Bought my first bass, shopping for my first strings, have a few flatwound questions

[benjammin420]

From my research, it seems that I would like flatwound strings, so I've decided to give them a try (I'm used to playing roundwound strings and can't say I love them) I have a Fender Jazz bass (Geddy Lee sig) according the Fender site these come with .045, .065, .080 and .100 gauge strings, and the tension is a bit stiffer than I like. What would be a good gauge to try for looser feeling flats? I see strings come in different lengths, do I just need 34" scale strings? Not really sure what brand to try either, any suggestions would be appreciated (I play blues, heavy rock, fingerstyle funk, etc) Thanks for helping out a newbie

[JustDavid]

IIRC Geddy necks don't like high tension strings so your wish for low tension is fortunate.

Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats are pricey but have very low tension. I love them, but not everyone does. I find them very responsive, expressive, & a bit 'woody'.

I'm happy with D'Addario Chromes for Classic Rock, & other musicians like them (or don't vocally dislike them ).

[nutdog]

I've only tried TI jazz flats and they are definitely looser. My 10 year old daughter loves them.

[benjammin420]

thanks guys, I'll look for those next time I'm at the store. What kind of string-life can I expect? (I'm used to changing the strings on my guitars about once a month)

[Turock]

Originally Posted by benjammin420

thanks guys, I'll look for those next time I'm at the store. What kind of string-life can I expect? (I'm used to changing the strings on my guitars about once a month)

TI flats may seem expensive but they last for years. No joke. I've always had to order mine; haven't seen 'em (or any flats) in stores around here. Of course, your area may be different.

[nutdog]

The ones on my P have been on over a year. In contrast, the rounds on my P-Lyte get changed every month or so. More often if I'm playing a lot.

That gets kind of expensive since I like DR lo rider nickels at about $26/pack. I've started cruising the TB classifieds and buy whatever cheap nickel rounds I can find in the gauge I like. Then I can change more often. Just got 4 new packs of Diaddarios for $11 per. I'll see how that works out.

If you don't like the flats, people like them broke in so you can probably sell them and get most of your money back. Used flats seem to get scarfed up quickly. The 34" is what you need.

If you google you can find the lowest price. Also look for string sales and discounts at the big e-retailers.

[hoobyd]

Put a set on my J Bass in October and will never play anything else. Tried many round wounds and settled on DRs but could never get the sound I wanted. These TI's bend beautifully and retain the root note even with OD or fuzz even with aggressive finger techniques. Definitely worth the money.

[benjammin420]

I didnt see any TIs at the store, so I got a pack of D'addario Chromes and so far I really like them, nice feel, and the tone is incredible, more of an improvement than I was expecting or was hoping for. Thanks for your help everyone

[onionpuzzle]

Originally Posted by benjammin420

I didnt see any TIs at the store, so I got a pack of D'addario Chromes and so far I really like them, nice feel, and the tone is incredible, more of an improvement than I was expecting or was hoping for. Thanks for your help everyone

coolio !

flats get better with age, too...don't be in a hurry to swap them out. they "needs a little funk in em'

[JimmyM]

d'addario chromes also come in a lighter gauge if you want a more traditional sounding flatwound with lower tension. they're bright at first but they go dead nicely, whereas the ti's stay bright for about as long as you want them to.

[Brendan5]

Anyone ever use Rotosound 88's? They are 115 on the E. I have a set that someone threw in with the $60 fretless I bought but I don't know if I have a use for them.

[kasbrey]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

d'addario chromes also come in a lighter gauge if you want a more traditional sounding flatwound with lower tension. they're bright at first but they go dead nicely, whereas the ti's stay bright for about as long as you want them to.

+1 er... except the other way round IME.

I currently have 3 sets of Chromes and 2 sets of TI's all over 18 months old. The TI's lose their brightness fairly quickly (with my fingers) and sound very thumpy and woody. The Chromes lose their harshness eventually but still stay bright .

I find TI's are the least bright sounding flat that I've tried including LaBella FL and FS sets, Elites (GHS ?) flats, Status Hotwires, Fender and Rotosound.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by kasbrey

+1 er... except the other way round IME.

I currently have 3 sets of Chromes and 2 sets of TI's all over 18 months old. The TI's lose their brightness fairly quickly (with my fingers) and sound very thumpy and woody. The Chromes lose their harshness eventually but still stay bright .

I find TI's are the least bright sounding flat that I've tried including LaBella FL and FS sets, Elites (GHS ?) flats, Status Hotwires, Fender and Rotosound.

you've clearly got the packaging switched first person i've ever heard say that.

[kasbrey]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

you've clearly got the packaging switched first person i've ever heard say that.

Really?
I've just read through the Flatwound shootout thread (as an example) again.
Seems a pretty common opinion.

[JimmyM]

well chromes do start out bright, but to me they start thumping very nicely after a month. the ti's i could never get to settle down and not sound like rounds after 4 months. crazy, i suppose