ShortScale.org

Will full scale bass strings work for a short scale bass or do I need short scale strings? Would heavier gauges be better to compensate for the lesser tension?

probably not ideal, but i stuck full scale strings on my old musicmaster bass once and it worked ok. i couldn't get a heavy enough gauge in shortscale strings.

Check La Bella. They do short scale strings and tend to do some heavy gauges as well. They might be top-load only but if they are they'll tell you. I doubt you'd find them in a store but they're easy to buy online. Best strings evar.