|
|
Post by windmill on Apr 3, 2023 18:50:09 GMT -5
There I was, sitting with my Teisco bass, that I have had for over 40 years, in my lap, when the D string popped and became loose.
I was mystified at this till I realised the string had actually broken, at the middle of the fretboard.
This has never happened before, it must have been metal fatigue as I can't even remember how old the strings are, at least 10 years old possibly 15 or even older.
It is a teisco bass that cost 10 dollars a long time ago and has been used for the few years, mainly unplugged, as the knockaround bass at home.
As I can't remember buying any strings for it I am not sure what gauge strings to get for a short scale bass. Are they the same gauge as long scale bass ?, ( I have brought those before).
Any suggestions ?
|
|
|
|
Post by funkykikuchiyo on Apr 3, 2023 19:34:39 GMT -5
They generally run in the same gauges as long scale, shorter scale basses can have special strings so the taper at the tuner happens earlier. I'd check to be sure it is short scale and not medium, and if there is some sort of long tailpiece like a Hofner, sometimes you need to get a longer scale string than would be immediately obvious.
Shorter scale means lower tension and a heavier gauge will help offset that. I probably wouldn't worry much myself, except avoiding a 40-95 set.
If you can find someone who has a micrometer or a caliper (micrometer works a bit better and is easier to get a good reading, but both work fine) they can tell you what gauge you have on there now.
|
|
|
|
Post by themaestro on Apr 3, 2023 21:46:13 GMT -5
How short is your "short scale"? I have a Kent (Teisco) bass that is a 25-1/4 inch scale. That is short. I had trouble finding strings and then found these. They are LaBella flatwounds.
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Apr 3, 2023 22:50:17 GMT -5
Measure from the front of the nut (the frets side) to top dead center of the 12th fret. Multiply that by 2 and that's the scale length.
I use Pyramids on my Gretsch short scale bass. They cost more than other brands but they last forever and sound great.
|
|
|
|
Post by windmill on Apr 5, 2023 4:39:46 GMT -5
Thanks for the responses.
It's a 30" scale bass.
"Shorter scale means lower tension and a heavier gauge will help offset that. I probably wouldn't worry much myself, except avoiding a 40-95 set."
Any particular reason for avoiding the set you mentioned ?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Apr 5, 2023 19:57:41 GMT -5
I remember thinking a Teisco Del Ray guitar was the coolest guitar back in the mid to later 60’s.
|
|
DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
|
Post by DrKev on Apr 6, 2023 5:52:37 GMT -5
"Shorter scale means lower tension and a heavier gauge will help offset that. I probably wouldn't worry much myself, except avoiding a 40-95 set." Any particular reason for avoiding the set you mentioned ? If the tension gets too low, the strings get a little floppy, which can mean more clank and fret buzz. The thicker strings also mean a more rounded tone, especially on the G string, which is part of the vibe of short scale basses. (34" scale basses can be very piano like on the G string especially with the treble turned up). I have Ernie Ball Short Scale Regular slinky on my 30" (45-65-85-105) and they are fine. I will try something else in time but tension is good and not too clanky. I would not drop down in gauge though. That said, roundwound strings generally have lower tension than flatwound or tapewounds of the same gauge, so you can go lower than that in flats. A friend put D'Addario nylon tapewounds (ETB92s) on her 30" bass and they were great. Very mellow but she loves the feel. |
|
|
|
Post by morrow on Apr 28, 2023 13:53:13 GMT -5
Some short scale basses require longer strings than others. Many (especially hollow bodied basses) have a trapeze style tailpiece that will add an inch or two.
|
|
|
|
Post by Taildragger on Apr 28, 2023 23:16:04 GMT -5
Some short scale basses require longer strings than others. Many (especially hollow bodied basses) have a trapeze style tailpiece that will add an inch or two. This is also true of the "string-through" Fender Mustangs (but not the PJs, Musicmasters or Broncos) and Guild Star Fire and JS basses, on which many "short-scale" sets are too short (use "medium gauge" instead). Reverend Dub King bridge can be either top-loaded or strung through the body, so it accepts a wider range of string lengths. |
|
