Flats noob asks for suggestions...

ChrisDieci · #1 10-26-2011, 02:08 AM

So, here's the deal: I have a Squier fretless vintage modified, right now it has the round strings that came with the bass, and I want to move to flats.

The shop I went to suggested one of these sets:

Fender 9050L
Galli Jazz Flat 45-105
D'Addario Chromes ECB81

The difference in price range is about 10 euros so that's not an issue.

I'm not looking for a particular tone yet, I am an amateur player playing mainly at home covers of music I like, which can go from prog rock to metal to (pretending for a moment I can actually play it) jazz-fusion, besides pretty pointless improvisations and random fun with a zoom pedal.

So, I am going for the most "balanced" set that will give me more versatility, I guess.

What would you suggest?

C.Linton · #2 10-26-2011, 02:30 AM

GHS Precision Flats. Smooth, nice tone, not expensive.

fitani · #3 10-26-2011, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Linton

GHS Precision Flats. Smooth, nice tone, not expensive.

+1

genericusername · #4 10-26-2011, 03:02 AM

I was personally happy with the chromes, but they are the only flat I've used so far. They're a bit high tension (just a bit, though) and only start sounding good after being on your bass for at least 2 weeks, IME. Very nice string though, and I would recommend them.

kevteop · #5 10-26-2011, 03:40 AM

I heard the Fenders are pretty good, I haven't tried them myself. I use LaBella 760FL on my Jazz, don't stress the price you'll get plenty of use out of them, I've been using the same set for about 2 years now and so far haven't found any reason to change them.

Darkstrike · #6 10-26-2011, 03:49 AM

Chromes will cover a lot of ground, IMO, from punchy rock, to smoother stuff, with a roll of the tone knob.

SLaPiNFuNK · #7 10-26-2011, 05:08 AM

If you want a string that is going to cover more ground as far as versatility, you should look at a brighter string. You can always remove brightness from a string, adding it you generally add more noise.

As mentioned above Chromes are some of the brightest flats you can choose...

However, you may also want to look at "Half Rounds" or "Brite Flats" as some companies call them. These will give you the flexibility of Round Wounds but tonal characteristics of flats and near feel of flats. They start as Round Wounds but the outer windings are shaved down into a flat surface. Less expensive than true Flat Wounds, but brighter, more flexible than most flatwounds...

**BLDavis** · #8 10-26-2011, 05:27 AM

I like Chromes ECB84 on mine. Gauged .40-.60-.80-.100 they are a little less tension than ECB81 and feel very smooth to me. They are a little bright at first but you can EQ that out till they settle in.
B.

5StringFool · #9 10-26-2011, 05:39 AM

I've used DR Legends, GHS Precision Flats, Chromes, and TI Jazz Flats. Ime the Chromes and TI's are definitely the most versatile. The Legends and the GHS were a bit dark for my tastes.

Currently I have Chromes on my 5 string and TI's on my 4 banger. To my ears the sound is very similar, but the TI's are much lower in tension and feel more like a round from a tension standpoint, allowing easier bending and vibrato techniques.

Smokin' Toaster · #10 10-26-2011, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5StringFool

I've used DR Legends, GHS Precision Flats, Chromes, and TI Jazz Flats. Ime the Chromes and TI's are definitely the most versatile. The Legends and the GHS were a bit dark for my tastes.

Currently I have Chromes on my 5 string and TI's on my 4 banger. To my ears the sound is very similar, but the TI's are much lower in tension and feel more like a round from a tension standpoint, allowing easier bending and vibrato techniques.

+1 on TI JF's and Chromes as the choice of flats, and I completely agree with 5stringfool's take on the difference in tension.

Here's what I use:

Lakland Skyline Jerry Scheff Signature 5 string - TI Jazz Flats
Lakland Dude Pit Limited Edition II - Chromes
Fender Squire Fretless Vintage Modified - TI Jazz Flats (I also modded this bass and put an East J-Retro preamp on it. It is quite flexible in the tone department!!)

PaulNYC · #11 10-26-2011, 08:38 AM

+1 on the TI flats. great tone. I have TI on both my basses.

ChrisDieci · #12 10-27-2011, 02:01 AM

Thanks guys, appreciated! Actually after this thread and reading others I am probably more confused than before, but nevermind...

I'll probably settle down for the Chromes