Flat wounds + Precision + SVT

68Goldfish · #1 06-09-2008, 11:02 AM

Hey string guys. I have another question regarding flat wound strings. I've allways been a rotosound roundwound kind of guy and I love the way they sound when thier brand new on either of my Jazz basses. I especially love the way that combination sounds through my vintage SVT. Love the tubey fatness and the smooth overdrive I get when digging in. Now, I just came into possesion of a precision and I'm thinking about trying a set of flats for the first time. I wonder what I can expect from the combination of the precision, svt and the flatwounds. Will the smooth overdrive still be there with the flats?
any comments from guys with experiance with this type of rig would be much appreciated.

Mastermold · #2 06-09-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Goldfish

Hey string guys. I have another question regarding flat wound strings. I've allways been a rotosound roundwound kind of guy and I love the way they sound when thier brand new on either of my Jazz basses. I especially love the way that combination sounds through my vintage SVT. Love the tubey fatness and the smooth overdrive I get when digging in. Now, I just came into possesion of a precision and I'm thinking about trying a set of flats for the first time. I wonder what I can expect from the combination of the precision, svt and the flatwounds. Will the smooth overdrive still be there with the flats?
any comments from guys with experiance with this type of rig would be much appreciated.

If you love Rotosound rounds, try their monel flats. They're brighter than most flats, but you'll probably like that better especially since you're trying flats out for the first time.

I've got a set on an SX P-bass right now and they sound fantastic. Haven't played them through my SVT yet (only break that amp out for band rehearsals and gigs) but through my little 30-watt practice amp they sounded great.

I originally bought them for my Fender Custom Shop '59 P-Bass but the tension was higher than the strings they replaced and I didn't want to adjust the truss rod on that bass so I put on some lighter tension (La Bella) flats. (The truss rod is a pain to adjust on that bass and the neck is perfect right now so I decided to just leave it.) But the Rotosounds flats have great tone and transformed my SX-P bass into a groove monster!

kickupthejam · #3 06-09-2008, 12:00 PM

Man, flatwounds on a P-bass is a classic combo, the tone's as thick as treacle. I never used to use my Precision until I stuck some flats on it and now it's just about my main bass. Plus it would be a fantastic contrast from your jazz'n'rotosound roundwounds.

bthiemann80 · #4 06-09-2008, 04:26 PM

Expect to get one of the most classic and sought after bass tones known to the modern world. I currently use that exact setup, fender pbass+flats+AmpegSVT-CL+2 4x10's. Never in my life have I been more happy with my bass tone, everything is there in that tone. It lacks nothing and really allows the bass to support the band and still be prominent in the mix.

However, if you're used to the jazz bass+rounds tone and feel, its going to take some getting used to. You almost have to play differently or approach playing the bass in a different manner when switching that sort of a setup to a pbass w/ flats. It took me a while to get used to a really appreciate the precision bass tone, especially at band practice. But as soon as we played a show w/ that setup, I knew that was it, game over.

tyggis · #5 06-11-2008, 05:26 AM

flatwounds + P-bass = love

GeneralElectric · #6 06-14-2008, 02:36 AM

It all depends on what brand of flats you use. I recommend GHS Precision flats.

**Chef** · #7 06-16-2008, 10:11 AM

Flats? P-bass? SVT?

That won't suck at all

I like LaBella 760fl...nice low end, clear present high end that you can roll off...Jamerson used LaBellas, but he used a substantially larger guage. The 760fl are a nice medium light tension.

jasper383 · #8 06-16-2008, 11:06 AM

You won't be able to stop smiling once you fire up the Ampeg/P Bass/Flats combination.

Be aware that the tension on the Rotos is about as high as it gets. The Roto 45-105 set of flats was my first set of flats after years of rounds. Nearly turned me off of flats for good; way too tight. I might suggest the light Roto set 40-100 to start. They take a while to break in, as well.

I agree with Chef. La Bella 760fl are just about perfect. That set would be my suggestion for a first (and quite possibly last) set of flats for your P.

68Goldfish · #9 06-16-2008, 06:32 PM

I don't know dude's. I tried them at band practice (XL chromes) and they sounded to woody and dull to me. I don't know if I can get over the super bright piano sounding grind that I get out of my rotosound woundwounds (which I love). I'm going to give it a couple more practices though because I want to make sure I give them a real fair shake.

**Chef** · #10 06-16-2008, 06:33 PM

Chromes are nothing like labellas...

68Goldfish · #11 06-16-2008, 06:41 PM

And it's entirely possible that I just don't have the right flats as well.

denton57 · #12 06-16-2008, 08:10 PM

I agree with you on the tone of the Chromes. Woody and dull. Try the Labellas...or try the TI's. The TI's are very unique and sound phenominal on my jazz and SVT rig. The best tone I have ever had is right now with the TI's. The tone of the TI's is definitely not dull..kinda roundwound like but better! They are light tension, but so easy to play and so full of tone.

Wootsticks · #13 06-16-2008, 08:27 PM

Chromes themselves are bright flats...