Bright flat

KeithKlaxwell · #1 06-25-2011, 05:57 AM

I've done a bunch of string research especially back threads on here, a few that may be outdated at this point.

I'm looking for a very bright flatwound that has less than or equal to average tension.

Right now my main sounds are a P with TIs and a 58 RI Hofner with Pyramids. I'm looking for something a bit brighter on my J for contrast, so I would prefer not to throw on TIs. I want something that can give me a little less mud for chordal playing. I don't want it entirely bright because I find tones that aren't too bright more useful for recording work. Somewhere in the middle of the bright-mellow meter but probably a flat.

I considered half rounds for awhile but there isn't much selection and they seem to bring out the worst as a hybrid not the best. So I'm back to very bright flats I think.

Here are the strings that seem decent so far :

-D'addario Chromes
-GHS Brite Flats
-GHS Pressurewounds (which may be basically a half round?)

Anyone tried La Bella Quarters? What about others?

As far as string companies, I'm familiar with the all usual suspects but have not played them all. I'd appreciate your two cents.

**Matthew_84** · #2 06-25-2011, 06:34 AM

If I were in your shoes, I'd try GHS Brite Flats, even though I've never tried them. I had chromes on my P for about 5 months, before ultimately deciding they were too bright for me (which may be good for you), and then I slapped on a set of GHS precisions (.45 - .105). Tone aside (even though I prefer the tone), they are much higher quality strings IMO. They sounded and felt great right away. Where as I felt the chromes took a couple of months to start sounding good, and it took a couple of weeks for them to lose their stickiness which the GHS's never had. Also, I would say the GHS I have are about lower to average tension were as the Chromes tension may be a bit higher but they are quite a bit stiffer than the GHS's.

If the GHS Brite's are of the same quality as the Precision's, but just brighter I would try them out. I have heard some good reviews and clips of the Brite's too, but I would find some for yourself and determine if the tone sounds right for you.

markanini · #3 06-25-2011, 06:55 AM

The brightest non-rounds I've tried are Rotosound Solo Bass 55 stainless steel pressurewounds. They lack even tension throughout the set but a produce a crazy amount of harmonics. Since you already mention GHS pressurewounds I'll say go with those, to me they're overall the best in between string I've tried cause they have an equal amount of overtones from string-to-string, especially if you start with a medium set and replace the G with one from the light set. The overall tension is simmilar to a 105-45 set of rounds and they get nicely warm and smooth when settled it but always retain an articulate character. If that's too bright for you can use the GHS Bright Flats which to me are favorites in the groundwound category for the same reasons as the pressurewounds. Again I think these work best as the medium set with G from the light set. Tensions is considerably higher though but tone is great! Labella Quarter-rounds were a mess in the state I received them in and LaBella customer service is non-exsistant. YMMV

KeithKlaxwell · #4 06-25-2011, 07:00 AM

Sound clips, great idea! Any links appreciated.

Very helpful so far, please keep it coming.

**Matthew_84** · #5 06-25-2011, 07:02 AM

i just found mine on youtube, you could also look on the companies websites

davidsmashdrums · #6 06-25-2011, 08:28 AM

GHS Pressurewound Bass Strings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GcQJ...e_gdata_player

PBnJBassist · #7 06-25-2011, 09:17 AM

Go with Roto Jazz flats. I've heard some sound clips and they seem to be brighter than Chromes. Maybe its just my ears though...

AmadeusXeno · #8 06-25-2011, 09:18 AM

GHS pressure wound is a string with the outter wrap wire slightly crushed into an oval shape. The bright flats however are a half-round. I haven't tried the pressure rounds but I have tried the bright flats and thought they were good.

ChasBass · #9 06-25-2011, 09:59 AM

I use GHS Brite Flats on all my basses.

**Coolhandjjl** · #10 06-25-2011, 11:16 AM

I have the new Fender 9050CL's on one of my Rics. Love 'em.

KeithKlaxwell · #11 06-25-2011, 11:49 AM

Thanks guys. Right now I'm leaning towards GHS Pressurewounds even though they are not my brightest choice nor smoothest string. I'd love to hear some Brite Flat clips.

Conclusion so far I think is :

Chromes>Pressure>Brite Flat for brightness

Pressure/Brite Flat>Chromes for low tension

SLaPiNFuNK · #12 06-25-2011, 01:20 PM

Ive used pressure wounds on both my fretted and fretless basses... I only use Pressure Wounds on my P-Bass now (fretted).

