Though it will get me thrown off the boards to say so, I use Ernie Ball straings. I like them best because they're made of metal, and they're long and shiny.
On shortscales I use a set of "Elevens," which go from .011 up to whatever size Ernie Ball elevens go to. I often use a .012 for the high E string however, otherwise it sounds a little wimpy compared to the other strings. (I do something similar on Stratocaster: a set of "Tens" with an .011 for high E.)
I use heavier strings on shortscales to keep them closer to the same tension as strings on a "full" scale Fender. That helps balance out the poppy attack sound and gives better sustainz.
Tens all the way, man - suits me anyway.
I've got the same on Jag, Tele, Gretsch, LP Junior etc - all different scales, all feel fine in their own way.
I might be out on a limb here, but I reckon guitars should feel different from each other - so varying string gauge to uh...equalize 'em doesn't hold much attraction for me.
d aquisto jazz 230's 13-56. Same string ive used for 15 years. Once you get used to a thick string you can bend them just as well as some thinner strings. The new mustang has 11-52's since the frets are so fresh.
D'Addario .10s with a wound G for me on all my electrics... shortscale or not. Though, musician's friend doesn't have any in stock, so I'm going to experiment with some other string setups. Any word on pure nickel strings or Phosphorus Bronze for acoustic?
I buy a set of Roto Reds and Blues each and then take the heavier bottom set and match it with the other heavy top set. The other set goes on my standard scales.
bubbles_horwitz wrote:
i have never understood the whole "shortscales need heavy strings" thing. the opposite makes more sense to me.
Agreed.
If the instrument has a naturally slinky feel, and has shit sustain, why try to go against that. I've always put 009's on my Jag-stang, because I like it to be slinky as fuck, which is really nice with the small neck shape.
My Squier '51 has a fairly chunky neck, I have the action really high on it, and a set of 012's on it.