Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Short Scale Bass Strings - 50-105 Gauge. Ernie Ball Short Scale Slinky bass strings are constructed utilizing the same production methods and materials as our popular Slinky nickel wound bass strings. Offering the same slinky feel and bright balanced tone, these new strings are specifically engineered to fit basses up to 30.5” in scale length. Strings are wound with nickel plated steel around a tin plated high carbon steel core.