Advice for '51 P-Bass Flats

oasis02 · #1 01-09-2009, 06:15 AM

I'm looking for advice for a "traditional (50's)" sounding flat wound for my '51 P-Bass. I just had the Fralin split coil pickup installed, and it's currently strung with Chromes semi rounds.

I had Chromes flats on my CV 50's P-bass, and preferred the feel and tone characteristics a little more. I'm strictly a "boomer"-type player, no slap or funk at all.

I was wondering what a "reference-type" flat wound might be for a '51. It must be able to string through the body.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Darkstrike · #2 01-09-2009, 06:30 AM

I'd say Fender flats'd be up to that job.

bassbully · #3 01-09-2009, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oasis02

I'm looking for advice for a "traditional (50's)" sounding flat wound for my '51 P-Bass. I just had the Fralin split coil pickup installed, and it's currently strung with Chromes semi rounds.

I had Chromes flats on my CV 50's P-bass, and preferred the feel and tone characteristics a little more. I'm strictly a "boomer"-type player, no slap or funk at all.

I was wondering what a "reference-type" flat wound might be for a '51. It must be able to string through the body.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Question if i may. I have a MIJ 51 that i just got. Are you running the extra long scale chromes or reg chromes. Reg long scales were too short on mine. The silk was about an 1/8 of and inch thru the nut onto the fretboard side. I like chromes alot and have them on my other basses except for this one (SIT Silencers) I also was thinking of maybe going to the Fralin split. How does this differ from stock pup. To the other post Fender flats sound great but the tension is brutal IMO. Most Tbers love TI flats but we hear on the tru body bass bridges flats are not to be used....but i done know if i agree thou. thanks

Darkstrike · #4 01-09-2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbully

Question if i may. I have a MIJ 51 that i just got. Are you running the extra long scale chromes or reg chromes. Reg long scales were too short on mine. The silk was about an 1/8 of and inch thru the nut onto the fretboard side. I like chromes alot and have them on my other basses except for this one (SIT Silencers) I also was thinking of maybe going to the Fralin split. How does this differ from stock pup. To the other post Fender flats sound great but the tension is brutal IMO. Most Tbers love TI flats but we hear on the tru body bass bridges flats are not to be used....but i done know if i agree thou. thanks

I use TI flats through body, they are fine for it, I might have done as such with Rotos too, but I'm not sure.

As for suggesting Fenders, they are high tension, not so much as Rotos, but my reason was tone, they thump, and I believe are fine for string through, must be, first Fenders were string through only, and flats were the only string.

I would normally suggest TI's, but they don't have that propper thump the OP's after.

PS, You will need extra long chromes for anything more than top loading 34" scales, I found this out the hard way,

AngryJason · #5 01-09-2009, 07:16 AM

IMHO, you cant go wrong with the D'Addario Chrome Flats (TI's are freaking fantastic, just really not wprth the cost or extensive break-in time in my 20+ years of gigging)....cheap, easy on the fingers, simple to clean, and play like butter....best of luck! I had half-rounds (also D'Addario) on my 51-p copy for awhile, and moved back to flats for my current gigs....keep in mind that the flats will be higher tension, and may require truss rod and bridge adjustments....get the Heavy Guage and extra longs...then get ready for thump beyond measure

Happy New Year, friend!

lmfreeman9 · #6 01-09-2009, 07:31 AM

+1 on the TI Flats. They are worth the money and you can usually find them on the classifieds here for $40 or less uncut or new.

Mastermold · #7 01-09-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oasis02

I'm looking for advice for a "traditional (50's)" sounding flat wound for my '51 P-Bass. I just had the Fralin split coil pickup installed, and it's currently strung with Chromes semi rounds.

I had Chromes flats on my CV 50's P-bass, and preferred the feel and tone characteristics a little more. I'm strictly a "boomer"-type player, no slap or funk at all.

I was wondering what a "reference-type" flat wound might be for a '51. It must be able to string through the body.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I put Fender 9050ML flats on my '51 and get a nice "old school" thump if that's what you're looking for. They work fine through the body too which is nice.

Pilgrim · #8 01-09-2009, 02:51 PM

The general reference flats for the classic P/Jamerson sound are Le Bellas - but they are not string-through.

oasis02 · #9 01-10-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbully

Question if i may. I have a MIJ 51 that i just got. Are you running the extra long scale chromes or reg chromes.

