Feedback on some Flatwound Strings

GRISSLEHEAD · #1 06-24-2009, 02:41 PM

It's been years since I've used a Flatwound string.........I need some feedback on Flatwounds of the 21st Century.I do remember liking the flatwound sound in the 70's & 80's when I was playing Country Rock & Country Swing back then.
I play Classic Rock, Blues, Country Rock etc.etc. and I'm looking to switch to a nice sounding Flatwound with a rich bass sound. I play mostly Fender Jazz's & Fender Jazz Style 5 string basses..........Give me some ideas of what "YOU" think would serve my purpose.
Thanks for the input,
GRISSLEHEAD

scottbass · #2 06-24-2009, 02:51 PM

I switched back to flatwounds just last year myself. I posted a thread and asked for input using a poll. Here are the results:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/poll.p...ts&pollid=7792

And here is the complete thread, which contains lots of useful comments:

The best flatwounds for my P?

I went with Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats and I couldn't be happier! They give me exactly the sound I was looking for. But of course string choice is very subjective. I made my decision based more on the comments concerning T-I's mid-range punch and lower string tensions than on the overall vote totals.

Good luck!

bilco · #3 06-24-2009, 05:46 PM

+1 on the TI Jazz Flats

They work well for getting as close to an upright sound as I've ever gotten and they do a pretty good thump sound for R&B, not as thumpy as Fender or La Bella flats, but WAY closer than roundwounds.

They last a LONG time, tune well and have very low tension, which works well since higher tension sets off my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The low tension and the feel of them takes some getting used to, but the tone is worth it to me.

bilco

waynobass · #4 06-24-2009, 05:50 PM

GHS Precision Flats. Not as floppy as TI, and not nearly as expensive.

jmceachern36 · #5 06-24-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynobass

GHS Precision Flats. Not as floppy as TI, and not nearly as expensive.

I agree. Not as floppy as TI's and not as stiff as a lot of others. They also have a fuller sound than the TI's. In my opinion. But there are benifits to less tension too..... To me, roundwounds sound like roundwounds but flatwounds all sound a little different. I think you've got to try a few sets and see what you think. GHS Flats aren't expensive and give you the classic sound right away. Have fun!

GRISSLEHEAD · #6 06-24-2009, 09:07 PM

I agree. Not as floppy as TI's and not as stiff as a lot of others. They also have a fuller sound than the TI's. In my opinion. But there are benifits to less tension too..... To me, roundwounds sound like roundwounds but flatwounds all sound a little different. I think you've got to try a few sets and see what you think. GHS Flats aren't expensive and give you the classic sound right away. Have fun!+1 on the TI Jazz Flats

They work well for getting as close to an upright sound as I've ever gotten and they do a pretty good thump sound for R&B, not as thumpy as Fender or La Bella flats, but WAY closer than roundwounds.

They last a LONG time, tune well and have very low tension, which works well since higher tension sets off my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The low tension and the feel of them takes some getting used to, but the tone is worth it to me.

bilco
I switched back to flatwounds just last year myself. I posted a thread and asked for input using a poll. Here are the results:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/poll.p...ts&pollid=7792

And here is the complete thread, which contains lots of useful comments:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...665&highlight=

I went with Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats and I couldn't be happier! They give me exactly the sound I was looking for. But of course string choice is very subjective. I made my decision based more on the comments concerning T-I's mid-range punch and lower string tensions than on the overall vote totals.

Good luck!

Thanks people.............I knew I could count on you to help me out
Thanks Again !
GRISSLEHEAD

pc · #7 06-25-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmceachern36

I agree. Not as floppy as TI's and not as stiff as a lot of others. They also have a fuller sound than the TI's. In my opinion. But there are benifits to less tension too..... To me, roundwounds sound like roundwounds but flatwounds all sound a little different. I think you've got to try a few sets and see what you think. GHS Flats aren't expensive and give you the classic sound right away. Have fun!

+1

I bought a set with no expectations because was the only 6 string set available at the time that shipped to Brazil. I was thinking about the Chromes but couldn't find a place that sold the high C.

It was a pleasant surprise. I've played TIs before and like them, but they were too floppy.

The Precisions sound like the TIs, but while TIs are more on the high mids, the GHS is more focused in the low mids. They have a lot of sustain, just like the TIs

Ok, this could sound as an heresy, but they sound in a certain way like the hi-beams previously installed, but without the "hi"

and with the strong lows from a flatwound. Even the tension is similar.

JTE · #8 06-25-2009, 08:29 AM

Another vote for the GHS Precision Flats. They have the classic "thump" in them that one expects of flats, but they also have a definite note. I used LaBella 706's (way before they were called "The James Jamerson" set) and they sounded like a dog turd hitting a hot sidewalk- great thump to drive the band, but not much note so they got lost in a loud band.

I really liked the sound of the TI, but it's not a classic flatwound sound. That combined with the drastic change of tension switching from my TI strung bass to the roundwound strung basses (using DR Hi-Beams 45-105), I sought out other flats. I tried the Lakland Joe Osborn set (which is the same as the GHS except for the color of the silk,and a .001 difference in gauge of one string). A big fat note, plenty of power in the percussive thump, and they feel about the same under my hands as the roundwounds I'm playing.

Currently have the Laklands on my Fender VS '62 Precision and the home-made fretless, with GHS branded set on my Sting.

jte

perkidan · #9 06-26-2009, 12:08 AM

Anyone know if any of these sets will fit on a 35" scale? I have a 55-02 deluxe and amseriously thinking about switching over after playing exclusively rounds for 27 years. Sorry to derail the thread

jmceachern36 · #10 06-26-2009, 07:01 AM

I believe the GHS flats fit 34-36 scale basses.

Pilgrim · #11 06-26-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRISSLEHEAD

It's been years since I've used a Flatwound string.........I need some feedback on Flatwounds of the 21st Century.I do remember liking the flatwound sound in the 70's & 80's when I was playing Country Rock & Country Swing back then.

If you liked that sound (as I do) go directly to one of these:

Labella Deep Talkin' Flats
Rotosound Jazz Bass 77 flats
GHS Precision flats

See juststrings.com.

grifff · #12 06-26-2009, 02:24 PM

Rotosound Monel Flats. I love them.

walknbluez · #13 06-26-2009, 02:34 PM

I use D'Addario XL chromes. What is everyone's opinion on these? I have them now and think they sound good but I've never tried anything else so I have nothing to compare it to.