If you’re looking for a new set of bass strings, you may want to consider short scale bass strings. These strings are designed to fit bass guitars with shorter necks, making them a great choice for players looking for a more comfortable playing experience. But before you make your purchase, there are a few factors to consider.
First and foremost, you’ll want to think about the type of music you’ll be playing. Short scale bass strings come in a variety of gauges, or thicknesses, each of which will affect the tone of your bass. Thick gauges are often preferred for heavier styles of music, while thinner gauges may be better for lighter, more nuanced playing.
Another important factor to consider is the material of the strings. Different materials, such as nickel, stainless steel, and coated strings, can also impact the tone and feel of your bass. And of course, you’ll want to make sure that the strings you choose are compatible with your particular bass guitar.
If you’re still unsure whether short scale bass strings are the right choice for you, ask yourself these questions: Do you struggle with playing on a longer scale bass because of its size? Are you looking for a more comfortable playing experience? Do you play music that requires a lighter or heavier touch? By thinking through these factors, you can make an informed decision about which short scale bass strings are best for you.
10 Best Short Scale Bass Strings
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Ideal for bass players seeking a smooth, warm tone with a short scale length for easier playability.
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2
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Ideal for bass guitar players who prefer a shorter scale length and want high-quality nickel wound strings in a standard gauge.
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3
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Ideal for bass guitar players looking for a warm, mellow tone with easy playability on short-scale instruments.
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4
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This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality and affordable bass guitar with a right-handed orientation and brown sunburst finish.
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5
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Ideal for bass guitarists who want a smooth, warm tone with comfortable playability on short scale instruments.
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6
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Ideal for bass guitarists who prefer a smooth and warm tone with excellent intonation and playability.
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7
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This product is ideal for playing deep and rich bass tones on a short scale bass guitar.
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8
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Ideal for bass guitar players that want perfect intonation, consistent feel, and powerful durability on a 4 string short scale instrument.
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9
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Ideal for bass guitarists who want a medium gauge, short-scale flatwound string set.
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10
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Ideal for bass guitar players who prefer a medium gauge, smooth feel, and short scale length.
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1. La Bella 760fl-S Deep Talkin' Bass Flats – Light 43-104, Short Scale
La Bella has been the go-to choice of professional bass players worldwide since the 1950s and 1960s. Their Deep Talkin Bass Guitar Strings are available in both steel and stainless steel, and in a variety of gauges. The La Bella Stainless Steel Flat Wound Bass Strings are designed specifically for fretless basses and are also great for use with electric basses. These strings deliver a warm tone with a thick core and flat winding with light tension, ensuring excellent quality and performance.
La Bella Bass Guitar Strings are made of stainless steel and are flat wound, producing a deep, vintage tone. The strings are not suitable for basses with bridges that require strings to pass through the body of the instrument. These strings are made with the finest materials and are labeled for quick and fool-proof installation, making them easy to install in just a few minutes.
The string gauges of this particular set are .043, .060, .082, and .104. The Short Scale Set has a distance from Ball-End to Silk of 32 1/4"; only the silk portion of the string should wrap around the tuning post. This set is NOT suitable for basses with bridges that require strings to pass through the body of the instrument.
La Bella guitar strings are made in the USA with American wire. The strings are packaged using MAP Technology (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), which controls the amount of oxygen and moisture in the packaging, keeping your strings fresh.
- Excellent quality and performance
- Easy to install
- Made with the finest materials
- Packaged using MAP Technology to keep the strings fresh
- Available in both steel and stainless steel, and in a variety of gauges
- – Not suitable for basses with bridges that require strings to pass through the body of the instrument
2. Ernie Ball Short Scale Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, 45-105 Gauge (P02852)
The Ernie Ball 2836 Regular Slinky Bass Strings are designed to fit bass guitars with a short scale length of 30.5 inches. These strings are versatile and complement all types of bass guitars and playing styles. They produce a bright, balanced tone that is sure to impress any musician. The signature Slinky feel of these strings ensures that they are easy to play and deliver a responsive sound.
