Flats for a T-40?

Basstovsky · #1 03-08-2009, 11:19 AM

I want to get a good vintagey almost rickenbacker-esque tone from my t-40, and with both pups on and coil-tapped, I can get CLOSE with the dead rounds on it, and I know I can get it if I switch it to flats.

Tried to put on a set of old chromes I had, but alas they are not long enough due to the super-thick body. So since I have to buy new flats, what would be the best for achieving a 60s rick type sound? Labellas are out because it is string-thru only.

6Steve6Harris6 · #2 03-08-2009, 11:36 AM

TI Jazz Flats, man.

Basstovsky · #3 03-08-2009, 03:59 PM

I've heard those are pretty low tension, and are very expensive, I'd prefer something more old-school regardless, maybe rotosounds? Are they long enough?

JustDavid · #4 03-08-2009, 04:09 PM

String it up with the short Chromes, bits of paper in the nut slots, borrow a capo to get the stepped down parts out of the picture, then try them out for tone.

Sundogue · #5 03-08-2009, 04:41 PM

The Super Long Chromes might work.

D'Addario's website's FAQ has a spot where it tells you how to measure for what length they make. They make three that I know of...Medium, Regular and Super Long. They give actual inch ranges of their scale lengths. I do believe the Super Longs fit any bass that requires 36" to 38" long strings (from ball end to where the strings start to taper past the nut).

Hope you find what you are looking for.

6Steve6Harris6 · #6 03-08-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basstovsky

I've heard those are pretty low tension, and are very expensive, I'd prefer something more old-school regardless, maybe rotosounds? Are they long enough?

They are pretty low tension, at least compared with other flats, like Chromes. They're very old-school, though.

Rotosounds are always good, though. Those have always been my go-to strings whenever I need flats.

fretlessguy · #7 03-09-2009, 08:33 AM

From my own personal experence, I'd go with a light set of GHS Precision flatwounds. They are very old school, and are made to fit up to 36 inch scales. I am sure the heavier gauges are the same.

Basstovsky · #8 03-10-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessguy

From my own personal experence, I'd go with a light set of GHS Precision flatwounds. They are very old school, and are made to fit up to 36 inch scales. I am sure the heavier gauges are the same.

Would these work? http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ium?sku=103126

Or do they need to say they are super long scale?

Basstovsky · #9 03-11-2009, 09:14 PM

bump, are all GHS long enough or do they need to say superlong scale on box?

bfc · #10 03-11-2009, 09:26 PM

try Carvin flats. They work wonders and are inexpensive.

Cutty · #11 03-12-2009, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basstovsky

I've heard those are pretty low tension, and are very expensive, I'd prefer something more old-school regardless, maybe rotosounds? Are they long enough?

Yes they are,i have had them on my T-40 with no issues.

lmfreeman9 · #12 03-12-2009, 07:16 AM

I love flats, especially on a T-40 but if you are going for a Rick sound, rounds may work better.

Basstovsky · #13 03-19-2009, 02:58 PM

well I wanted a 60s rick sound (back before rounds existed :O) The GHS Precision flats are quite amazing. Not quite the sound I wanted but they feel great and sound BIG.