can I just cut down my longscale strings and it'll be the same?

Thanks.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 11:24 pm
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Amateur
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1. Tension is directly proportional to the mass of the string, but not necessarily the diameter of the string (think materials as opposed to core and winding thickness). I'm not sure how length plays into the equation, but less mass is under tension on a 30" scale bass than on a 34" scale bass. I'll defer to others on the ultimate answer here.

2. Pending answer to #1.

3. A potential problem with using long-scale strings on a short-scale bass is that the strings taper at the headstock end to facilitate wrapping around the post (and into the post hole if you have one). If you use a long-scale string on a short-scale bass, you may need to cut the string so short that you lose the taper and you're going to have to try to wrap the "active string" portion around the post (which it is likely not designed to do) and you may not be able to secure the string end in the post hole since it will be too thick to do so.

It may work, but there's a reason they make short-scale bass strings.


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Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 1:00 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:22 am
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The answer I've heard for string tension and tone on short scale instruments is generally Heavy guage flatwounds will get you a bigger tone with more bottom end.

Peace Out,
Rev j


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Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 6:16 pm
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Professional Musician
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Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:56 am
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Location: metro Chicago USA
Personal choice (and factory issue) on 30" Fender VI is roundwound, which is definitely under less tension than a 34" at the same tuning.

But then, 'play the VI as a "tenor sax," for melody.


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