Another "help me choose some flats" thread!

ryanfenderbass · #1 12-20-2011, 09:29 AM

I'm not a newbie to flats, but it has been about 10 years and I'm excited to get some flatty goodness on my MIJ 70s P. I also play hand-wound Wizard p'ups into 2 15s, so I think even Jesus would agree that I should play flats. I play mostly post-punk, indie/alternative stuff, so I need to sit well with an overdriven Tele and synth. I play with fingers 90% of the time (9% pick, 1% slap). For what it's worth, I'm a big fan of Simonon/Gallop and their sonic contributions.

I will try TIs, LaBella, etc some day, but for now I'm looking for a low cost investment just to be sure. Do I want:

D"Addario Chromes OR Rotosound Jazz 77s?

What about gauges: I was thinking light or Custom Light the Chromes (45/40-100) or Regular for 77s (45-105)

I often love on the high notes and use a few harmonics, so I don't want too thick of a G/D, but I use a Hipshot D-Tuner, so I need a nice, tight E. For this reason, I use RS Billy Sheehan customs (43-110) which I love the sound off, just not the sandpapery feel.

Thanks for the help!!!

64jazz · #2 12-20-2011, 09:39 AM

I use the 77's and love 'em! Haven't found any reason to look around for something different.

**Coolhandjjl** · #3 12-20-2011, 09:40 AM

I can comment on the Chromes- for my tastes they were too chimey/ringy.

ryanfenderbass · #4 12-20-2011, 09:49 AM

But doesn't the Chromes chimey-ness die out in a few hours/days? Are those overtones ever desirable in a mix?

I should also say I'm a sucker for midrange "mwaaaah" and "grrrrrrowwwl." Any clue which will gimme more of that for longer?

...and both sets are around $25 on Amazon. Can't beat that!

john_martin_sai · #5 12-20-2011, 09:55 AM

Get the damned TI's and get back to us in 10 years to tell us how they're working out.

ryanfenderbass · #6 12-20-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john_martin_sai

Get the damned TI's and get back to us in 10 years to tell us how they're working out.

That's what I hear!

But I want to spend $20-30 on a some decent flats that will fit my sound now... then if/when I become a "flats guy" I'll switch to the big leagues!

What about guages?

Floyd Eye · #7 12-20-2011, 10:25 AM

Chromes ECC81

ryanfenderbass · #8 12-20-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Chromes ECC81

Ohhhhhhh, you were confirming that you agree with the light chromes (ECB81)!?!?!

I searched ECC81 and all came up with was an apparently nice set of tubes LOL!

Floyd Eye · #9 12-20-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanfenderbass

Ohhhhhhh, you were confirming that you agree with the light chromes (ECB81)!?!?!

I searched ECC81 and all came up with was an apparently nice set of tubes LOL!

D'oh! Stupid fingers.

Yes, the light Chromes. In my current band situation I have no use for flats, but I do have them on one of my Ps and I like the way they sound and love the way they play.

**Coolhandjjl** · #10 12-20-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanfenderbass

But doesn't the Chromes chimey-ness die out in a few hours/days?

I removed them carefully as to not scrape off the windings, I'm sure I'll give 'em another shot sometime in the future.

ryanfenderbass · #11 12-20-2011, 11:53 AM

This video tipped me over: Classic 1960's P Bass Tones - Garth Fielding - YouTube
Also, the Chromes are only $23 on Amazon... and I have Prime! Gotta snatch 'em up, because why not? I would love for this thread to stay active, because I will be looking for all the advice I can get as I dive back into the world of flat wounds! Thanks, all!

Deaky · #12 12-20-2011, 03:36 PM

Fender 9050cl flats are my new favourite. I tried them again after mixed feelings the first time I tried them.

The more I use them the more I like them. Not too tight tension wise and they sound great.

I used Roto 77 before which are nice but I'm kinda swaying more to the fenders now.

tinman 1967 · #13 12-22-2011, 03:38 PM

I have chromes on a FL bass and the 77s on an Epi Jack Cas bass.

I like the sound of the rotos, but the feel of the chromes

I wish I had a ton of dough, so I could figure out what strings I like best for each bass. But that could get really expensive.

bassbully · #14 12-22-2011, 04:03 PM

Chromes start out with zing and ring but lie down allot if you give them time. Time let's Chromes open up and that is where the strength of this string lies....time.

GM60466 · #15 12-22-2011, 04:09 PM

I like SIT power Flats

woodyng · #16 12-22-2011, 04:24 PM

i have not tried DR flat wound strings,but am intrigued,as they are nickel round core strings,so should have both a nice thumpiness and a supple feel. this would make them similar to TI'S,but they are actually available in a standard gauge(45-105),and about $40 for the set. the ti's for me have always felt TOO light,and i tend to like a 40-100 gauge set! i have a set of 60's maxima flat wounds on one of my basses,and not looking to put flats on anything else at this time.

tylerwylie · #17 12-22-2011, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodyng

i have not tried DR flat wound strings,but am intrigued,as they are nickel round core strings,so should have both a nice thumpiness and a supple feel. this would make them similar to TI'S,but they are actually available in a standard gauge(45-105),and about $40 for the set. the ti's for me have always felt TOO light,and i tend to like a 40-100 gauge set! i have a set of 60's maxima flat wounds on one of my basses,and not looking to put flats on anything else at this time.

DR's are steel on a round core.

ryanfenderbass · #18 12-23-2011, 08:58 AM

I've been doing more research on flatwound strings than a sane person should.

I read great reviews about everyone's suggestions and I eventually want to try them all! For now, I highly doubt I'll beat the cost effectiveness of chromes... $23!

Rotos, DRs, and TIs are my next short list if I'm not 100% down with the Chromes.

Also, what are everyone's thoughts about the hybrid gauges with the lighter (.40/.60) G/D strings? Chromes and Rotos have those sets as option, maybe DRs. Do you think the difference in tension is noticeable? What about evenness of tone?

Thanks, all!

tonym · #19 12-23-2011, 09:09 AM

The "chimey-ness" of the chromes dies out pretty quick. I love them. When I was searching for new flats to try out I found this "Chromes vs. Chromes" demo on YouTube: Daddario Chromes vs Chromes on J-Bass - YouTube

Sound isn't that great on the vid but he plays heavy vs. light gauge chromes with fingerstyle, pick and slap.

Gives a pretty good idea what kind of sounds you can get out of them.

J-O · #20 12-23-2011, 09:59 AM

Flats (other than TI's) tend to be a bit stiffer than rounds of a similar gauge. I use pretty stiff rounds, so the tension has never been an issue for me. I currently have a set of .40 .60 .80 .100 chromes on my old pbass. They are not too stiff at all, I can slap, do string bends, etc. If I was to buy them again I would get a heavier gauge, simply because they do have a good amount of "clank" to them. If you are having some doubts over the increased stiffness, then I'd recommended starting with flats that are one gauge lower than what you typically use for rounds.