Flatwound 5 string E-C tuning

stranded horse · #1 03-05-2010, 05:59 AM

Are there flatwounds with a high C string? I can't find any

Bootzilla · #2 03-05-2010, 06:07 AM

Maybe you can buy a separate high c?

stranded horse · #3 03-05-2010, 06:18 AM

Yes, I'm stupid, I didn't look carefully.
There are TI 6 string sets and D'Addario single string high Cs.

Low Main · #4 03-05-2010, 06:33 AM

For the Rotosound flats, you can buy the high C as a single at Mus. Friend.

For the LaBella flats, you can buy the high C as a single at Big City String. Best to call and ask for it - it's not on the website.

IIRC, the Roto is at .030 and the LaBella at .029

You can also buy LaBella black tapewounds with either a high C as a single, or buy a six string set and give the low B away to someone who is considering a career as a tightrope walker.

Then tune down to DGCFBb and you've got nearly the full range of a 6 string covered with a fiver. I like playing a detuned E much more than I do a B string.

Senator · #5 03-05-2010, 08:24 PM

I bought a single Thomastik-Infeld high C-string at amazon.com (cheapest I've found).

It was about $12.00 with $5.00 shipping.

If you're really gonna go for TIs, you should look into it.

stranded horse · #6 03-06-2010, 03:28 AM

Are the TIs worth it? I love them on my other bass but I don't know how they perform on the high notes.

Senator · #7 03-06-2010, 10:34 AM

They are worth it, IMO.

How long have you had your TIs?

Senator · #8 03-06-2010, 10:40 AM

Amazon.com - TI single C string

stranded horse · #9 03-06-2010, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator

They are worth it, IMO.

How long have you had your TIs?

2 weeks.

But I'm unsure if I take D'Addario Chromes or TI strings for my 5 string fretless.
As I said, I want to tune it E-C

Senator · #10 03-06-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stranded horse

2 weeks.

But I'm unsure if I take D'Addario Chromes or TI strings for my 5 string fretless.
As I said, I want to tune it E-C

I've never tried Chromes before, but give them some time and the TIs will totally mellow out and show the true sound that everyone raves about.

stranded horse · #11 03-06-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator

I've never tried Chromes before, but give them some time and the TIs will totally mellow out and show the true sound that everyone raves about.

But I loved the tone of the TI flats from the start right away

Senator · #12 03-06-2010, 11:26 AM

Right on.

Can anyone else chime in on the Chromes vs. TIs on a 5-string fretless bass?

stranded horse · #13 03-06-2010, 11:31 AM

I wouldn't hestitate putting the TIs on 4 string for a second. But they might sound too mellow for a high c string, and Chromes are said to be brighter, so that would be a plus for them.

lmfreeman9 · #14 03-06-2010, 11:34 AM

I've never tried this but hate the sound of B strings, especially with flats.

This seems like a good idea to me, especially with TI's.

hieronymous · #15 03-06-2010, 11:39 AM

Chromes and TIs are very different tension-wise - this is something you might want to consider. The TIs are very low tension, Chromes feel much tighter. I recently put Chromes on my short scale Stanley Clarke 5-string tuned E-C like you want to do, thought they were great! Plus they were giving me higher tension that the roundwounds I was using (DR Hi-Beams) which I needed. I also put on a set of Rotosounds Monel flats and the tension seems to be about the same as the Chromes.

I also have Chromes on a 4-string Fender bass, and really like them. I've used TIs in the past, but they are just a bit too floppy to me. I think you should experiment with both, see what you like, but I will vote Chromes.

stranded horse · #16 03-06-2010, 11:53 AM

I think I'm going to put chromes on my 5 string fretless, just out of curiosity.
And they are a lot cheaper too. The store where I ususually order strings and stuff doesn't have single TI strings, but the have Chrome High Cs. The Chromes are just €30 and the single high C is €8 while the TI are €36 plus possible around €15 for the single high C...