Flatwound on a 5-string

drumNbass28 · #1 10-10-2011, 11:57 AM

Hey guys,

I'm experimenting a lot with playing alternative and melodic bass (Steve Bailey-like stuff). But I was wondering how my bass would sound if I put some flatwound strings on my 5-string Ibanez SR705 (BEADG, maybe EADGC in the future)... Should I try it one day or is it completly insane??

christle · #2 10-10-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumNbass28

Hey guys,

I'm experimenting a lot with playing alternative and melodic bass (Steve Bailey-like stuff). But I was wondering how my bass would sound if I put some flatwound strings on my 5-string Ibanez SR705 (BEADG, maybe EADGC in the future)... Should I try it one day or is it completly insane??

Try it. The worst that can happen is that you learned something. I did it once and while I liked the result it wasn't appropriate for the music I was playing in that band so I went back to rounds. However I would do it again if the right application came up. The B sounded amazing!

Newfirstbass · #3 10-10-2011, 12:34 PM

Agree, I use nothing but flats- superb sound and low end depth

CTC564 · #4 10-10-2011, 12:34 PM

I recently put Chromes on my 5 string and it's "so far, so good"

They seem to sound and feel alot "thicker" to me...which in turn is forcing me to play with a lighter touch...

drumNbass28 · #5 10-10-2011, 01:00 PM

Hmmm I like to play (artificial) harmonics, will they still come out as good as with roundwounds?

**Chef** · #6 10-10-2011, 01:03 PM

I have Chromes on both my 51 Precision reissue 5 string, and, my Lakland USA P5.
Awesome.
Try it!

Muckaluck · #7 10-10-2011, 01:07 PM

Yes, I agree with the chromes suggestion. Worst case scenario you're not out that much money for trying something a bit different.

**Chef** · #8 10-10-2011, 01:09 PM

Also, it very much depends "what kind of flatwound sound you want."

The Chromes are very bright.
Sadowsky make a great 5 string flat set.
LaBella make both 'regular' flats, and black nylon tape wound. The regs are very motown, the tapes are fairly acoustic-y.

T-34 · #9 10-10-2011, 01:20 PM

I have Chromes on my fretless 5er, and I like'em! More than TI flats I've tried once (B was really too floppy for me)

T-34 · #10 10-10-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumNbass28

Hmmm I like to play (artificial) harmonics, will they still come out as good as with roundwounds?

Absolutely.

bass71 · #11 10-10-2011, 01:51 PM

The Fender 9050 flats are very stiff. I like them cause they mellow out and give a beautiful thud on a P bass. Or on a J bass...a perfect Jaco burp.

jaywa · #12 10-10-2011, 01:55 PM

Interesting... I was just talking to a bassist friend of mine the other day. He plays 5's, I play 4's and I was telling him how much I liked my flats and he said he had been thinking of trying them but was having trouble finding flatwound sets for 5ers.

Stanley Pugh · #13 10-10-2011, 01:58 PM

All my 5's have flats, Webstring Detroit brand on two , Chromes on one, Rotosound tape wound on another. All sit in the mix great!

gary m · #14 10-10-2011, 02:01 PM

I'd recommend GHS flats as sold through Carvin for your fiver. Great price and excellent tone. Mine are almost four years old and still sound fantastic.

AmadeusXeno · #15 10-10-2011, 05:20 PM

I have an Ibanez SR506 that I had put Rotosound flats on. It sounded very good to me and worked for many music styles. I have switched back to rounds, but wouldn't hate having flats on it again. I just like the lower tension of my Highbeams.

JustDavid · #16 10-11-2011, 04:02 PM

I've enjoyed Chromes & TI Jazz Flats on an Ibanez 485. And was surprised at how little I minded the TI's B tension.

I gave up on sourcing atypical string sets locally. Juststrings.com has been great to deal with.

**Staccato** · #17 10-11-2011, 04:03 PM

Worth a try, let us know how it works out.

Jay2U · #18 10-11-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumNbass28

Hmmm I like to play (artificial) harmonics, will they still come out as good as with roundwounds?

I'm using d'Addario Chromes for a year now. They really give me wings.

My playing improved, so I think there's no way back for me.

Harmonics are just there as with all strings. The quality of the harmonics is as good as with rounds. 5th, 7th, 12th and (virtual) 24th fret harmonics have a fantastic sustain.

This is not only due to the strings, but also has a lot to do with the overall stiffness of the bass, including bridge, neck and tuners.

SLaPiNFuNK · #19 10-11-2011, 07:32 PM

You can make 5 string sets with either a Low-B or High-C from most of the string manufacturers out there...

Although, there is no reason to buy a 6 string set. You can always add a Low-B / High-C to a 4 string set at anytime...

jallenbass · #20 10-11-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass71

The Fender 9050 flats are very stiff. I like them cause they mellow out and give a beautiful thud on a P bass. Or on a J bass...a perfect Jaco burp.

What gauge are you using? I have the 9050L and they are like buttah. Very nice on the hands.