Flats, which to chose??

topcat2069 · #1 11-14-2010, 07:04 AM

In the late '70s early '80s I used Gibson Observers (flats) on my '76 MM String Ray. but I was touring and could afford to buy in bulk and change strings after every 5 shows. I can't afford to do that now.
The Ray build I just finished is a 5er and I need super long strings. It's strung with DAddario XL 170s (45 to 130), it has a "zingy" type sound (which is nice but not what I want) and I'm looking for a Fundamental not thudy sound. I like some sustain and just enough overtones for pitch recognition. On the cheap are the Daddrio Chromes and the high end are the TIs, as I can't afford to do too much $$ experimenting, which flats would be best for all around POP and Rock (classic)?

mcm · #2 11-14-2010, 09:24 AM

chromes all the way.

JazznFunk · #3 11-14-2010, 09:36 AM

I play in several bands across several styles and really like GHS Precision Flatwounds. Those were the first flats I ever used, many years ago. These days I use the Lakland Custom Wound Joe Osborn flats primarily, which are essentially the same strings but in slightly different gauges. I use them in a light gauge on a Lakland 44-01 and on my SX P-Bass, and have used them in the past on my Jazz Bass and even my Lakland 44-02. I find that they deliver a good combo of thump and sustain, yet still have enough detail to be articulate. The tension is very comfortable as well. Those sets usually run anywhere from $20-30 per set depending on the retailer. If you choose to go with the standard GHS option, I recommend JustStrings.com. If you want to check out the Laklands, go to Lakland.com

bassbully · #4 11-14-2010, 09:50 AM

TI's are nice but loose in tension..expensive too. Da' Chromes are my go to string but i have found as others here that the Ernie ball flats are just chromes repackaged and they are a few bucks cheaper. I am going to give the new Fender flats a try since they are close to chromes. These are all good flats to consider.

P-punk · #5 11-14-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Chromes are my go to string but i have found as others here that the Ernie ball flats are just chromes repackaged

I don't think this is true. IMO EBs are a bit more traditional sounding than Chromes.

markanini · #6 11-15-2010, 01:02 AM

Is'nt the "traditional" flats sound a slightly nasal mids character with less extended harmonics?

fretlessguy · #7 11-15-2010, 06:45 PM

For my flats needs I use GHS Precision Flats in .45-.95 gauge when I need a traditional flat sound, and TIs for when I need a brighter sound for fretless.

Darth_Gasseous · #8 11-28-2010, 06:48 PM

if you want cheap, traditional sounding flats, might I suggest the Detroit flats from www.webstrings.com ? I use them and I love them (I feel like a missionary for these strings). I've received many compliments on the sound of my bass, and I by no means play expensive basses... I play the medium gauge and I love them.

FretlessMainly · #9 11-28-2010, 07:08 PM

I use Fender 9050, LaBella Deep Talkin' Bass 760FS and DA Chromes (ECB81). The Fender 9050s sound like they would get closest to what you're asking for.

CrimsonGhost · #10 11-28-2010, 07:11 PM

I would check out Sadowsky flats, I never heard any bad reviews on them, built by labella to Rogers specs and apparently a bit different than the labellas,

I have been using rotos over the past few years now and switching to the sadowskys, it must be my skin chemistry to the roto monel alloy or somthing becuase after a few hours of play even after cleaning them well they smell bad...

Zapp · #11 11-29-2010, 08:25 AM

I'm going to take your dare.
Never tried flats on the cruise bass so I'm ordering 'em.
Heavy's since I am tuned to D...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth_Gasseous

if you want cheap, traditional sounding flats, might I suggest the Detroit flats from www.webstrings.com ? I use them and I love them (I feel like a missionary for these strings). I've received many compliments on the sound of my bass, and I by no means play expensive basses... I play the medium gauge and I love them.

Double Agent · #12 11-29-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-punk

I don't think this is true. IMO EBs are a bit more traditional sounding than Chromes.

+1....I have used both sets and I agree with this assessment. I think that they are similar, but the EBs had less highs than Chromes from the start and, after 9 months, have mellowed to now having WAY less highs than a set of Chromes which I had on a bass for over a year.

I would recommend Chromes as the most versatile flatwound string out there, at least that I know of. They are smoother than almost any roundwound you can find, but they still allow you to get some roundwound-like sounds that other flats won't be able to touch.