The Element Shield Packaging used for these strings has been designed to prolong their life and keep them as fresh as the day they were made. This feature ensures that you won't have to replace your strings as often and you can enjoy consistent sound quality for longer periods of time.
Overall, the Ernie Ball 2836 Regular Slinky Bass Strings are an excellent choice for musicians seeking high-quality strings that deliver a bright, balanced tone and are easy to play. They are versatile, durable, and come with innovative packaging that ensures their freshness.
- Designed to fit short scale (30.5”) basses
- Complements all bass guitar types and playing styles
- Produces a bright, balanced tone
- Signature Slinky feel ensures easy playability
- Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings fresh
3. D'addario Xl Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings – Ecb81s – Short Scale – Regular Light, 45-100
The D'Addario XL Chromes are flat wound electric bass strings that provide a unique and mellower tone compared to round wound strings. These strings produce smooth and dark tones due to the precisely polished stainless steel flattened ribbon wrap wire. The XL Chromes use D'Addario's proprietary Hex-Core construction, which ensures perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability. The set comes with a recyclable VCI bag that includes a code that can be registered to earn Players Circle points. D'Addario bass guitar strings are made in the USA to exacting specifications at their New York production facility.
- Mellower tone than round wound strings
- Smooth and dark tones due to precisely polished stainless steel flattened ribbon wrap wire
- Proprietary Hex-Core construction ensures perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability
- Comes with a recyclable VCI bag that includes a code to earn Players Circle points
- Made in the USA to exacting specifications
4. Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Brown Sunburst (Gsrm20bs)
Introducing the latest addition to the bass guitar family, with its fast, slim maple neck, compact, light-weight body, and dynamic P pickup, this bass guitar is perfect for any player who wants to rock out on stage or record in the studio. The short scale 28.6" length makes it easy to play and comfortable to hold, allowing for hours of playing without any discomfort. The dynamic P pickup provides a rich, warm tone with excellent clarity and definition, making it the perfect choice for any genre of music. The compact, light-weight body makes it easy to transport, making it ideal for gigging musicians or anyone who needs a portable bass guitar. The fast, slim maple neck allows for quick and easy finger movement, making it perfect for beginners or experienced players alike. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, this bass guitar is sure to be a hit.
This bass guitar features a fast, slim maple neck that allows for quick and easy finger movement, making it perfect for beginners or experienced players alike. The compact, light-weight body makes it easy to transport, making it ideal for gigging musicians or anyone who needs a portable bass guitar. The dynamic P pickup provides a rich, warm tone with excellent clarity and definition, making it the perfect choice for any genre of music. The short scale 28.6" length makes it easy to play and comfortable to hold, allowing for hours of playing without any discomfort.
- Fast, slim maple neck for quick and easy finger movement
- Compact, light-weight body makes it easy to transport
- Dynamic P pickup provides a rich, warm tone with excellent clarity and definition
- Short scale 28.6" length makes it easy to play and comfortable to hold
5. Pyramid Gold Flatwound Short Scale Bass Guitar Strings 40-100
The short scale 76cm/30" bass guitar is perfect for those who prefer a smaller instrument. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this bass guitar is sure to impress. The flat wound pure nickel strings produce a warm and smooth tone that is perfect for jazz, blues, and other genres that require a mellow sound. The .040, .055, .070, and .100 gauge strings provide a medium tension that is easy to play and responsive to your touch. The hex core ensures that the strings stay in tune even during intense playing sessions. With this bass guitar, you'll be able to create the perfect sound for any occasion, from jamming with friends to recording in the studio.
