best feeling flatwounds

hanx · #1 05-23-2010, 09:45 AM

Currently i'm just messing round for my own amusement, no plans to play to an audience any time soon, so feel is at least half the experience.

I want some flatwounds because the rounds on my new fretless don't seem to be doing the fingerboard any good (i assume flatwounds will help that?), but while i'm at it, i do want something that feels really good... if i can afford it.

I love the feel of double-bass strings, i don't own a double bass, but messing round in stores, they're just so smooth and awesome, is there anything for an electric that approaches that level of smooth and wonderful feel?

even on the off chance double bass strings work on an electric, that's not an option, at a couple of hundred bucks per set, no way i can afford it.

(sorry to ask a few questions in a row... strings seem to be a lot more complicated than i expected...)

lmfreeman9 · #2 05-23-2010, 09:49 AM

The big question is tension. Do you have a light touch? If so, Thomastik Infeld Jazz flats feel, sound great and are very durable but have too low a tension for some players. If you like to dig in or play rock with a pick, you might like something with higher tension like Chromes. Most flats have that smooth glassy feel I think you are referring to.

jallen97 · #3 05-23-2010, 09:53 AM

Of course this is no new info, but I LOVE the feel and sound of TI flats. I think that the difference in feel between rounds and any flats will be quite substantial, though. Check the classifieds here on TB for used flats. I think that the cheapest place to get them is here on TB froma guy "Dude". I read about him right after I had placed my order elsewhere and could have saved $15 or so I think.

snyderz · #4 05-23-2010, 09:53 AM

There are a dozen brands with a dozen feels. I like super smooth, so Lakland Osborns are my fave (GHS Precisions). Most of the other flats have a texture, (even if subtle) I don't like. TIs are popular here, but I don't care for the tension. Upright basses have a 43" or so scale. Electric basses have 30" to 36" scale. Flats will extend the life of your board, not to mention can last a decade without changing them.

hanx · #5 05-23-2010, 09:54 AM

I play finger plucking style, and i'm not real experienced so i have relatively weak fingers.

BadB · #6 05-23-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanx

I play finger plucking style, and i'm not real experienced so i have relatively weak fingers.

In that case, TI's might be the ticket. They will help you develop a lighter touch, which, in most cases, is preferable. They sure sound good.

superhand · #7 05-23-2010, 10:48 AM

I like Chromes. They are high tension but I like high tension, I don't like my strings to feel any kind of floppy.

I don't know how they would be for fretless though.

**ExaltBass** · #8 05-23-2010, 10:50 AM

Sadowsky Flats are my favorite.

ugly_bassplayer · #9 05-23-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanx

Currently i'm just messing round for my own amusement, no plans to play to an audience any time soon, so feel is at least half the experience.

I want some flatwounds because the rounds on my new fretless don't seem to be doing the fingerboard any good (i assume flatwounds will help that?), but while i'm at it, i do want something that feels really good... if i can afford it.

I love the feel of double-bass strings, i don't own a double bass, but messing round in stores, they're just so smooth and awesome, is there anything for an electric that approaches that level of smooth and wonderful feel?

even on the off chance double bass strings work on an electric, that's not an option, at a couple of hundred bucks per set, no way i can afford it.

(sorry to ask a few questions in a row... strings seem to be a lot more complicated than i expected...)

IMO rounds chewing up the board on a fretless is part of the deal to get the sound.

**StrangerDanger** · #10 05-23-2010, 11:13 AM

I dig Chromes. I tried TI's and they felt gooey to me.

Codger · #11 05-23-2010, 12:14 PM

I'm using La Bella Black Nylon Tapewounds on a fretless. Quite satisfied so far.

hanx · #12 05-23-2010, 09:04 PM

do flats only come in steel? i've heard nickle feels better but i haven't seen any nickle flats yet?

Shakin-Slim · #13 05-23-2010, 09:21 PM

I looove GHS Precision flats

7flat5 · #14 05-23-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanx

do flats only come in steel? i've heard nickle feels better but i haven't seen any nickle flats yet?

Huh? Thomastiks (JF344) are pure nickel wrap. Not even plated steel.

Pilgrim · #15 05-23-2010, 09:26 PM

Labella Deep Talkin' flats...making fingers happy for more than 50 years.

bass_snake · #16 05-23-2010, 09:27 PM

How ' bout for slapping guys? What brand of flats would you recommend?

p.s. don't ean to high jack this thread.

thanks,

Fred

hanx · #17 05-23-2010, 09:35 PM

hrmmm... the Thomastik Jazz Flats seem nice, but a bit high on the price scale...
http://www.basscentre.com.au/Product...tik-Jazz-Flats

i keep hearing GHS precision recommended but i can only see GHS Brite Flats for sale from anywhere that delivers to Australia, http://www.basscentre.com.au/Product...HS-Brite-Flats

damn antipodes... does anyone know any good places that do strings to Oz quick?

pandaman37 · #18 05-23-2010, 09:37 PM

theres a few threads on flats for slapping, but a guy on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/user/XBaBoonX demonstrates a few sets.

i have a set of chromes on my squier, and its fine when im playing somewhat slow, but if i try to speed it up =/ not fun times. the poor circulation in my hands doesnt help at all...

salcott · #19 05-23-2010, 09:38 PM

TI Jazz Flats-worth every cent. I've got two years hard playing on a set, and they still sound and feel great-no loose windings or false harmonics.

5StringBlues · #20 05-23-2010, 09:40 PM

Does Amazon ship to Australia?

I've bought GHS Precision flats there before.Under $25.00 too IIRC.