'08 AmStd Precision - looking to try some other flats besides Chromes

sigmafloyd · #1 02-03-2012, 09:20 AM

Hey Guys,

I have a an '08 American Standard P with a maple neck, currently strung with '50-'105 chromes. I also have a jazz strung with '45-'100 Chromes. So far, I prefer the '50s, but I'm looking to branch out and try some other types of flats. the current sound is decent, but it doesn't have as much thump as I was looking for. I've read that the Labellas are best for that type of sound. I'm also interested in the newer Fender flats.

Anyway - I'm curious what you guys think sounds good specifically used with the current AmStd pickup.

Thanks

MN_Bass · #2 02-03-2012, 09:36 AM

The Labellas will you thump. The Fender flats are ok, they seem stiff to me. It's expensive testing flats, but you should try TIs also and maybe Fender black nylon tapewounds. Testing them takes some time, you have to let me break in/die to see what they are really about. I'm using Chromes right now, I hated them when when were new, but now they have broken in, I don't want anything else, very nice mids and lows.

2400 · #3 02-03-2012, 01:23 PM

TI's make me fall in love with my P time and time again. Thumpy, with a great tone spectrum. Organic, I'd dare say. My 2c

Joe Smithberger · #4 02-03-2012, 04:28 PM

I like the Lakland flats also. Check the Lakland site. They sell direct.

dannybuoy · #5 02-03-2012, 04:44 PM

I like Thomastik or Pyramid Gold flats on my P.

gary m · #6 02-04-2012, 11:32 AM

GHS precision flats on my Cowpoke. For me, a perfect match.

Catbuster · #7 02-04-2012, 12:40 PM

I like the Fender 9050MLs I have on my CV P, that were on the Am. Standard for about a month and a half before I put them in the CV.

Root 5 · #8 02-04-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sigmafloyd

Hey Guys,

I have a an '08 American Standard P with a maple neck, currently strung with '50-'105 chromes. I also have a jazz strung with '45-'100 Chromes. So far, I prefer the '50s, but I'm looking to branch out and try some other types of flats. the current sound is decent, but it doesn't have as much thump as I was looking for. I've read that the Labellas are best for that type of sound. I'm also interested in the newer Fender flats.

Anyway - I'm curious what you guys think sounds good specifically used with the current AmStd pickup.

Thanks

If I was you I'd go get a set of GHS Precision flats. They're the perfect length for your bass as you can string them through the body. The GHS' are very mellow and thumpy sounding and very, very smooth to the touch. They're a reasonable price for quality strings. I personally like the 55-105 gauge.

My next suggestion would be the Labella 760M set; these are the "Original 1954 Vintage" strings played by James Jamerson, among others. They're more expensive but fine strings. Gauge is 52-110

String choice is a very personal thing. But these are the sets that I'd want on Precision for a thumpy warm sound.

Shakin-Slim · #9 02-04-2012, 05:43 PM

I'd vote for GHS Precisions. I use them on my P

Mojo-Man · #10 02-04-2012, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2400

TI's make me fall in love with my P time and time again. Thumpy, with a great tone spectrum. Organic, I'd dare say. My 2c

I agree, TI's were made for a P-Bass.
Sound wonderful, and last forever.

tjh · #11 02-04-2012, 07:09 PM

"My next suggestion would be the Labella 760M set; these are the "Original 1954 Vintage" strings played by James Jamerson, among others. They're more expensive but fine strings. Gauge is 52-110"

... actually, the stock number 760M is for the Medium set of Lab DTF's ... the Jamerson set is 0760M (Zero before the 760M) ... there isn't a great deal of difference I am told, but there is a difference ... I have a set of the 760M's and really like the extra heavy tension, with the action set nice and low ... I have NOT tried the 0760 Jamersons ... just a friendly heads up in case anyone is ordering so that they get the desired item .... FYI

Bassics101 · #12 02-04-2012, 07:19 PM

I vote for Labella. Great sound on a P, and on my fretless J. My J's are lighter, P medium.

fourstringdrums · #13 02-04-2012, 07:19 PM

I suggest the Labella .49-.109 set. The Jamersons are very high tension and while I had no problem with my neck, it killed my hands after a while. This 49-109 set was a good compromise.

Will Kelly · #14 02-04-2012, 07:24 PM

Try some GHS tapewounds. They take a while to die and sound dark, but they last forever and get a great thumpy warm sound.

Sound clip, '59 P-bass with tapes

Cullen Offer Big Band - YouTube

Root 5 · #15 02-05-2012, 07:19 AM

Quote:

=tjh;12147644... actually, the stock number 760M is for the Medium set of Lab DTF's ... the Jamerson set is 0760M (Zero before the 760M)

Good point. Thanks for the clarification.

sigmafloyd · #16 02-05-2012, 11:34 PM

thanks for the selections fellas, for some reason I;m afraid to try the labellas. the neck on my current bass is a thing of beauty and ive heard horror stories of necks getting horribly disfigured (exageration) by them

SLaPiNFuNK · #17 02-05-2012, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sigmafloyd

thanks for the selections fellas, for some reason I;m afraid to try the labellas. the neck on my current bass is a thing of beauty and ive heard horror stories of necks getting horribly disfigured (exageration) by them

There are many different gauges of La Bella strings. There is no reason for you to think this...

I have a 63 P bass with 1954 Originals on it and they treat the neck just fine.

You can always go with a lighter gauge string if you want less tension.

If you were alright with chromes, you shouldnt have a problem with many of the other flats out there...

Plus, its not so much the "tension" but more the "Flexibility" of the La Bella's. They are wound very tightly so much so that they are not nearly as flexible as a similar "tension" string.

tjh · #18 02-06-2012, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

There are many different gauges of La Bella strings. There is no reason for you to think this...

I have a 63 P bass with 1954 Originals on it and they treat the neck just fine.

You can always go with a lighter gauge string if you want less tension.

If you were alright with chromes, you shouldnt have a problem with many of the other flats out there...

Plus, its not so much the "tension" but more the "Flexibility" of the La Bella's. They are wound very tightly so much so that they are not nearly as flexible as a similar "tension" string.

Jason, your comment on the "Flexibility" is exactly the description I was lacking when asked previously about comparisons ... a nice addition to the terminology used here to describe .. well put, thanks!

SLaPiNFuNK · #19 02-06-2012, 01:13 AM

NP! Looking back at the previous posts, they say the way the 1954 Originals (0760M) are different is the way they are wound. I have not cut apart the strings, but I am pretty sure the 0760M's have a bit tighter windings than the 760M's, possibly different core thickness's as well maybe?

By the way, La Bella now has Thru-Body flatwounds available. They are made specifically for Thru-Body basses, different part number from previous Deep Talkin Flats...

TheMightyWoot1 · #20 02-07-2012, 01:48 PM

I really love Rotosound Tru-Bass 88s, they are sooo warm and creamy.... especially on a fretless. They are a higher guage, but lower tension, which makes them feel wonderful!