Change from Brite Flats after 30 yrs.

[chetmz]

Hi Folks,
I am one of those old 'fossils' that got back into playing again after almost 25 years away. I have a '61 Precision that I dearly love and have used Brite Flats (52-103) for as long as I can remember. I am thinking about going to Flatwounds and after reading many posts, I have a few questions I'm sure you 'young lions' can help me with.
I am looking for a more old time, smooth sound for jazz, old r&b and blues.
Labellas of comperable gauge seem like the way to go from a sound standpoint although I am wondering if they will be higher tension than the Brite Flats. I have really grown accustomed to the the feel of the BF's and don't want that to signifcantly change.

The others I'm thinking about are D'Addario Chromes. From everyone's comments it would seem these are a bit brighter than Labella's but I am wondering if they will be a bit mellower than the BF's. Again I am wondering about tension.

Althought many here seem to love the TI's. I have tried some bases with low tension roundwounds and just can't deal with that 'floppy feel'.

Thanks boys.

[Loel]

Hi chetmz,welcome to TB

what BF's are you speaking of,without knowing its hard
to determin what it is that your use to
I can't speak for the other brands but for R&B motown/blues
i prefer D'Add chrome flats 45-100,once broken-in there
nice and smooth with bite,the TI's are way to floppy for me
i'd say try some chromes

cheers

[ryco]

I'm looking forward to trying the GHS Brite Flats since the D'Addario Halfies have gone back to a nickel formula. Nice price too.

Dean Markley Blue Steel Flatwounds have a nice tone and feel. I've got a set on my Rick '01 and am liking them much. Need to see how long they're gonna stay bright

[chetmz]

Many years ago I tried some D'Addario Half Rounds and didn't like them. Actually, broke a string. The GHS Brite Flats should have more tension. By the way, for however 'bright' they are, in my long experience with them, they keep their tone for quite awhile.

ElectricBlue- Thanks for the thougths on Chromes. Do you know if they are as high tension as Labella's? Do most flats (other than TI's) have about the same tension or feel?

[emblymouse]

I used Brite Flats many years ago. After going to rounds for quite a while I am coming full circle back to a thicker tone. I agree that TI flats will be too big of a change in feel but they are really cool strings. I am using Ken Smith Slicks, a half round type, and after a break in period (for me, not the strings) I've come to really like them. They come nickel or stainless. I think these would fall in between the BF's and Chromes tonewise, and they have a feel more like you are accustomed to. If you can find them you might want to try them.
It's hard to change, go for it! Welcome to the TB board!