what is it with that E string on EB3 and SG basses?

[patman]

I know I mentioned this before, but I had that issue with short scale chromes 100 E string...have been using GHS's with a 95-96 E string, and not had any further problems.

[Dave W]

I would think you could get away with a larger gauge round than with a flat, since it's more flexible and generally easier to intonate anyway.

[barend]

...have been using GHS's with a 95-96 G string, and not had any further problems.

95 for a G, that seems impossible. That's a very thick A string or a very light E string gauge.
Think you mean 45?

[uwe]

Perhaps he tunes his E to a G? 

[Stjofön Big]

Oh... bass string... I thought we were talking about the... low, very low, G-string. I didn't really give it any thought, as I'm in the 180-pounds class. When so, you need at least a 95 G-string. Sometimes 100-110, just to hold the... better parts together. Correct me if I'm wrong, please!!!

[uwe]

Regarding G strings worn by 95 and more kilo people, I second that flatwounds are more comfortable/gentle than roundwounds. Unless you do like it a little rough.

[patman]

Meant "E"

[uwe]

That was a very short reply. I don't think he wanted to delve any deeper into the affiliated subjects. 

[Dave W]

Regarding G strings worn by 95 and more kilo people, I second that flatwounds are more comfortable/gentle than roundwounds. Unless you do like it a little rough.

The big question is whether the low end is round and warm or big and booming.

[exiledarchangel]

So shorties sound best when strung with lighter gauge strings then?

[uwe]

Yes and no. Too little tension and your flabbing all over, too thick a gauge and you have ghost harmonics and awry intonation. Jack Bruce was known to play relatively thin strings on his EB-3 for all his bending antics and you can actually hear that. And most short scale sets tend to be between 95 and 105 (with 105s already a little rarer) - Rob circumvents lack of availability of short scale 110s by stringing his hobbits with long scale strings. I find most 110s on long scale basses uncomfortable and presence-deadening, but I haven't played them on a short scale yet.

It also depends on how you play. If anything beyond the 10th fret on the low E is largely irrelevant to you, you won't mind if a thick string is too stiff there. If you like to double what you play in the low register without much change of fretting fingers one octave higher, the same thing would be an issue.

[Aussie Mark]

I know I mentioned this before, but I had that issue with short scale chromes 100 E string

I think I have that problem too, with my new to me SG Standard, which came with Chromes.  My SG Faded with Pyramid flats has no E string issues, and neither does my TI Flat wearing Rivoli.

The .100 E string on the SG Standard won't intonate at all - when my TU-2 says it's tuned to "E" it's not, and I have to tune it half way between Eb and E for it to sound even close to being intonated anywhere up to the 7th fret.

Will this issue be fixed if I switch to lower gauge strings like the TIs?

[Dave W]

The short scale TI Flats have a .106 E, I would dump those Chromes and get what's already worked for you.

[Aussie Mark]

The short scale TI Flats have a .106 E, I would dump those Chromes and get what's already worked for you.

Good point Dave, another set of Pyramids would be the easy way out.

[Chris P.]

Tuning's another issue: My Korg always has issues with E strings of shortscales. Mostly I tune them by ear. Only the E that is.