PaulTMA

Somewhat hilariously (to me), I'm 99% certain that is the guy I bought the bass off. Can't believe it's happened again.

I was midway though a rehearsal and realised by string had fallen out of place, with the spring and screw completely missing. No idea where they might have fallen out, but can't find them anywhere, so need to source a replacement ASAP. It's a JMJ bass. I read somewhere that these would be compatible, but it when they arrived, it appears that the screw is, by my guess, one size too big. 'Allparts GS 0010 Replacement Screws Kit P/J 005 Bridge and Small Parts for Electric Guitar https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BHSL8Q2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details Can anyone help?

Thanks for the help since the last time I posted - it's a lot to take in for my non-tech brain, but it's all been useful so far.

Ok, so 30" scale, but I measured the G string already on the bass and it's 39.5" in total. Do you think that is the correct overall length for this bass or too much? I'd prefer not to cut whatever I get as I've heard of unravelling issues, but you've said these can be avoid - I hope the person doing the setup will be ok with this. I wondered if the strings originally on it were too long, as you can see on the original machine heads: What do others think I should get - medium or long scale strings? And if I wanted the same feel as GHS 45-90 roundwound boomers on this bass, what would you recommend? All suggestions much appreciated.

Taking a closer look now. This is how the nut to saddles measures. Not sure at what point I'm to measure to, though?

So if this bass is roughly 33" or just under, will long scale strings do the job, as opposed to super long scale? Also, will any 2L 2R bass machine heads do the job? As my Mustang uses GHS Precision Flatwound Stainless 45-95 Medium Scale Bass Boomers 3120 - 34.5" Winding - which I like... ....and I tried out the JMJ Mustang which uses 45-100 (short scale) - which I found a little too chunky.... ...could Chromes 45-100 long scale be a good shout, to be comparable to the GHS on the Mustang, except on this longer scale bass? Would really like to get something that feels and plays similar. I'm also seeing positive reviews for these strings which come at a more affordable price - can anyone vouch for them? Fender Stainless 9050's Flatwounds https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00389KMQM/?coliid=I1EGL8ZN3J8UIM&colid=V8E709IS1GVU&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

If I've done it correctly, then it looks roughly 33".

Yesterday I got hold of a Jolana Basso IX, which I believe is in need of only a small amount of work. Firstly, it had been fitted with regular guitar tuners rather than bass ones, so firstly I need to replace those asap. I am on a tight budget as it is, so what entry level but acceptable enough machine heads can I buy (I'm in the UK) which will work? Also, as I'll be paying for a setup, I want to take the opportunity to put on flatwound strings which are similar in feel to my Squire Mustang Mikey Way, which has 45-90 GHS Flats on it. This is the part where I get confused, as I am not sure which string gauge to buy as the scale will be different, but I understand there are differences in tensions between roundwounds and flatwounds. I would very much like to get this right first time as the string appear not to be cheap. I don't want to go too heavy a gague and be stuck with the strings I don't like, but obviously have to make sure they are not too light, although light is what I prefer. So I guess I am looking for something comparable to the GHS boomer flats on what appears to be a full (or medium?) bass. I took the bass to two guitar shops today and one said they thought it was medium scale and the other said he thought I needed long scale. I said I was wary about needing to cut the strings as I've heard flatwounds can unravel, and I think he told me that this only applies to the winding, so he told me to avoid a brand which has this material where I would wind the strings. So would that make sense, unless someone can recommend me exactly the correct length of strings for this bass? It's roughly 33" from nut to where the string enters. Any advice would be appreciated. I have someone who will help me with the setup itself but I need to source the machine heads and the strings myself.

I have a spare bass in the form of an early 80s Squire Precision bass with a more modern Jazz neck attached - 35". I'm looking to buy a set of Labella or GHS flatwounds for this bass which would be comparable to my other bass, which is a Mustang with 45-90 GHS Medium Scale Bass boomers, 3120 - 34.5" winding. What gauge of strings would you recommend to get a similar feel on this larger bass? I'm happy with how the GHS play, sound and feel on the Mustang.

Any thoughts about the black tapes needing to 'break in', tonally, like regular strings?

Thanks for all the tips. My strings arrived today and while my bass is badly in need of a setup, I've added the strings just to hear the sound. Have to say, I'm surprised at how [i]bright [/i]everything sounds, I was kind of expecting something a little darker out of the box, similar to how the La Bella boomer flats did on the Mustang. Do tapewounds need breaking in the same way regular strings do, in terms of tone?

Do you reckon the strings will be long enough?

[quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1467726329' post='3085651'] Standard long scale La Bellas are 37" from ball to start of the silks, so suggest you measure your bass to see if they fit. [/quote] I've got 37" from ball end to threading.