45 65 85 105 Flats?

[dancrocker]

I'm currently using Rotosound Jazz Bass 77's on my P-bass. Even though they're called flats, they don't seem quite as muted as other flats I've used. I'd like to try some different flats but I don't want to have to screw with my setup every time. So, I'm looking for flats that have a very similar tension to the Rotos. I'm assuming that getting the exact same gauges would be the best way to match the tension but I may be wrong about that.

Anyways, please suggest away...

[Jason Hollar]

I've used the Rotos for years and really have come to rely on them.

They are a very bright flat, it takes a few months for them to mellow out.

Another more mellow & smooth feeling flat is the D'addario Chrome -- I always liked them on fretless basses.

I've been a 45/65/85/105/130 user for years -- but recently switched to 40's because I wanted a lighter feel, plus I'm doing more chords and solos these days.

Anyway, since you're looking for strings with similar tension, you might want to stick with 45's and buy a couple of sets to try.

I hear the Fenders are good. I also have tried the Labella brand and they are more mellow than the Rotos out of the box -- at least the set I tried.

Hope this helps -- good luck!

[LaklandBass]

I have chromes on 3 basses. they are wonderful. however they get even better after a couple months

[dancrocker]

Originally Posted by Jason Hollar

I've used the Rotos for years and really have come to rely on them.

They are a very bright flat, it takes a few months for them to mellow out.

Another more mellow & smooth feeling flat is the D'addario Chrome -- I always liked them on fretless basses.

I've been a 45/65/85/105/130 user for years -- but recently switched to 40's because I wanted a lighter feel, plus I'm doing more chords and solos these days.

Anyway, since you're looking for strings with similar tension, you might want to stick with 45's and buy a couple of sets to try.

I hear the Fenders are good. I also have tried the Labella brand and they are more mellow than the Rotos out of the box -- at least the set I tried.

Hope this helps -- good luck!

Thanks for the quick response. I was actually looking at the D'addarios but the 45's are 45-100, not 45-105 so I was worried that the tension wouldn't be as much. Maybe I just need to try them.

One of the issues I've had with these rotos is that the E and A strings seem to mellow faster than the D and G. This results in a slightly different tone between these two sets of strings. have you noticed this? I'm not sure how noticeable this is to others, but I can hear it and it sort of bugs me. I was thinking this may be due to the fact that I probably play the E and A strings more than the others. I'm a bit of a novice so I'm usually playing on the lower strings and am not inclined to solo

Anyways, I was thinking I might be happier with strings that start out with a more mellow sound. I also have to admit I like the smooth feeling and lack of finger noise with more traditional flats.

[Number27]

the best flats for people who like flats (as opposed to people who like rounds and want their flats to sound like rounds) are either labella or pyramid golds. IMO. people also rave about TI Jazz flats, but i've not yet tried those so i can't say anything about them (except that apparently they are very low tension and not as smooth feeling as most flats).

but yea labellas and pyramids are my favs, they're very smooth (like glass), fairly mellow right out of the box and have great thump when worn. they are also more expensive by a fairly large margin than chromes or fender flats (which are also nice, but very stiff. i don't like chromes): labella DTFs are usually ~$45 and pyramids can be found for anywhere between $65-90. i'd recommend trying the labellas first because their string balance is more normal (pyramids are 105 75 60 45.. or something like that), and they're cheaper incase you decide you don't like them.

[dancrocker]

Are these the La Bellas:
http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fs.html

If so, this is good since they're 45-105 like the Rotos.

[HEADLE]

My favorites are GHS Precision flats. Smooth as silk and I believe they come in the gauge you are asking for. (Been a while since I changed any)

H

[dancrocker]

Originally Posted by HEADLE

My favorites are GHS Precision flats. Smooth as silk and I believe they come in the gauge you are asking for. (Been a while since I changed any)

H

I tried these once and had some trouble with them. The tone of the E string was really dead. I never figured out why but I did notice that the E string was a bit longer than other brands I've used. The wound part of the E string reached all the way up to the tuning machine post. I thought this might have had something to do with the tone difference but I freely admit I have no evidence to support this. Perhaps I just got a bum string. Do you happen to be using them on a P-bass or a 34" scale?

