Acoustic Bass Flatwounds?

shawshank72 · #1 03-30-2010, 05:12 PM

Was wondering if they make flats for an acoustic?
I searched everywhere but found nothing. Could you use regular flats? How does that sound? I usually dont plug it in, but might plan on it in the future. thanks

rodl2005 · #2 03-30-2010, 05:34 PM

None that I know of, but here in Australia, we're less well off in regards to sheer choice of strings...... But I've only SEEN the copper colored roundwounds for ABGs I got a set of D'addario COATED rounds on my ABG- again copper colored. But prior to these I simply had a set of DR RED DEVILS on it. I'm sure regular flats woud suit fine- as long as the ball ends/ anchoring end- suits OK

MNAirHead · #3 03-30-2010, 05:45 PM

GHS Tapewounds are the skinniest.. aren't overly thuddy for bass.

CapnSev · #4 03-31-2010, 09:32 AM

I think your unplugged volume would drop off the face of the earth with flats.

chadds · #5 03-31-2010, 09:51 AM

Some flats have too much tension. It's true you could lose unplugged volume. If you change your technique you may get what sounds like flats. Side of index finger closer to base of neck.

Nylon wrapped LaBellas sound amazing not much acoustic volume but great through an amp.

TL5 · #6 03-31-2010, 09:54 AM

I just put a set of D'Addario chrome flats on my ABG, removing the Martin brass strings that were on it.
Through the DI, into my studio monitors it sounds pretty good. It's not as loud as it was with the brass strings though. I just did that last weekend so I haven'y come to a conclusion on them yet.

I thought my ABG actually sounded it's best with Fender tapewounds on it. The tapewound gauge was too much (58 - 115 i think, I remember the 58..) The strings didn't even sit well in the nut slots. I'd like a set of lower tension, lighter gauge tapewounds - or I'm even considering going to nylon strings.
Yes it'd be much quieter 'acoustically' but ultimately, I want it to sound good through a DI into the PA.

tallboybass · #7 03-31-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

GHS Tapewounds are the skinniest.. aren't overly thuddy for bass.

+1 Really transformed my ABG.

ajn · #8 03-31-2010, 10:02 AM

I had an ABG that I put GHS tapewounds on and it really did not lose much volume compared to the original bronze strings. And as noted earlier, they are by far the thinnest tapewounds available. A lot of ABGs cannot handle the thicker nylons like the LaBellas. I have either flats or nylons on all of my basses, and I think the nylons work and sound better than regular flats on acoustic bass guitars.

old-fashioned · #9 03-31-2010, 10:16 AM

Nylons are fine for me. To my ears they are more musical than flats, and more double bass like. But I understand people who don't like them, yes, they are not for everyone; like all the others... For some lighter gauge nylons you can check out Status Hot Wires (40-100 or 45-105). They are black and flat too

TL5 · #10 03-31-2010, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old-fashioned

Nylons are fine for me..

For some lighter gauge nylons you can check out Status Hot Wires (40-100 or 45-105). They are black and flat too

Where? I just googled Status Hot Wires, and then added bass strings and I'm coming up empty

Pilgrim · #11 03-31-2010, 11:35 AM

I also put D'Addario chromes on my AEB. Plays well, sounds good. They come in short scale, which I needed.

Dan55 · #12 04-01-2010, 11:46 AM

I use TI Jazz Flats on my fretless ABG. Sounds great, but for anything other than solo practice, you'll need to plug in.

**yodedude2** · #13 04-01-2010, 12:14 PM

i put la bella nylon flats on my abg and tuned to dgcf. it will keep up with small, lower volume ensembles acoustically. the bass would not handle a higher pitched tuning than dgcf, there was too much string tension. ime, later, ron

MNAirHead · #14 04-01-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

I think your unplugged volume would drop off the face of the earth with flats.

Regular flats that's what I found.

Tapes were slightly more articulate .. similar volume as used bronzes..

GHS will allow you to save your nut

DogBone · #15 04-09-2010, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawshank72

Was wondering if they make flats for an acoustic?
I searched everywhere but found nothing. Could you use regular flats? How does that sound? I usually dont plug it in, but might plan on it in the future. thanks

I'm another that has D'addario Chromes on my ABG.

I really didn't notice much of a drop in acoustic volume over the phos-bronze strings I took off, maybe less twang but more bottom end, and most importantly the Chromes sound MUCH MUCH better IMO.

It is still PLENTY loud to practice with.

As others have already mentioned, regular flatwounds "could" have more tension than your ABG can safely handle, so be careful if you decide to go with anything other than maybe Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats.

My ABG is an inexpensive knockaround Bass and built like a tank, so I didn't mind taking a risk to get the tones from the Chromes.

Good luck.