Yes, as previously answered they (Chromes) must be extra-longs.

debassr · #10 01-10-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

The general reference flats for the classic P/Jamerson sound are Le Bellas - but they are not string-through.

FWIW - I use the Labella DTF's on my 51P. Amazing tone & no string through problems over 6 months. I tried everything - these are the ticket IMHO.

bassbully · #11 01-10-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oasis02

Yes, as previously answered they (Chromes) must be extra-longs.

How is that fralin v.s. the stock Pup?

redstrand · #12 01-10-2009, 11:32 PM

I put TI flats on my Sting reissue....they are never coming off. They feel great and really gave it that old school thump.

Caca de Kick · #13 01-11-2009, 12:07 AM

I have a now 8yr old set of Ken Smith flats that I think are the best flats I've ever used, perfect tension and the right amount of livelyness. I had them on a 51RI (removed them when I sold it), and for the last couple of years they've been on my custom shop 55RI. So they've always been on a string-thru SCPB. Problem is, KS discontinued his flats a few years ago.

Fender flats and Ernie Ball flats are probably the least expensive ones to try and get you in the workd of flats to see if they're your thing.
I couldn't stand TI's.

P-BASSLOVER · #14 01-12-2009, 11:36 AM

I know the sound your looking for exactly!
String that baby up with GHS Precision Flats!
They make your P-Bass sound the way they sounded in the
50's and 60's. Use the 45-65-85-105 set!
If you string through the body you'll need extra longs!

oasis02 · #15 01-25-2009, 07:40 AM

I just strung-up the GHS precisions, and it makes the instrument sound as-intended. Just a great vintage tone.

The Fralin also fulfills expectations. It gives me toneful, hum-free sound. I was about to give-up on the '51 because of the sound I was getting from the Chromes semi-rounds. It was AWFUL (for me) - noisy, and Jazzier than any Jazz bass.

The equivalent of buying a 20-string Bongo for the intent of Rick Nelson songs.

I liked the sound so much, I also put them on my 08 P-Bass. I'm just hoping they're distinct enough. My first impression is that they're (both P-Basses) very similar sounding with this change.

bassbully · #16 01-25-2009, 06:06 PM

I bit and bought a set of TI jazz flats and put them on this weekend. My fears of slack tension were just that just a fear and way overblown here on TB. Yes, they are less tension then most strings but not like some discribe here Ex: wet noodles...unplayable etc. I dont know what kind of tension they are used too but it must be like steel cables

The tone is very nice very even but so far i am not blown away, I do love the feel and action of them. I feel with a good break in and in a gig (band) setting my feelings will change.
I am comparing them to chromes (lights) which feel alot like TIs and sound pretty close right now. TIs do have a better punch and are very clear.

fretlessguy · #17 01-26-2009, 07:18 PM

I have a 96 Fender Fretless P Bass which is body thru. It is strung with TIs.
My 54 P Bass Reissue is strung with TIs as well. It is body thru. I have had no issues or problems going thru the body and bridge as of yet. They are not, as you may know, old school vibe but they sound really good.
If I were going with the old school sound I would use GHS Precision Flatwound strings. I have those on my Carvin Fretless AC40 ABG, which is also body thru. No issues with that either, and they have been on the bass for quite a while.

mikenewman@fron · #18 01-26-2009, 07:35 PM

I just restrung my 51 re-issue with DR hi- beams. They are awsome. I got mine on Amazon.

LoveThatBass · #19 07-03-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikenewman@fron

I just restrung my 51 re-issue with DR hi- beams. They are awsome. I got mine on Amazon.

I agree!
Love the tone on my 51P RI using .100 DR Hi-Beams Stainless Rounds. These are easier on the frets and fingers than most Stainless Rounds.
This bass really stands out using them.

Also, the comments about not using Flats on String Through the body bridge basses is not my experience. I use TI Jazz Flats with absolutely no problem stringing through the body.
In fact it makes my TI Flats feel a bit less floppy which I like.

9mmMike · #20 07-04-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

I'd say Fender flats'd be up to that job.

I agree. I have these on my VM TB and I get the sound described by the OP. I like it but the worship team with which I play never really warmed to the sound so I use a '57 AV RI with stainless for that. VM TB = boom boom boom!