flats for michael kelly dragonfly

madfiddler · #1 08-11-2009, 08:33 AM

just got my new mk dragonfly 5 strnig fretless a/e

definitely need to replace the stock d'addario strings

I'd like nice natural but brightish upright sound which I'm sure is achievable

Suggestions I've picked up from other threads for the MK are
GHS tapewounds
D'Addario Chromes
Labella half rounds?

I need to get them in the UK - after a quick labella search these seemed difficult to find....

cheers all
mf

Fendercustom7 · #2 08-11-2009, 08:40 AM

I own the MK dragonfly 5 fretless and I agree, it does sound best with flats. The one company I swear by, though, is the one nobody ever thinks of because they are a primarily orchestral string maker. Thomastik-Infeld of Vienna makes nickel-flats that will make your Dragonfly sing like no other. It's what I use on all of my basses and swear by them.

coreyfyfe · #3 08-11-2009, 08:49 AM

I used the rotosound black nylon flats, but had an issue with the B-string. The B in this set is a 135 and it didn't fit into the nut slot as it was cut.

http://www.rotosound.com/tru88.html

madfiddler · #4 08-11-2009, 09:05 AM

thanks both good tips so far

yes...I heard mention of the TI strings with basses elsewhere, as a violinist I have of course come across them before, I've use their Dominant strings now for about 25 years (eek!)

For the mk do you use the TI JF345 set?

madfiddler · #5 08-13-2009, 06:34 AM

bump....

any other opinions?

madfiddler · #6 08-15-2009, 05:57 PM

Well I took a punt on the thomastik jf345 set in the eNd although they are not secifically listed as an acoustic string

put them on today and Not totally sold on them, but will give them time
they certainly sound more natural than the stock d'addario bronze phosphor set and they will be much easier on my fingers!

Unplugged there is a distinctly reduced volume and the b string is very quiet and tensionof it probably a bit low. The b is a 136 gauge and I had to carefully file the nut and particularly the bridge pin

the bridge pins were a real pain to remove on this bass
I had to put my hand through the sound whole with a pair of pliers use them closed on the flat sde and cautiously hammer upward under the pin to raise them sufficiently to get a blunt blade under the edge ont the topside to then wiggle them out

plugged int the bass deffo has more of a thump to it and tones more like an upright. The d'addarios where VERY squeaky and these TI's are not at all which is good in my book

so all in all the jury is still out
I'll let you know how I get on with them

cheers all