Best Flatwounds?

facepalmmaster · #1 01-11-2012, 05:15 PM

So, I was thinking maybe I would try flatwounds after having a discussion with some very nice people on here in another thread since I feel I would like the deep thumpy sound that I was told it would give (if I'm mistaken, please let me know :P), but I don't know much about bass strings, and I dont completely trust the people at my local Guitar Center to give me the kind of answer that I was hoping I could get from you guys. So, what is the best brand for flatwounds/the best set of them, preferably for under 30 dollars? I dont think I want to spend too much, since I dont have all that much.

stratovani · #2 01-11-2012, 05:35 PM

There are so many brands of flatwound strings out there that I can only tell you about the strings I use, which are Fender 9050ML flats. They sound and feel good to me and they mellow to a nice thump with age. And, they're not terribly expensive.

Fender 9050ML Stainless Steel Flatwound Long Scale Bass Strings - Medium Light: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

facepalmmaster · #3 01-11-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stratovani

There are so many brands of flatwound strings out there that I can only tell you about the strings I use, which are Fender 9050ML flats. They sound and feel good to me and they mellow to a nice thump with age. And, they're not terribly expensive.

Fender 9050ML Stainless Steel Flatwound Long Scale Bass Strings - Medium Light: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

I was looking at those, figured they'd be good since they're fender. I have a question though, if my bass isn't short scale, does that make it long scale, or is there some sort of medium, it has 20 frets I believe.

odin70 · #4 01-11-2012, 05:51 PM

If there was one best flatwound set there would be only one flatwound set

stratovani · #5 01-11-2012, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by facepalmmaster

I was looking at those, figured they'd be good since they're fender. I have a question though, if my bass isn't short scale, does that make it long scale, or is there some sort of medium, it has 20 frets I believe.

As a rule basses come with 34" scale length, but there are exceptions. Some basses have 35" scale lengths, some are shorter. Without knowing what kind of bass you have I honestly can't answer your question.

facepalmmaster · #6 01-11-2012, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stratovani

As a rule basses come with 34" scale length, but there are exceptions. Some basses have 35" scale lengths, some are shorter. Without knowing what kind of bass you have I honestly can't answer your question.

It's a Squier VM Jaguar Special, I believe it is 34" from what you said, but i want to be completely sure so I dont get the wrong size strings. If you could help, that'd be great, if not, oh well :P

beefandbones · #7 01-11-2012, 06:11 PM

I like Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats because they have a supple feel, sound fantastic, and last forever, although they're a bit expensive at $50-60 for a set (but worth it imho). I live in a fairly large city and I have to order them online. My favorite 'less expensive' string is D'Addario XL Chromes, which run about $25 or so, and you can find those just about anywhere. LaBellas are good too. Never liked Fender flats, myself, because they felt like steel cables under my fingers, and the sound was... not bad.. but I just didn't like the way they felt. By the way, I encourage you to try flats - they're not for everyone, but once I tried them, I loved them, and now they're all I use.

If you have a tape measurer, you can measure the length from the metal bridge to the nut - that's the scale.

facepalmmaster · #8 01-11-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beefandbones

I like Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats because they have a supple feel, sound fantastic, and last forever, although they're a bit expensive at $50-60 for a set (but worth it imho). I live in a fairly large city and I have to order them online. My favorite 'less expensive' string is D'Addario XL Chromes, which run about $25 or so, and you can find those just about anywhere. LaBellas are good too. Never liked Fender flats, myself, because they felt like steel cables under my fingers, and the sound was... not bad.. but I just didn't like the way they felt. By the way, I encourage you to try flats - they're not for everyone, but once I tried them, I loved them, and now they're all I use.

If you have a tape measurer, you can measure the length from the metal bridge to the nut - that's the scale.

Yeah, I had heard great things about flats, and I have been trying to discover my style, and I just love that feel of a nice thumpy, funky sort of bassline. And then there was Flea *drops to the ground and bows down repeatedly*

THORRR · #9 01-11-2012, 06:29 PM

If you're experimenting with flats, you've GOT to include
D'Addario Chromes - They're the best bang for the buck by far
IMHO.

Silky smooth - great sound - long lasting and lots of tone.
Plus you can get them in regular or light guage, both of which
I use on different basses. (regular 45-105 on my P Bass and
Lights on my Jazz Bass)

You might also check out this thread:
First set of flats.

gary m · #10 01-11-2012, 06:30 PM

My vote goes to GHS precision flats. Absolutely magic on a Fender.

Farfetched · #11 01-11-2012, 06:31 PM

ditto. if you can find a deal try the TI jazz flats. if not chromes are nice too.

MaccaMan1964 · #12 01-11-2012, 06:59 PM

TI's are great - my personal favorites. But they are expensive. I also like LaBella flats...they would be my #2 choice and if you don't mind higher tension strings, RotoSound 66 Monel Flats are very cool...

Ron G · #13 01-11-2012, 07:01 PM

GHS Prescision Flatwound

T Bassman · #14 01-11-2012, 07:04 PM

Try a set of DR Flatwounds. They are unreal to play on and last forever.
I also like TI flats, although I find the longscale gauge a little light personally.

JB36 · #15 01-11-2012, 07:07 PM

sadowsky....very smooth and the tension isn't much more than a standard round. Kinda of a modern sounding flat with a bit of flatwound thump.

GC do not stock much of a selection of flats so I wouldn't ask them either. Buy online for best selection and prices.

tekdiver500ft · #16 01-11-2012, 07:20 PM

Another vote for Sadowsky. Amazing strings, really, the best compromise between zing and thump. I'd get them from Adam: Welcome to Bass Strings Online - Your Custom Bass String Shop...

**Matthew_84** · #17 01-11-2012, 07:32 PM

GHS Precision flats. And are within your budget.

stratovani · #18 01-11-2012, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by facepalmmaster

It's a Squier VM Jaguar Special, I believe it is 34" from what you said, but i want to be completely sure so I dont get the wrong size strings. If you could help, that'd be great, if not, oh well :P

According to the Squier website, your Jaguar has a 34" scale length, which is pretty much the standard for a Fender-style bass. So now that you know that, you can shop for strings accordingly.

**StrangerDanger** · #19 01-11-2012, 10:28 PM

Spend the extra $ for the TI Jazz Flats. They are the 'best flatwounds'. No joke.

**Giorgetto** · #20 01-11-2012, 10:59 PM

I love La Bella 760FS's They sound big, full and are really smooth. The tension is Medium. I'm a big fan of these strings and have been playing live and recording with them for the better part of the last 50 years. I have on occasion tried other brands but always come back to these.

Giorgetto