String Gauges, Long to Short, Round to Flat

[soundchaser59]

Some of you may know I just got a new MIM Fender Mustang PJ short scale, after using a full scale 62 AVRI Jazz for several years in my home recording endeavours. I got a lot of blisters using extra lite rounds when I first picked up a Precision many years ago, and switched to 50-105 Ernie Ball flats when I got the Jazz maybe 8 or 10 years ago. I like the smooth feel, but sometimes I don't get the brighter clarity and articulation I'm hoping for. (I am not a trained bass player, I'm a guitar player doing my own bass tracks for recordings) Yes some of it is my less than stellar technique. (I use a felt pick, going to try the Wedgies, I frequently dig a bit harder than I should, and I have small hands) But some of it is attributable to the strings.

My main questions:

*Do the gauges feel the same going from round to flats? Does a 100 round feel the same as a 100 flat, as far as tension and tautness and flabbiness, etc?

*Does a 100 full scale flat feel and play the same as a 100 short scale flat? I hate it when I can't get a tight crisp staccato sound on my low E.

*The strings I'm seeing the most recommends for are the Chromes, the La Bella lites, and in some cases the more pricey Thomastik-Infeld. All are tempting considering I want a flat sound that is not too loose and not too dark. What is it that bass players like about the TI's that keeps them selling on the bass string market, despite the higher price?

*I've also been reading that flats last a lot longer than rounds, and are far easier on the bass frets, etc. Why do they last so long?

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

There is a feel difference between flats and rounds of the same gauges in tension and flexibility.

Same gauge strings on a long scale will feel much lighter on a short scale.

Strings last as long as you like the tone... Strings should be changed when you no longer like the feel or tone. That usually is a longer period with flats as most anticipate a brighter snappier tone with rounds.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

You just have to experiment and try different strings out for yourself. Everyone will have different opinions.

 

[soundchaser59]

Everyone will have different opinions.

That's why I posted the questions.......to hear the opinions of other bass players.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

That's why I posted the questions.......to hear the opinions of other bass players.

Any my opinion is you just have to try them to make your own decisions.

 

[soundchaser59]

There is a feel difference between flats and rounds of the same gauges in tension and flexibility.

Same gauge strings on a long scale will feel much lighter on a short scale.

Strings last as long as you like the tone... Strings should be changed when you no longer like the feel or tone. That usually is a longer period with flats as most anticipate a brighter snappier tone with rounds.

Thank You for the helpful input.

So I could get the same gauge set in short scale that I have now on my full scale, and it might feel a tad lighter or easier on the fingers than the full scale. That is interesting. I'm trying to intuit the physics that would explain why, but sometimes I just have to trust the notion and try it. I have 50-105 flats on the 62 Jazz, and that is "honest labor" for my hands, but I'm tempted to try the same set in short scale on the Mustang.

Fortunately I am in a position with the wallet where I can try 3 or 4 sets of strings on this Mustang. Other than the Thomastik-Infeld, the prices I'm finding on Chromes, La Bella, a few others are very reasonable compared to local retail.