GK and Flats?

Rock-Bassman · #1 01-24-2011, 06:41 PM

Lately I've been getting the gk itch and I've always digged that gk growl with rounds and a pick through 10's but I've never heard anybody using flats through a gk.. anybody on here have experience with gk's flats?

bassist4dalord · #2 01-24-2011, 06:45 PM

I have D'Addario Chromes flatwounds on all three of my basses, two of which I use through my GK MB115 combo amp (the third is acoustic; no amp please). Anyway, this amp has the 1x15" speaker, and the basses I use are a Squier Standard Precision Bass V (5-string bass with Jazz electronics) and a Squier Affinity P-Bass (stock electronics). Both basses sound great through this amp.

I don't notice the growl, except for on the Jazz-P, but that's because the Chromes are still pretty new. I'll subscribe to this thread and check back periodically.

dancedad5678 · #3 01-24-2011, 06:51 PM

Not sure if this qualifies - I use TI Flats on a custom PJ I made running through a GK 700RB II and then either an Ampeg SVT 410EN or Ampeg SVT 15EN (or both sometimes

) and just love the low end growl I can get. A lot of the time I roll off the tone to almost nothing and let the low end shake the room

Crabby · #4 01-24-2011, 08:05 PM

My Stingray with flats sounds very good through my MB500! Still has some snarl using the boost channel.

Rock-Bassman · #5 01-26-2011, 04:31 PM

Thanks for all your input guys.. I was wondering more (or more wondering whatever the right grammar for that is

) if anyone used traditional-sounding flats through GK's and got more along the lines of a classic 60's p-bass with flats kind of tone I realize that GK's are known more for their grunt and quick clean punch but being in a classic rock cover band I'd like to be able to get a passable vintage-y vibe

mcm · #6 01-26-2011, 04:38 PM

gk head + flats + dj4 + 2 bag end 1-15's = ROCKS

billiam5billion · #7 01-26-2011, 04:42 PM

I have a Fender P with Fender 9050L flats and I play through a GK MB115 combo, and it cops a perfectly respectable vintage tone with some EQ tweaks. Just roll off the mids and the boost knob a bit and use the contour switch.

Todd GT5 · #8 01-26-2011, 04:54 PM

I've been using Chromes on my GGS bass(with Nordstrand Big Singles) through my MB212, lately adding my VT bass also.

You can hear it on the videos and songs at my bands myspace: http://www.myspace.com/41east

Classic rock and oldies.

-Todd

Marton · #9 01-26-2011, 05:00 PM

I've used TI and GHS flats on my P bass, with my GK 700RB-II head, and it sounded pretty good.

http://thenewrome.bandcamp.com/ if you listen to my EP, it was recorded with my Lakland Skyline with GHS light flats, with the DI of my GK amp. I know we don't hear the bass a lot, especially in streaming, but it can gives you an idea of the sound.

**lowendfriend** · #10 01-26-2011, 05:06 PM

Use a Warwick Corvette $$ 5 and a Lakland 55-01 fretless both with D'Addario chromes into a 700RBII and Neo 212-II cab. Just love it. The amazing part with the 700RBII is all the variation on toneage you can dial in.....its frankly a little overwhelming at times. One can be challenged to get back to a "cherished tone" if you aren't keepin' some notes.

Marton · #11 01-26-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendfriend

Use a Warwick Corvette $$ 5 and a Lakland 55-01 fretless both with D'Addario chromes into a 700RBII and Neo 212-II cab. Just love it. The amazing part with the 700RBII is all the variation on toneage you can dial in.....its frankly a little overwhelming at times. One can be challenged to get back to a "cherished tone" if you aren't keepin' some notes.

I don't see the point in adjusting those EQ knobs, that amp sounds so good flat

.

88ric2030 · #12 01-26-2011, 08:08 PM

5 out of my 6 basses are strung with flats. I play through a 1987 GK 400 RB head with a 2x10 and 1x15 cab. Fender Jazz has incredible growl with the new Fender 9050 flats.

rosskratter · #13 01-26-2011, 08:14 PM

If you want the really traditional flatwound sound try using LaBella flats...
That's the true sound of flatwounds. I have them on my 5-string J and my P.

DavePlaysBass · #14 01-26-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock-Bassman

I've never heard anybody using flats through a gk.. anybody on here have experience with gk's flats?

Flea on Stadium Arcadium. Much of that album is a vintage Jazz bass with flats.

dmusic148 · #15 01-26-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock-Bassman

... but being in a classic rock cover band I'd like to be able to get a passable vintage-y vibe

An 800RB with filters off, Boost at 2:00, EQ at 12:00 will get you there. I use an SWR 4x10 cab. Killer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marton

I don't see the point in adjusting those EQ knobs, that amp sounds so good flat

.

Agree, but I like a little bump in the Low Mid knob(1:00). This + P with flats= buttery, punchy tone.

4Mal · #16 01-27-2011, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock-Bassman

Lately I've been getting the gk itch and I've always digged that gk growl with rounds and a pick through 10's but I've never heard anybody using flats through a gk.. anybody on here have experience with gk's flats?

Chromes in a rock setting, JF's in a jazz setting through an MB2-500 and various cabs. My GK is fairly neutral and the character of my basses and cabs come through. Rounds sound great as as well as do my piezo basses. I really like this head.