Fender 57 RI P bass which flats?

BASSKADET · #1 12-10-2008, 08:13 PM

I just got this in a trade, actually it will be here tomorrow. Anyway, I would like to put flats on it.
Any suggestions. Are they available in different colors?

WayneS · #2 12-10-2008, 08:14 PM

Rotosound... hands down. RS66 or even SH77 (Steve Harris sig).

BASSKADET · #3 12-10-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayneS

Rotosound... hands down. RS66 or even SH77 (Steve Harris sig).

Damn, I checked out those SH77, I think they might be a little too heavy.

Mastermold · #4 12-10-2008, 11:58 PM

Depends on what tone you really want -- flats don't all sound the same.

I've got TI flats on my '57 AV reissue P-bass and they have a nice fat, warm tone, perfectly suited for a P-bass IMO. I'm thinking about putting them on all my P-basses. Try them and see what you think, but run a search here first on TI flats to make sure they're what you think you'd like.

Edit:

This is what they'll sound like on your P-bass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIU66uyE-h4

tapp01 · #5 12-11-2008, 12:10 AM

Chromes

mulambo · #6 12-11-2008, 03:08 AM

I used chromes on mine, and it sounded great!

WayneS · #7 12-11-2008, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BASSKADET

Damn, I checked out those SH77, I think they might be a little too heavy.

The RS66 is the same string but in a lighter guage.

lmfreeman9 · #8 12-11-2008, 06:25 AM

D'Addario Chromes, TI Jazz Flats or DR Hi-Beam Flats all give great thump and preserve some nice highs, more so than other flatwounds IMHO. The Chromes are highest in tension and the TI's are the lowest.

Mr_Dave · #9 12-11-2008, 06:50 AM

Thomastik's are cool but a pretty low tension, i like it, but you may not... Sadowsky flats are nice, very similar tension to rounds, but with a nice articulate flat sound

lonote · #10 12-11-2008, 06:51 AM

I use Fender 9050's on my P-Basses, they deliver the old school thump.

Sorefinger · #11 12-11-2008, 07:50 AM

I´m using Chromes on my maple-board P and Fender 9050Ls (the Ls sound better to me than the MLs) on the rosewood.

The Chromes sound a bit funkier, the Fenders have more of a Motown vibe (think Paul Jackson vs. James Jamerson). Can´t go wrong with either IMHO.

JTE · #12 12-11-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayneS

The RS66 is the same string but in a lighter guage.

RS-66L is the stainless ROUNDWOUND, so I don't think they're the same but lighter flats!!

My VIntage Series '62 P bass has had Fender Studio Bass Flats (what it shipped from the factory with in 1983), LaBella Old Originals (now called the Jamerson Set), TI Flats, GHS Precison Flats, and has had a set of Lakland Joe Osborn flats on it for at least three years. My favorite flat because they have that old style thump with a definite note in the thump. Plus they feel much better under my hand than the TIs (I liked the TI sound, but it's not a traditional flatwound sound). The LaBellas had that great thump, but too often the note was lacking- I play bass, not a kick drum.

jte

uaudio · #13 12-11-2008, 08:11 AM

The tone from the TIs are so distinctive, everyone should try them at least once on a p-bass, especially on a RI or vintage one. Low tension so not for everyone. But, if you don't like them you can always sell them back here (don't cut them).

BASSKADET · #14 12-11-2008, 09:32 AM

Thanks for all the input guys in such short of a time.

I decided to go with the Sadowsky's. .045, .065, .085, .105.
I use his strings(round wound) on my other basses, which I like. So I thought I'd give them a shot.

Thanks again all,
Peter

WayneS · #15 12-11-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

RS-66L is the stainless ROUNDWOUND, so I don't think they're the same but lighter flats!!

My VIntage Series '62 P bass has had Fender Studio Bass Flats (what it shipped from the factory with in 1983), LaBella Old Originals (now called the Jamerson Set), TI Flats, GHS Precison Flats, and has had a set of Lakland Joe Osborn flats on it for at least three years. My favorite flat because they have that old style thump with a definite note in the thump. Plus they feel much better under my hand than the TIs (I liked the TI sound, but it's not a traditional flatwound sound). The LaBellas had that great thump, but too often the note was lacking- I play bass, not a kick drum.

jte

My mistake... I meant RS77.

Mastermold · #16 12-11-2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BASSKADET

Thanks for all the input guys in such short of a time.

I decided to go with the Sadowsky's. .045, .065, .085, .105.
I use his strings(round wound) on my other basses, which I like. So I thought I'd give them a shot.

Thanks again all,
Peter

Anything from Sadowsky is a safe bet IMO.