Cheap flatwounds?

shaolinwhat · #1 04-07-2009, 10:39 PM

I'm looking to try out flatwounds for the first time, and I just want to find the least expensive ones out there. No other criteria, just cheap flatwounds!

mrufino1 · #2 04-08-2009, 12:07 AM

www.webstrings.com
And they are good too, not just cheap.

shaolinwhat · #3 04-08-2009, 08:36 AM

perfect! thanks friend

HogieWan · #4 04-08-2009, 08:49 AM

carvin - you can get labella tapes for less than $20\

https://www.carvinguitars.com/produc...p?product=4012

RustyAxe · #5 04-08-2009, 08:52 AM

How on earth does one decide whether they like flatwounds if they start out with "lowest price" being the sole criteria? Get something decent ... for not much more money. I'm very happy with D'Addario Chromes, have like DR Hi-Beams, and even Fenders.

Phalex · #6 04-08-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

How on earth does one decide whether they like flatwounds if they start out with "lowest price" being the sole criteria? Get something decent ... for not much more money. I'm very happy with D'Addario Chromes, have like DR Hi-Beams, and even Fenders.

I have to agree. Flats last a long long time. Assume you like them, and buy a decent set. Just resolve not to change them out for a couple of months. The love affair really begins once you get them broken in.

audienceofone · #7 04-08-2009, 09:03 AM

no five string flatwounds there.

**DeanT** · #8 04-08-2009, 09:32 AM

Webstrings' Detroit Flats are great strings. They're about $16 a set, but don't let the cheap price fool you. These are good strings.

Philbiker · #9 04-08-2009, 10:37 AM

www.rondomusic.com has some cheap flats.

jasper383 · #10 04-08-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeanT

Webstrings' Detroit Flats are great strings. They're about $16 a set, but don't let the cheap price fool you. These are good strings.

I am curious as to who makes the Webstring flats. Must be a major company.

jasper383 · #11 04-08-2009, 12:59 PM

For first time flats, I suggest Chromes or GHS Precision Flats. Good sound right off the bat. Good prices, too. Get the 45-100 Chromes, or the 45-105 GHS Flats.

My favorite flats are Fender and TI, but I don't recommend them here, because the tension and break in time for Fenders is pretty long, and TIs are very expensive.

audienceofone · #12 04-08-2009, 01:09 PM

I am trying to decide between Chromes and the DR flats. I have DR low riders on now. Can't decide between the two, and can only afford 1 set. Sometimes I hate having the 5 string for the extra cost, but I love having the low b to play on.

badboy1984 · #13 04-08-2009, 01:16 PM

In term of cost and good sound i think Chromes and Rotosound flats is good.

I use chromes myself and the tone is so good, been using them on my bass for 1years now and it sound grat each time i pick up the bass

shaolinwhat · #14 04-08-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

How on earth does one decide whether they like flatwounds if they start out with "lowest price" being the sole criteria? Get something decent ... for not much more money. I'm very happy with D'Addario Chromes, have like DR Hi-Beams, and even Fenders.

i totally agree, that would be the best option. but $10 here or there these days really adds up so i gotta go with the lowest price. but from what im hearing, the detroit strings are good quality so it sounds like a win-win.

Magical_Merlin · #15 04-08-2009, 08:19 PM

I have a set of Daddario chromes ECB81's that im never going to use. They have been cut, but they are long. If you want them ill send them to you for $10. Contact me at magical_merlin@comcast.net.

kirkm24 · #16 04-10-2009, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audienceofone

I am trying to decide between Chromes and the DR flats. I have DR low riders on now. Can't decide between the two, and can only afford 1 set. Sometimes I hate having the 5 string for the extra cost, but I love having the low b to play on.

I love the DR flatwounds, they are very smoooth (no ridges between the windings, they look like solid steel rods). They are also a little less tension than La Bellas but not super floppy like TI's. The only issue I have had with them is that the strings are a little long and the fat part of the string ends up wrapping partially around the tuning peg for the low E string. I have a standard 34" scale Precision bass and this was still an issue. Chromes are the only string I have found that is the right length for this bass.

audienceofone · #17 04-10-2009, 10:11 AM

How would you compare the DR flats and Chromes?

Mazatleco17 · #18 04-10-2009, 12:46 PM

Is there any brand that makes black flatwound strings?

wildhorse · #19 04-10-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

How on earth does one decide whether they like flatwounds if they start out with "lowest price" being the sole criteria? Get something decent ... for not much more money. I'm very happy with D'Addario Chromes, have like DR Hi-Beams, and even Fenders.

I second that motion on both accounts.

wildhorse · #20 04-10-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mazatleco17

Is there any brand that makes black flatwound strings?

LaBella Beatle Bass Stings. Got mine through JustStrings.com
Short Scale however... You'd have to look and see if they make long scale ones. Also they are actually tape wound but do pretty much the same thing.