You are correct though that they do come in 45,65,85,105.

[guroove]

DR flats have an even more muted, low mid focused sound than chromes or labellas, and they only come in one size, which is 45, 65, 85, 105. They also have a really smooth finish to them. They are a flatwound lover's flatwound.

[Craig_S]

Originally Posted by dancrocker

Are these the La Bellas:
http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fs.html

If so, this is good since they're 45-105 like the Rotos.

The 760fl's will surely work for you, as well. I've been told the tension is a bit less on the FL set. I can't say from personal experience, though. I completely love the 760fl set I have on my P.

[dancrocker]

Originally Posted by guroove

DR flats have an even more muted, low mid focused sound than chromes or labellas, and they only come in one size, which is 45, 65, 85, 105. They also have a really smooth finish to them. They are a flatwound lover's flatwound.

Thanks. Could you be more specific as to which strings you're referring to? I looked on juststrings but wasn't able to tell for sure which ones were flats.

[dancrocker]

Originally Posted by Craig_S

The 760fl's will surely work for you, as well. I've been told the tension is a bit less on the FL set. I can't say from personal experience, though. I completely love the 760fl set I have on my P.

I'm curious...
It seems to me my best strategy would be to try the FS's as opposed to the FLs since the FS's are the same gauge as the Rotos. If so, I'm wondering why you suggested the FLs? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the suggestion and if you made it just because you really like the FLs, then that's cool. I just want to be sure I understand.
Have you tried the FSs? If so, why do you prefer the FLs? Again, just curious.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by dancrocker

I'm curious...
It seems to me my best strategy would be to try the FS's as opposed to the FLs since the FS's are the same gauge as the Rotos. If so, I'm wondering why you suggested the FLs? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the suggestion and if you made it just because you really like the FLs, then that's cool. I just want to be sure I understand.
Have you tried the FSs? If so, why do you prefer the FLs? Again, just curious.

The FS set has more tension, and more like the Rotos you're used to. The FL set has less tension but still enough to get percussive. The advantage IMO to the FL set is greater note articulation, and having less tension, faster fretting.

But if you want high tension like your Rotos, go FS. You should also consider D'Addario Chromes, DR flats and Fender flats.

[dancrocker]

Originally Posted by dancrocker

I'm curious...
It seems to me my best strategy would be to try the FS's as opposed to the FLs since the FS's are the same gauge as the Rotos. If so, I'm wondering why you suggested the FLs? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the suggestion and if you made it just because you really like the FLs, then that's cool. I just want to be sure I understand.
Have you tried the FSs? If so, why do you prefer the FLs? Again, just curious.

I just noticed that your post seems to be suggesting I try the FLs as well as the FS's. I didn't read it that way at first; maybe it's time to go to bed.
In any case, I am interesting in why you like the FLs and if you've ever tried the FSs.

[dancrocker]

Originally Posted by dancrocker

Thanks. Could you be more specific as to which strings you're referring to? I looked on juststrings but wasn't able to tell for sure which ones were flats.

Nevermind. I found DR Hi-Beam flats on Amazon. It looks like juststrings doesn't sell them. They have hi-beams but they're not described as flats.

[Andrew Jones]

DR's sound like broken in Labella's,,,,But the E string is kinda off the consistency of the other 3 strings.



Aj

[b_ryceeeee]

Originally Posted by HEADLE

My favorites are GHS Precision flats. Smooth as silk and I believe they come in the gauge you are asking for. (Been a while since I changed any)

H

The best flats in my opinion.

[Andrew Jones]

Love the GHS/Lakland flats!,,, real sustain,, thick tone for days.





Aj

[joinercape]

+1......I happen to have a couple sets off basses, PM me and I'll send you a set you can have. I use mostly LaBellas and Ti's now but these are a close 3rd place for me....

Originally Posted by guroove

DR flats have an even more muted, low mid focused sound than chromes or labellas, and they only come in one size, which is 45, 65, 85, 105. They also have a really smooth finish to them. They are a flatwound lover's flatwound.

[Luckydog]

If you want flats with similar tension you want to try the Fenders. Huge punch in gut sound, and cheap to purchase.