If you're looking for a high-quality bass guitar that is easy to play and produces a beautiful sound, look no further than this short scale 76cm/30" bass guitar. With its pure nickel flat wound strings and hex core, you'll be able to create the perfect sound for any occasion.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this bass guitar is sure to impress. The .040, .055, .070, and .100 gauge strings provide a medium tension that is easy to play and responsive to your touch. The short scale 76cm/30" makes it easy to maneuver and play for those with smaller hands. The flat wound pure nickel strings produce a smooth and warm tone that is perfect for jazz, blues, and other genres that require a mellow sound. With this bass guitar, you'll be able to create the perfect sound for any occasion.
- Short scale 76cm/30" is perfect for those with smaller hands
- Flat wound pure nickel strings produce a warm and smooth tone
- Hex core ensures that the strings stay in tune even during intense playing sessions
- Medium tension is easy to play and responsive to your touch
6. Ghs Precision Flats Bass Strings (Short Scale)
Introducing the 3020 stainless steel flat wrap on a hex core, a premium quality guitar string set that is designed to deliver a traditional deep percussive tone. These strings are crafted using a unique cross-winding process that ensures optimal performance and durability.
Made from highly magnetic stainless steel, these strings boast a smooth satin finish that enhances their playability and overall sound quality. They are ideal for guitarists who prefer a short scale light gauge, with string thicknesses ranging from 0.045 to 0.095 inches.
Whether you're a professional musician or an amateur enthusiast, the 3020 stainless steel flat wrap on a hex core is an excellent choice for your guitar. These strings are easy to install, stay in tune for longer periods, and produce a rich, resonant sound that will impress any listener.
- Crafted using a unique cross-winding process for optimal performance and durability
- Made from highly magnetic stainless steel with a smooth satin finish
- Ideal for guitarists who prefer a short scale light gauge
- Easy to install and stay in tune for longer periods
- Produce a rich, resonant sound that will impress any listener
7. La Bella 760fs-S Deep Talkin' Bass Flats – Standard 45-105, Short Scale
La Bella Deep Talkin Bass Guitar Strings have been the top choice of professional bass players worldwide since the 50s and 60s. These strings are available in both steel and stainless steel and come in various gauges. The La Bella Stainless Steel Flat Wound Bass Strings produce a warm tone with a thick core and flat winding with light tension, making them ideal for fretless basses and electric basses. These strings are made with the finest materials and designed to deliver a vintage tone.
La Bella Bass Guitar Strings are made of stainless steel and are flat wound to produce a deep, classic tone. However, they are not suitable for basses with bridges that require strings to pass through the body of the instrument. The string gauges are .045, .065, .085, .105, and the short-scale set has a distance from ball-end to silk of 32 1/4". Only the silk portion of the string should wrap around the tuning post. This particular set is NOT suitable for basses with bridges that require strings to pass through the body of the instrument.
La Bella guitar strings are labeled for quick and foolproof installation, which means you can replace your strings in minutes. These strings are made in the USA with American wire and are packaged using MAP Technology (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) to control the amount of oxygen and moisture in the packaging, keeping your strings fresh.
- La Bella Deep Talkin Bass Guitar Strings have been the top choice of professional bass players worldwide since the 50s and 60s.
- The La Bella Stainless Steel Flat Wound Bass Strings deliver a warm tone with a thick core and flat winding with light tension, making them ideal for fretless basses and electric basses.
- La Bella guitar strings are made in the USA with American wire and packaged using MAP Technology to keep your strings fresh.
- – La Bella Bass Guitar Strings are not suitable for basses with bridges that require strings to pass through the body of the instrument.
8. Xl Nickel Bass Strings – Consistent Feel. Perfect Intonation.
The D'Addario XL Nickel Electric Bass Strings are a popular choice among bass players for their reliable performance and versatile tone. The set is made with nickel-plated steel wrap wire that delivers a bright and tight bass sound, which is great for different musical genres. These bass strings are perfect for those looking for the ultimate performance as they are made with D'Addario's proprietary Hex-Core, ensuring perfect intonation, consistent feel, and powerful durability.
