Fender 9050m flats?

[Busker]

I've been using the same Fender roundwound strings (the set with the taperwound E that was factory equipment) on my Precision since day one. I've put new strings on several times, but always replaced with this Fender set.

But now I've found a deal on Fender 9050M flatwounds, and I bought them "just because." The set is .055, .070, .090 and .105. The tension of this set has been described as "brutal." Would you agree?

I play country primarily, and rock also.

Before I open the package, which I could sell or trade as new, you think they'd be great for country? Would a roundwound player appreciate the feel, tension and tone?

Thanks a lot.

[markdavid]

Originally Posted by Busker

I've been using the same Fender roundwound strings (the set with the taperwound E that was factory equipment) on my Precision since day one. I've put new strings on several times, but always replaced with this Fender set.

But now I've found a deal on Fender 9050M flatwounds, and I bought them "just because." The set is .055, .070, .090 and .105. The tension of this set has been described as "brutal." Would you agree?

I play country primarily, and rock also.

Before I open the package, which I could sell or trade as new, you think they'd be great for country? Would a roundwound player appreciate the feel, tension and tone?

Thanks a lot.

These are very very high tension strings , if you do put them on your bass you will need a truss rod adjustment without a doubt , however flatwounds will be excellent for country music

[Busker]

Originally Posted by markdavid

These are very very high tension strings , if you do put them on your bass you will need a truss rod adjustment without a doubt , however flatwounds will be excellent for country music

I have no problem with adjusting the truss rod.

By very very high tension you mean they'll cut my fingers to the bone or what?

[buffordbass]

No, the action is just firm. I play them on my '87 P-Bass quite often

[Nighttrain1127]

They won't cut you or anything but they won't do the neck on your bass any favors either. I have to agree Very Very high tension. IKf you use them keep an eye on how much bow is in the neck.

[Busker]

I put a set on my P bass last night. Aside from feeling a little sticky, they feel OK. But I had to adjust my neck, as y'all said. Still need to dial in the saddle adjustments and such.

Really boomy. The tone is OK. Not sure if they are for me.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by Busker

I put a set on my P bass last night. Aside from feeling a little sticky, they feel OK. But I had to adjust my neck, as y'all said. Still need to dial in the saddle adjustments and such.

Really boomy. The tone is OK. Not sure if they are for me.

I've got the Fender 9050ML set on a few basses -- the M-set was too much tension but the ML worked for me. Very thumpy strings, you may want to try them if the Ms are too much.

[bassbully]

I always say they feel like steel rods to play. The Tension is way too much and cause the joints in my fingers to hurt. I would go to Chromes or my new Fav TI jazz flats which are not as floppy as alot of TBers claim...more like a round wound tension wise.

[troyus]

Originally Posted by Busker

I've been using the same Fender roundwound strings (the set with the taperwound E that was factory equipment) on my Precision since day one. I've put new strings on several times, but always replaced with this Fender set.

But now I've found a deal on Fender 9050M flatwounds, and I bought them "just because." The set is .055, .070, .090 and .105. The tension of this set has been described as "brutal." Would you agree?

I play country primarily, and rock also.

Before I open the package, which I could sell or trade as new, you think they'd be great for country? Would a roundwound player appreciate the feel, tension and tone?

Thanks a lot.

If you normally play 7250M... which is the stock roundwound on most fenders, go with the 100's instead of 105 for flatwounds. It will be a lot less of a tension shock. Yes they sound fabulous.

[mrhardy]

The 9050M's are a great string!!

Yes they have a high tension, but your a bass player. The tension is not so bad as to be unplayable. You don't have to fight them to get big sound out of them. They have a great growly tone to them, even with a Precision.

Just do the setup, and play them. I think you will really like them.

[markdavid]

Originally Posted by Busker

I put a set on my P bass last night. Aside from feeling a little sticky, they feel OK. But I had to adjust my neck, as y'all said. Still need to dial in the saddle adjustments and such.

Really boomy. The tone is OK. Not sure if they are for me.

Flatwounds always eq differently to rounds , may be worth rolling off some of the lows/low mids a little to kill the boominess. If you dont like them then try a different brand of flats (daddario chromes are very clean sounding, not at all boomy), you say you play a lot of country and flats are ideal for country music

[jasper383]

High tension can also mean lower action, which is easier to play. A bit of yin/yang.

Fender flats also take a while to break in, longer than most, in my experience.

[Busker]

I already took them off. Not my thing. I've played rounds ever since I started bass. Plus, i agree with the above poster who said they wouldn't do the neck any favors.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by Busker

I already took them off. Not my thing. I've played rounds ever since I started bass. Plus, i agree with the above poster who said they wouldn't do the neck any favors.

I also play country and mainly use flats both TI jazz and light gauge chromes. To me nothing beats flats for country. I think you would like Light gauge chromes. On my one P bass i have TI power rounds for a hotter sound although i dont really get it. The vintage P bass reissues are pretty old school sounding and the TI power rounds are quite smooth sounding ...a great mix.

[lonote]

Originally Posted by jasper383

High tension can also mean lower action, which is easier to play. A bit of yin/yang.

Fender flats also take a while to break in, longer than most, in my experience.

This is all true.

[Jeff Huber]

I'm coming around to your way of thinking on the tension versus action height score. Tighter strings can sit lower without buzzing, and I'm starting to find that I can actually play with a lighter touch that way than with lighter, floppier strings.

Jeff

[seanm]

Originally Posted by Busker

I already took them off. Not my thing. I've played rounds ever since I started bass. Plus, i agree with the above poster who said they wouldn't do the neck any favors.

They may not be your sound. And they are harder on the fingers than rounds. Don't know who started the rumor that rounds are harder on the fingers than flats.

But those strings won't hurt a P neck at all. I have used much higher tension flats than the 9050Ms with no problems. They might be a problem on a pencil thin neck like a Hagstrom, but not a Fender.

[Krucial]

Funny about these high tension string is that they still are labeled 'medium'. Probally a left over from the days that low tension strings weren't so popular.
Anyway you can like or dislike high tension strings, but if your bass can't handle these kind of tension, you got to think about getting a proper bass.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by Krucial

Funny about these high tension string is that they still are labeled 'medium'. Probally a left over from the days that low tension strings weren't so popular.
Anyway you can like or dislike high tension strings, but if your bass can't handle these kind of tension, you got to think about getting a proper bass.

I believe 105s are considered medium. 110s are considered "standard"

[Russell L]

Gonna put the 9050Ms on my American Jazz. I just put some 9050Ls on my Jazz Bass Special and love them. But, I think I want a heavier guage.