The Player's Lounge / Strings & Things / GUITAR TALK / Can I use long scale strings on short scale bass? / Latest Posts

RE: Can I use long scale strings on short scale bass?

rafter — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:55:45 GMT

I have a 73 gibson les paul triumph bass, that is a short scale. I have been using exl160's on it, and all of my bass's since 1982ish without an issue. the gibson is the only short scale i have, but its alot easier to use the same type on all of them. The winding remains the same the entire length of the string, so you can cut it anywhere.

rafter

RE: Can I use long scale strings on short scale bass?

Billydjm — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:54:58 GMT

9 times out of 10 long scale strings will not work on a short scale bass.

RE: Can I use long scale strings on short scale bass?

Dulcimerist — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:28:27 GMT

With short scale, you'll have far less excess string to trim off.

As for if they'd work, I'm not 100% sure.

Can I use long scale strings on short scale bass?

marsguitars — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:21:07 GMT

Hi, a friend is after new strings for his Hofner violin bass, which is short scale.

Can he use regular long scale bass strings or should he get specially-branded short scale strings? If long scale strings are OK, what is the advantage of buying short scale?

Thanks,
Paul