In addition to their excellent performance, the XL Nickel bass sets also come with a recyclable VCI bag that has a code you can register to earn Players Circle points. This is a great incentive for players who want to earn rewards while using high-quality bass guitar strings. Moreover, the D'Addario XL Nickel bass guitar strings are made in the USA, so you can be assured of their superior quality and craftsmanship.
- Reliable performance and versatile tone
- Made with nickel-plated steel wrap wire for a bright and tight bass sound
- Proprietary Hex-Core ensures perfect intonation, consistent feel, and powerful durability
- Comes with a recyclable VCI bag with a registration code to earn Players Circle points
- Made in the USA with superior quality and craftsmanship
9. Dunlop Flatwound Short Scale 45/105 Medium 4/set Bass Guitar Strings
Experience the perfect balance of tone and feel with the Stainless Steel Flatwound Bass Strings. Made in the USA, this four-string set guarantees a rich and warm tone that is perfect for any genre. The short scale and medium gauge of 45-105 ensure a comfortable playing experience with excellent tension and playability.
Constructed with high-quality stainless steel material, these flatwound bass strings are built to last, providing you with long-lasting durability and reliability. The model number DBFS45105S is a testament to its quality, ensuring that you get the best value for your money.
Whether you are a professional bass player or a beginner, these Stainless Steel Flatwound Bass Strings are an excellent choice for your bass guitar. Get ready to experience a smooth and comfortable playing experience that will enhance your playing style and take your music to the next level.
- Made in the USA with high-quality stainless steel material for long-lasting durability and reliability
- Short scale and medium gauge of 45-105 ensure a comfortable playing experience with excellent tension and playability
- Guarantees a rich and warm tone that is perfect for any genre
10. D'addario Etb92s Tapewound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale
For bass guitar players who own short scale basses with a string scale length of up to 32 inches, the D'Addario ETB92 set is the perfect fit. This set is the short scale version of the well-known ETB92 bass guitar set. The strings are flattened black nylon wound, providing a warm and deep tone that is perfect for blues and jazz genres.
D'Addario is a reputable brand that manufactures its products in the U.S.A. to ensure the highest quality and performance. The set comes with four strings with the following gauges: Wound .050, .065, .085, and .105. These gauges provide a balanced and consistent sound that is ideal for professionals and beginners alike.
Whether you're playing in a studio or live performance, the D'Addario ETB92 short scale set will give you the tone and quality you need to deliver a great performance. The strings are durable and long-lasting, ensuring that you won't have to replace them frequently. Upgrade your short scale bass with the D'Addario ETB92 set and experience a new level of sound quality and playability.
- Flattened black nylon wound for a warm and deep tone
- Ideal for short scale basses with a string scale length of up to 32 inches
- Manufactured in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
- Balanced and consistent sound with the gauges of Wound .050, .065, .085, and .105
- Durable and long-lasting strings
Best Short Scale Bass Strings FAQs
How do short scale bass strings differ from long scale bass strings?
Short scale bass strings and long scale bass strings differ in terms of their length and tension. Short scale bass strings are designed for bass guitars with a shorter neck length of about 30 inches or less, while long scale bass strings are used for bass guitars with a neck length of 34 inches or more.
The shorter length of the short scale bass strings results in less tension on the strings, which can create a warmer and more mellow tone. In contrast, long scale bass strings have more tension, which produces a brighter and more articulate sound.
Apart from length and tension, short scale and long scale bass strings also differ in terms of their gauge or thickness. Short scale bass strings are typically thicker because they need to maintain their tension on a shorter length of the neck, while long scale bass strings are thinner to accommodate the longer neck length.
Ultimately, choosing between short scale and long scale bass strings depends on personal preference and the type of bass guitar being used. It is important to select the right strings that fit the bass guitar and produce the desired tone.
What are short scale bass strings?
