Which flats for 2008 Fender P5?

rob2966 · #1 05-31-2008, 01:45 AM

Just picked up a new 5-string American Standard P bass and I currently play constantly with the tone completely off so I am thinking of trying flats which would give an even better smooth, warm, thumpy sound.

So, wondering what are the best options for flats for me.

The tension of the stock strings is fine (could even go a bit lighter but wouldn't want to go heavier). I would still prefer to string through the body (mostly so I don't risk losing the metal insert on the back of the body). No modifications except for a slight truss-rod and/or bridge saddle tweak.

I looked briefly at Labella (love the tapewounds on my Rob Allen) but there was a comment on their website that their flats can't be used with string-through bodies??

All help is greatly appreciated (especially those who have put flats on one of the new 08 P basses).

Thanks
Rob

GeneralElectric · #2 05-31-2008, 01:48 AM

I like GHS Precision Flats on the new 08 P though granted its a 4 string.

DavePlaysBass · #3 05-31-2008, 08:48 AM

Labellas sound fat on a P. Many run them thru body. Or just string them thru the bridge. From what I have heard people say thru body does not really buy you much. My Sadowsky Fiver only goes thru bridge and I have no complaints.

Beefbass · #4 05-31-2008, 02:52 PM

I, for the life of me, can't figure out why Fender makes a 5 string bass, but doesn't offer its flatwounds in a 5 string set-especially now that the 5 string P is a passive model.

It is especially too bad, since IMHO Fender flatwounds are excellent strings.

Anyway, The D'addario Chromes, TI jazz flats, and possibly GHS and Ernie Balls are available in flatwound 5 string sets.

pickles · #5 05-31-2008, 09:12 PM

I'd go with Sadowskys or Labellas and string through the bridge.

Mastermold · #6 06-01-2008, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickles

I'd go with Sadowskys or Labellas and string through the bridge.

Yeah, I've got Chromes on my Squier P5 however and they sound great too.

MCN · #7 06-01-2008, 08:46 PM

I too just got the new P 5 string and put TI Jazz Flats on -- the first time I have tried them. I gotta tell ya, it's not working for me yet. The tone is quite good, but it's not like angels descended from heaven or anything. But the low tension is a problem for me -- I guess I dig in too hard. I may try raising the action to see if that helps but if not I'm going to switch to Sadowsky flats, which I play on my other bass, a Warwick fretless. I really dig those strings. I'm really looking forward to hearing what other folks are using.

SuperSnake2012 · #8 06-01-2008, 11:19 PM

I use D'Addario Chromes on my 4 string, and they're higher tension than TIs, give 'em a shot.

98mtd · #9 06-02-2008, 09:45 AM

DR Strings flats offers a five string set.

MCN · #10 06-09-2008, 12:24 PM

OK here's the answer (for me anyway): Sadowsky flats. Holy moly! These are unbelievable on the new P 5. Lows that shake the walls, but still very clear and present mids.

So, now I've got a set of TI Jazz Flats cut for the P 5 that I don't have a use for. The first person to PM me with your address can have 'em for free.

(I just realized that last paragraph sounded like I was dissing the TIs. I'm really not -- the tone is really nice and "woody", but it's just that the low tension doesn't work for me personally.)

Nedmundo · #11 06-11-2008, 07:07 AM

I'd go with D'Addario Chromes, which sound fantastic with the stock Fender pickups. I have some on my project fretless P with an American Series pickup, and it's a great match. Their clarity relative to other flats is a plus with Fender pickups, which IMO can lack clarity in the lows compared to others.

I've read that flats shouldn't be strung through the body, because the sharper break angle can damage the winding over time. I don't know if this is true, but on my American Series Precision I've always strung flats through the bridge and it sounds great.

Dan1099 · #12 06-11-2008, 07:31 AM

I've been using Chromes on my precision, but I've been interested in Sadowsky flats and TI Jazz Flats...

MCN · #13 06-11-2008, 08:13 PM

The freebie TIJFs have gone to a new home -- no more messages please.

Dan1099 · #14 06-12-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCN

The freebie TIJFs have gone to a new home -- no more messages please.

Thanks again! I'll let you know what I think of them once I get them in and on a bass!

Man, Talkbass rocks so hard!