Recommended strings for Hofner violin bass?

[marsguitars]

Sorry for non-EBMM question, but I though you experienced bassy people might be able to help...

The bassist in my band is after new strings for his Hofner violin bass, which is short scale. Can he use regular long scale bass strings or should he get specially-branded short scale strings? If long scale strings are OK, what is the advantage of buying short scale?

And any recommendations? He's after a Sixties sound... specifically Paul McCartney, Beatles (which is why he bought the Hofner!)

BTW, I'm amazed at what a good sound you get out of the violin bass! Are there any modern versions? Also easier to play for people with short fingers!

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Aussie Mark]

You're better off with short scale strings for a short scale, but in a pinch long scale strings will be ok. I liked TI Flats on my Epiphone Viola when I had it, nice warm Macca tone with those humbuckers.

 

[Vanni]

Sorry for non-EBMM response...

Pyramid Gold Flatwound

 

[mynan]

Can you tell me what would the correct ignition timing be on a 1955 Bel-Air Chevrolet with a 327 cubic inch engine and a four-barrel carburetor?

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

It would be in 1964, and 4* BTDC

Here's me wondering why short scale strings would be better than long scale...

 

[mynan]

It would be in 1964, and 4* BTDC

Nice...My Cousin Vinny

Cause Chevy didn't make a 327 in '55. The 327 didn't come out till '62, and it wasn't offered in a Bel-Air with a four-barrel carb 'til '64. However, in 1964 the correct ignition timing would be four degrees before top dead center.

 

[Retrovertigo]

Sorry for non-EBMM question, but I though you experienced bassy people might be able to help...

The bassist in my band is after new strings for his Hofner violin bass, which is short scale. Can he use regular long scale bass strings or should he get specially-branded short scale strings? If long scale strings are OK, what is the advantage of buying short scale?

And any recommendations? He's after a Sixties sound... specifically Paul McCartney, Beatles (which is why he bought the Hofner!)

BTW, I'm amazed at what a good sound you get out of the violin bass! Are there any modern versions? Also easier to play for people with short fingers!

Thanks,
Paul

If I can be so bold...
Hofner Beatle Bass

 

[Ken Baker]

You're better off with short scale strings for a short scale, but in a pinch long scale strings will be ok. I liked TI Flats on my Epiphone Viola when I had it, nice warm Macca tone with those humbuckers.

I just happen to have me a 500/1, and long scale strings present a lot of difficulty because of the small posts.

32" scale tapewounds sound thumpy and huge.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled EBMM.

Ken...

 

[marsguitars]

Thanks guys, you can get back to talkin' Balls now.

 

[phatduckk]

sorry - closed thread due to non MM content