Pressure Wounds are awesome, picture a Round Wound where the outer wrapping is compressed into an oval shape, so you get characteristics of a roundwound but with a smoother shape. You will notice less noise when your hand shifts fretting positions.

They feel tight and punchy.

There are a few brands offering Pressure Wounds / Compression wounds.

They are very different from Half Rounds / Quarter rounds and are certainly not Flats.

This image shows 3 different Ken Smith strings.

.105 Stainless Steel Round Wound
.105 Compression Wound (aka Pressure)
.106 Slick Round (aka Half Round)

(I am waiting for my new digital camera to come in so I can make some detailed images.)

KeithKlaxwell · #13 06-25-2011, 02:00 PM

can you give me a few other pressure wounds to check out and a comparison of them? thanks.

I may end up just trying a few, i didn't realize GHS pressures are dirt cheap. I forgot strings could cost less than $70, thanks TI.

Exploiter8 · #14 06-25-2011, 02:04 PM

My personal favorites are DR Hi-Beam Flats. I was a Chromes guy until I tried the DR's. Just another possible option, YMMV.

X8

SLaPiNFuNK · #15 06-25-2011, 02:06 PM

Ken Smith and Rotosound have Pressure Wounds available. (posted a picture above).

I have not yet personally tried the Rotosound pressure wounds.

I have only used the Ken Smith pressure wounds personally.

markanini · #16 06-25-2011, 05:06 PM

Here are some sound clips for you:
GHS Brite-flats medium, light G: brite med.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage
Ken Smith compressor medium, light G: bach jesu.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage
I'll add the Ken Smith compressors and GHS pressurewound seem to perform identically when the gauges match, GHS has a slightly heftier E and A in their medium set which balances better with the D & G which appeals to me. IMHO YMMV

For those who are curious about what kind of a sound you can get with the Rotosound pressurewounds:http://soundcloud.com/roadtonever/di...d-of-jazz-rock
Be aware this example features a novelty slap technique also the wiring cavity has been overhauled so keep that in mind in if you're comparing to the clips above.

DTF · #17 06-25-2011, 10:05 PM

try labella quarter rounds , they sound great , I tried bright flats and wasnt happy with them which are ground wound as well , labella 760QM are the best ive heard

LarryR · #18 06-26-2011, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTF

try labella quarter rounds , they sound great , I tried bright flats and wasnt happy with them which are ground wound as well , labella 760QM are the best ive heard

+1
One of the best strings I've used. I had their light set on a P which I just changed out after a year of playing. They still sounded good. I just wanted to go back to TI's for a change. Great balanced string. Easy on the fingers. Easy to slide on. Good definition and just a little bit twangier than flats. Couple days ago I put a new set of qtr round mediums on my P/J. Initial reaction was that I made a mistake getting such a thick string as I'm used to lights or med/lights. E's a 107. I straightened the neck and lowered the action. After 5-6 hours of playing I know I made the right decision. Sound great fingerstyle and sensational with a pick. Like TI's they need to break in. If you try them, give 'em some time. They've got a magic like TI. I tried Ken Smith and D'Addario. IMO, aint no magic there at all. Nowhere near the quality, balance or feel of La Bella. After trying lots of strings the past few years I'm super stoked to have found these La Bella's.

enricogaletta · #19 06-26-2011, 02:31 AM

Try also the DR Lorider stainless steel.
Cheers. Enrico
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markanini · #20 06-26-2011, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryR

+1
One of the best strings I've used. I had their light set on a P which I just changed out after a year of playing. They still sounded good. I just wanted to go back to TI's for a change. Great balanced string. Easy on the fingers. Easy to slide on. Good definition and just a little bit twangier than flats. Couple days ago I put a new set of qtr round mediums on my P/J. Initial reaction was that I made a mistake getting such a thick string as I'm used to lights or med/lights. E's a 107. I straightened the neck and lowered the action. After 5-6 hours of playing I know I made the right decision. Sound great fingerstyle and sensational with a pick. Like TI's they need to break in. If you try them, give 'em some time. They've got a magic like TI. I tried Ken Smith and D'Addario. IMO, aint no magic there at all. Nowhere near the quality, balance or feel of La Bella. After trying lots of strings the past few years I'm super stoked to have found these La Bella's.

The LaBella Quarter round are rounds with a ground round outer wrap so no wonder you're hearing "TI magic", construction is simmilar as well as the low tension.