Short Scale Strings Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Factory to Customer » Michael's Custom Series II in Walnut » Changes / Additions » Short Scale Strings « Previous Next »

Author Message
mikekyz
Junior
Username: mikekyz

Post Number: 11
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 9:30 am:   Edit Post

One of the main drivers for moving to short scale is a bass that is easy to play. On all my longer scale basses I use nickel strings and the guage is usually .040 .055 .075 .095. Does Alembic produce strings of this size for a Stanley Clarke bass? Does anyone know of a company that makes short scale strings at this size in nickel or a near fit?
Will the standard nut on my Stanley Clarke need to be made tighter if I go with a string of this size?
I know there is a trade off on sound however I need to make it as easy as possible on my fretting hand.
Peace
Mike
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3696
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 10:19 am:   Edit Post

The short scale strings we offer come in .045 .065 .080 .105 gauges. If you're going to play with strings that are more than 5 thousandths undersized from the slots, it's ideal to have a properly sized nut and bridge made.

We'll review what strings are available for your bass and let you know what we find. If you find something that suits you in the meantime, please let us know.
mikekyz
Junior
Username: mikekyz

Post Number: 12
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 10:33 am:   Edit Post

Hi Mica
Thanks for this feedback, yes please let me know what string options you can come up with. Your help is really appreciated.
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 1358
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 4:05 am:   Edit Post

Mike-

When I ordered my short scale bass, it was specified with 40-100 strings. There was a late inlay addition that interrupted the build process and caused it to be taken apart and restrung. By accident, it was restrung with the standard 45-105 short scale strings. When I played the bass, I thought they actually were the narrower gauge strings. These are, however, steel strings, not nickel. It is extremely easy to play, though it was a little clicky for the first few playing sessions. The strings have since broken in quite nicely.

Even if you're looking for nickel, you will find that a 45-105 set will be as easy to play on a short scale as a 40-100 set is on long. You may have to raise the action or play with an extremely light touch to avoid much buzzing on lighter strings at short scale.

If you were to tune your 34" scale bass down by between 3/4 and one full step, that would approximate the tension you would get on those strings at short scale. Just something you can try while you wait for the custom to help you decide for certain about string gauge.

-Bob
mikekyz
Junior
Username: mikekyz

Post Number: 13
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 12:12 pm:   Edit Post

Mica, I have found these. What do you think? Anyone else using these?

Fender 5250XL Short Scale Bass Extra Light Strings nickel. Gauges 40-60-75-95.
mikekyz
Junior
Username: mikekyz

Post Number: 14
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Monday, October 30, 2006 - 6:48 am:   Edit Post

Hi Mica, I have decided to go with the smaller gauge strings for my fretless. Please adjust the nut and bridge sizes as required to fit Fender 525XL Short Scale nickel 40-60-75-90.

Anyone else in the club using these on short scale fretted or fretless?

Many thanks
Mike
mikekyz
Junior
Username: mikekyz

Post Number: 17
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 5:50 am:   Edit Post

Hi Mica
I have a set of the Fenders that I will try on my Custom in Stages and let you know how I get on.

all the best
Mike
mikekyz
Junior
Username: mikekyz

Post Number: 23
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Monday, November 13, 2006 - 8:45 am:   Edit Post

Hi, my local guitar tech has put a set of Fenders on my SC Custom in Stages and they play really well. Just one thing to watch for is the string lenght requires some of the cotton wrap to be removed before fitting at the nut. Maybe worth testing a set but from my end I think they will do the job. Let me know what you think?

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration