Flat wound B string?

MoeGJBeener · #1 02-12-2013, 09:21 AM

I did a search and couldn't find much.

I recently strung one of my 4 string P's with chromes and fell in love. I'm thinking about getting some for my stingray 5 to see how the sound on it. My problem is, I can't find anything on here or YouTube about flat wound B strings. I know they make them, just not sure how they sound/feel. Anyone have any experience? I'm kinda picky about how a B string feels on my stingray. A .130 Ernie ball cobalt is the only string I've found that I like on it.

Crazy_Climer · #2 02-12-2013, 09:28 AM

If you are talking about looking to purchase a single low-B string, then try: http://www.bassstringsonline.com/

Since you are specifically talking about D'Addario Chromes, I can say from recent experience that they are enjoyable strings, including the low-B. I have been using my new flatwounds for a couple of weeks now, and LOVE them. I purchased medium-gauge 4-string set (40-60-80-100), and added the low-B single. This kept my tensions relatively even, since typically I previously found the D and G strings to feel like they could be used by tightrope-walkers compared to the other three strings.

MoeGJBeener · #3 02-12-2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy_Climer

If you are talking about looking to purchase a single low-B string, then try: http://www.bassstringsonline.com/

Since you are specifically talking about D'Addario Chromes, I can say from recent experience that they are enjoyable strings, including the low-B. I have been using my new flatwounds for a couple of weeks now, and LOVE them. I purchased medium-gauge 4-string set (40-60-80-100), and added the low-B single. This kept my tensions relatively even, since typically I previously found the D and G strings to feel like they could be used by tightrope-walkers compared to the other three strings.

I actually was just on BSO before I posted this! Haha!

Good to hear you dig them. I may to the same thing you did gauge wise. May I ask what bass you strung them on?

SLaPiNFuNK · #4 02-12-2013, 05:20 PM

Many flat wound B strings sound great!

Some of my favorite B strings are flatwound B strings.

CTC564 · #5 02-12-2013, 05:23 PM

I have Chromes on my Nordy VJ5M and LaBella Nylon Tapewound on my fretless Stingray 5

Both are nice...

MoeGJBeener · #6 02-12-2013, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

Many flat wound B strings sound great!

Some of my favorite B strings are flatwound B strings.

Good to know!

MoeGJBeener · #7 02-12-2013, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTC564

I have Chromes on my Nordy VJ5M and LaBella Nylon Tapewound on my fretless Stingray 5

Both are nice...

I was checking tapes too!

Rezdog · #8 02-12-2013, 05:35 PM

Greetings from the North,

I have LaBella flat wounds on my P5 and LaBella tapes on one of my Brad Houser 5 Reverend's. Both B's are excellent.

Rezdog

**speak2planets** · #9 02-12-2013, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTC564

I have Chromes on my Nordy VJ5M and LaBella Nylon Tapewound on my fretless Stingray 5

Both are nice...

I don't know if they have them for 5's or not but the new LaBella white tapes are amazing!! I have a set on my acoustic and love them. Got them from BSO too

MoeGJBeener · #10 02-12-2013, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rezdog

Greetings from the North,

I have LaBella flat wounds on my P5 and LaBella tapes on one of my Brad Houser 5 Reverend's. Both B's are excellent.

Rezdog

Glad to hear!

MoeGJBeener · #11 02-12-2013, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speak2planets

I don't know if they have them for 5's or not but the new LaBella white tapes are amazing!! I have a set on my acoustic and love them. Got them from BSO too

Are tapes as smooth as flats? I don't quite get it?

warnergt · #12 02-12-2013, 08:09 PM

If you want to try TI Jazz Flats (not cheap, but great sound and
last a super long time), you can buy a single B string to try it.
If you like it, you can then buy the 4-string set to get the
remaining strings.

Thomastik-Infeld Bass Guitar Strings: Jazz Flat Wounds Nickel Flat Wound; Round Steel Core - Single B String

**speak2planets** · #13 02-12-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoeGJBeener

Are tapes as smooth as flats? I don't quite get it?

I think they feel smoother. They're basically the same things but different outer layers. The D'Addario tapes are good too. Pick up a cheap set and give them a try. That s what I did and now I love their mellow sound on my Martin

famousbirds · #14 02-12-2013, 10:28 PM

Fender 9050 stainless flat is my favorite. I use them on a G&L L-2500 to good effect. B string is snug, plays cleanly and sounds good muted.

FWIW I use the .045 - .125 set

MoeGJBeener · #15 02-13-2013, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warnergt

If you want to try TI Jazz Flats (not cheap, but great sound and
last a super long time), you can buy a single B string to try it.
If you like it, you can then buy the 4-string set to get the
remaining strings.

Thomastik-Infeld Bass Guitar Strings: Jazz Flat Wounds Nickel Flat Wound; Round Steel Core - Single B String

Are the TI's as bright as the chromes? I'm not a fan of a really dull sound. I like the bite chromes have. That would be the smart way to try a string, though!

MoeGJBeener · #16 02-13-2013, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by famousbirds

Fender 9050 stainless flat is my favorite. I use them on a G&L L-2500 to good effect. B string is snug, plays cleanly and sounds good muted.

FWIW I use the .045 - .125 set

Are they a little on the brighter side like Chromes since they're stainless?

SLaPiNFuNK · #17 02-13-2013, 04:24 AM

TI flats are more midrange focused.

You will find fenders to be bright similar to chromes