Flats on a 5 for Clasic Country

silvertones · #1 05-25-2010, 02:55 PM

Having played Country for 46 years it's sort of a stupid question but anyone using flats on a 5 string for Country? I started with a 1965 P bass with an SBT with flats. I also used the LaBella nylon taped as well. Don't remember when I went to rounds. I'm not a solo type player so was just thinking about trying some flats.

daofktr · #2 05-25-2010, 04:29 PM

My Lakland 55-94 is strung with La Bella Deep Talkin' flats. I play everything with this bass, including classic country, and it works for me (and my bands).

sowegafly · #3 05-25-2010, 05:37 PM

I've been wondering about this too. Do you loose any sustain with the flats? I know its probably a really dumb question but I've never even touched a flat wound string before. We play alot of classic country but all our slower songs are real modern with notes held for a long time. I'm wondering if flats would work

MNAirHead · #4 05-25-2010, 05:38 PM

Sustain loss..normally.. many times overtones.

think more percussive.

**TheMutt** · #5 05-25-2010, 07:04 PM

My EBMM SR5 is strung with flats. There is some sustain loss, and some loss in overtones to be sure, but I and my bandmates like the sound of the flats more than the rounds that I was using before. My sound sits better in the mix now and isn't so up front.

silvertones · #6 05-26-2010, 04:45 AM

That's what I was thinking also. It's probably been 25-30 years since I've used flats. With rounds I love the tone when i play that low B. I do a one man band were i do the tracks myself so the Kick drum is playing what I play so I get that real percussive feel.

BTW I saw it mentioned that the Carvin flats aren't LaBella like their other strings. I just got an email confirming that the Carvin flats ARE LaBella. At $26.00 you can't go wrong.

Joe Smithberger · #7 05-26-2010, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvertones

That's what I was thinking also. It's probably been 25-30 years since I've used flats. With rounds I love the tone when i play that low B. I do a one man band were i do the tracks myself so the Kick drum is playing what I play so I get that real percussive feel.

BTW I saw it mentioned that the Carvin flats aren't LaBella like their other strings. I just got an email confirming that the Carvin flats ARE LaBella. At $26.00 you can't go wrong.

Just watch their shipping charges.

silvertones · #8 05-26-2010, 06:09 AM

$9.00 for as much small stuff as you want at once.
When I had my bass repaired it cost me $73.00 to ship it out and Carvin charged $29.00 to ship it back.

pickles · #9 05-26-2010, 11:36 AM

Spring for the labella flats. You could use one set for most of the rest of your career. The tapered flatwound low B is great.

wallydoesbass · #10 05-26-2010, 11:44 AM

My Roscoe Beck 5 with TI flats sounds great for country work. Livelier than traditional 60's-style flats.

jasper383 · #11 05-26-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvertones

BTW I saw it mentioned that the Carvin flats aren't LaBella like their other strings. I just got an email confirming that the Carvin flats ARE LaBella. At $26.00 you can't go wrong.

Where did that email come from?

The last three sets of Carvin flats I have ordered have been GHS Precision Flats, and the Carvin website no longer says that the flats are made by La Bella.

The rounds and tapes are still La Bella, but the flats haven't been lately.

silvertones · #12 05-26-2010, 12:46 PM

labella

Thanks,
Kevin W. ext.111
1-800-854-2235

-----Original Message-----
From:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:57 PM
To: Sales Desk
Subject: Carvin.com Customer Service

captcha_code: wf84vd
Message: Who makes your flatwound bass strings for 5 string bass?
Ordernumber:
Phonenumber:
Email: xxxxxxxxxxx
Name: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: sales@carvin.com

Craig_S · #13 05-26-2010, 04:29 PM

My Precision wears LaBella flats and it sustains very well. Sustain is very much about the instrument.

mccartneyman · #14 05-26-2010, 04:34 PM

Today's flats are not the flats of 25 years ago. TI JAzz Flats and D'Addario Chromes are very lively. Chromes are a but heavier tension than the Tis. I've used both on multiple fivers with great results. They kill in the studio.

jasper383 · #15 05-26-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvertones

labella

Thanks,
Kevin W. ext.111
1-800-854-2235

-----Original Message-----
From:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:57 PM
To: Sales Desk
Subject: Carvin.com Customer Service

captcha_code: wf84vd
Message: Who makes your flatwound bass strings for 5 string bass?
Ordernumber:
Phonenumber:
Email: xxxxxxxxxxx
Name: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: sales@carvin.com

That's interesting. Buy a set; I bet they come to you with purple silks and no taper--GHS.

You can't go wrong with La Bellas or GHS flats. Both would be great for what you are looking for.