Short scale bass strings are designed to fit on bass guitars with a shorter neck length compared to standard bass guitars. The length of the strings is measured from the bridge to the nut, and short scale basses typically have a length of 30 inches or less. The shorter scale length of these basses makes them ideal for players with smaller hands, beginners, or musicians who prefer a warmer and thicker tone.
Short scale bass strings have a different tension and feel compared to standard bass strings, which makes them easier to play and more comfortable for some players. They also tend to have a more pronounced midrange and low-end response, which can make them ideal for certain genres of music such as blues or rock.
When choosing short scale bass strings, it's important to consider the gauge, material, and winding style. Different strings can have a significant impact on the overall sound and playability of the bass. It's best to experiment with different strings to find the ones that work best for your playing style and musical preferences.
What are some recommended brands of short scale bass strings?
Short scale bass strings are a popular choice among bassists who prefer a shorter neck and smaller frets. When it comes to choosing the right brand of short scale bass strings, there are several options available in the market. Here are some of the most recommended brands of short scale bass strings:
1. D'Addario: Known for producing high-quality strings for various instruments, D'Addario also offers a wide range of short scale bass strings. Their EXL160S and ECB81S models are popular among bass players.
2. Ernie Ball: Ernie Ball is another well-known brand that offers short scale bass strings. Their Slinky Flatwound and Hybrid Slinky models are some of the most popular ones.
3. La Bella: La Bella is a brand that specializes in producing strings for various stringed instruments. Their 760FS Deep Talkin' Flats and 767-6S Bass VI strings are recommended for short scale basses.
4. Rotosound: Rotosound is a UK-based brand that has been producing strings for over fifty years. Their RS77S Jazz Bass and SM77 Flatwound strings are popular among bassists.
5. GHS: GHS is a brand that produces strings for various instruments, including bass guitars. Their Super Steels and Pressurewounds are some of the recommended models for short scale basses.
Ultimately, the choice of brand and model of short scale bass strings depends on personal preference and the style of music being played. It is always recommended to try out different brands and models to find the one that suits your playing style and tone.
What are the benefits of using short scale bass strings?
Short scale bass strings have become increasingly popular among bass players in recent years. There are multiple benefits to using short scale bass strings, including:
1. Easier to Play: Short scale bass strings have a shorter distance between the frets, which makes them easier to play for musicians with smaller hands or those who prefer a shorter reach.
2. Reduced Tension: The shorter length of the strings results in less tension on the neck of the bass, which can lead to less strain on the musician's hands and fingers.
3. Unique Sound: Short scale bass strings produce a warmer and rounder tone compared to longer scale bass strings. This unique sound can add character to a musician's playing style.
4. Cost-Effective: Short scale bass strings are often less expensive than longer scale bass strings, making them a budget-friendly option for musicians.
5. Portability: Short scale basses are typically smaller and lighter, making them easier to transport to gigs and rehearsals.
In conclusion, short scale bass strings offer a range of benefits for musicians, from easier playability to unique sound characteristics. Musicians should consider trying out short scale bass strings to determine if they are a good fit for their playing style and needs.
What types of music are short scale bass strings commonly used for?
Short scale bass strings are commonly used for various types of music, including blues, jazz, rock, and funk. They are particularly popular among musicians who prefer a warmer and more mellow tone, which is typical of short scale basses.
One of the most popular genres that is often associated with short scale bass strings is blues. The warm and punchy tone of short scale basses is well-suited to the genre's soulful and emotive style. Similarly, jazz musicians often prefer the mellower tone of short scale basses, which can provide a more expressive and nuanced sound.
In the world of rock and roll, short scale basses are often used for their punchy and aggressive tone. The shorter length of the strings can make them easier to play for those with smaller hands, making them a popular choice for punk and alternative rock musicians.
Overall, short scale bass strings are a versatile option that can be used in a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're playing blues, jazz, rock, or funk, short scale basses can provide a unique and expressive sound that is sure to make an impact.