Flatwound installation

fretlessman71 · #1 07-24-2008, 12:51 AM

Wondering what you might do differently when you're loading a set of flats on instead of rounds. How does your personal technique change from one to the next?

62bass · #2 07-24-2008, 02:38 AM

I don't think I ever did anything different from the way I instal rounds. They're strings, just like rounds.

Where did you get the idea there was something different?

fretlessguy · #3 07-24-2008, 03:47 AM

Naahh. They are installed the same. You will definately need to adjust the neck tension since flats usually have a higher tension and intonate. Your string height may or may not need changing, just depending on the gauge.

Big String · #4 07-24-2008, 07:29 AM

If you have a "string thru the body" option on your bass, I don't think it's advisable to use flats. The sharp angle/bend over the saddle will ruin the flatwound.

lmfreeman9 · #5 07-24-2008, 07:44 AM

I use TI's and LaBellas and I try not to cut the silks. They are expensive strings and they last forever. If I ever stop loving the tones, I can always resell them in the TB classifieds, where they generally go pretty fast.

fretlessman71 · #6 07-24-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62bass

I don't think I ever did anything different from the way I instal rounds. They're strings, just like rounds.

Where did you get the idea there was something different?

Because they're stiffer, and often have a harder time going around the peg... plus it's harder for me to break them with my fingers like I do rounds. So I figured I see if someone had a philosophy regarding one or the other.

sevenyearsdown · #7 07-24-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big String

If you have a "string thru the body" option on your bass, I don't think it's advisable to use flats. The sharp angle/bend over the saddle will ruin the flatwound.

I string through body with flats. I've heard so many people say this that I actually contacted DR strings to verify. They said you can string through body with flats and that it wont make a difference. Maybe I'll try string through bridge next time.

bl2112 · #8 07-24-2008, 02:59 PM

How long will flats last? And whats a good set? Are Roto flats any good?

spaz21387 · #9 07-24-2008, 03:06 PM

Any set of flats will last pretty much forever. The best flats are labellas. Daddario chromes arent bad but. If you can afford the labellas go with those. I had rotosound flats and hated them. Right out of the box they wouldnt stay in tune. I would tune my bass and then 5 minutes later I had to re tune it.

62bass · #10 07-24-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaz21387

Any set of flats will last pretty much forever. The best flats are labellas. Daddario chromes arent bad but. If you can afford the labellas go with those. I had rotosound flats and hated them. Right out of the box they wouldnt stay in tune. I would tune my bass and then 5 minutes later I had to re tune it.

The best flatwounds are the ones you like the best. I liked the Rotosound flats, didn't like Labellas or Chromes. My favourite flats are Thomastic.

Some agree with me--some don't. You have to try them for yourself.

king_biscuit · #11 07-24-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62bass

The best flatwounds are the ones you like the best.. . . You have to try them for yourself.

+1 La Bellas are great strings, but I prefer heavy Fender flats.

bassist4dalord · #12 07-24-2008, 11:46 PM

I have a pro install my strings now. I've cut 2 too many strings too short or wound them in the most awful manner that I am willing to be looked down upon if it means having a properly set up bass and a cable that is under 50+ lbs of pressure to be fully secured.

Bob the bassist · #13 07-24-2008, 11:48 PM

I refrain from drinking when I put flats on. Rounds, I get tanked. . .

king_biscuit · #14 07-24-2008, 11:51 PM

You can string most of them through the body, and they won't break right away; However, I think it shortens their life considerably. I used to snap flats all the time with my T-40 (through body stringing) in the 80s -- right at the bridge saddle.

fretlessman71 · #15 07-25-2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob the bassist

I refrain from drinking when I put flats on. Rounds, I get tanked. . .

You NEVER refrain from drinking, Bub (I mean Bob)... you're from CANADA, fer cryin' out loud!

fourstringdrums · #16 07-25-2008, 12:22 AM

I do nothing different except I may take a bit more effort to initially stretch the string and seat it at the saddle than I would with rounds. Especially with my Jamerson flats, it took a few days of stretching and seating because the strings are so thick. The truss rod usually has to be adjusted a bit too, but that's a minor thing. With all the adjustment from stock rounds to various flats I tried to my Jamerson flats, I only adjusted the truss rod a little bit under 1/4 of a turn to straighten. Action and intonation definitely had to be adjusted too but I'd check that with any string, roundwound or otherwise.

fretlessman71 · #17 07-27-2008, 01:30 AM

DANGIT!

Just ruined a perfectly good E string.

My Epiphone Rivoli has the smaller posts. The string broke around the post as I was installing it tonight.

So, I'll ask again: does anyone have to deal with this issue and how do you get past it?

EDIT: I used a long scale set. I figured the extra string taken up by the trapeze of the Rivoli would make up for the scale differential. Guess I was wrong... off to check if LaBella makes short-scale Deep Talkin' Flats.

Pilgrim · #18 07-27-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

DANGIT!

Just ruined a perfectly good E string.

My Epiphone Rivoli has the smaller posts. The string broke around the post as I was installing it tonight.

So, I'll ask again: does anyone have to deal with this issue and how do you get past it?

EDIT: I used a long scale set. I figured the extra string taken up by the trapeze of the Rivoli would make up for the scale differential. Guess I was wrong... off to check if LaBella makes short-scale Deep Talkin' Flats.

Don't go short scale!

Most basses like the Rivoli use MEDIUM scale (32") flats. Long scale is too long, 30" is too short. The neck to bridge scale is 30, but the tailpiece adds a couple of inches to the string length.

Medium scale should do it.

ALSO - to see how to measure string length, see this thread at the Last Bass Outpost: http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=613.0

The relevant comment, which was made about a Mustang bass with string-through bridge:

"...but it all depends on the winding length of the particular brand. He can figure the minimum winding length he needs by marking an existing string at the nut, removing it and measuring from the ball end to the mark. Then he'll need to check with the manufacturer. Unless something has changed recently, D'addario's shortscales have 32" wound length, 32 1/2" for GHS. Other brands will differ. Fender's 5250XL shortscale nickel plated steel roundwound set is advertised as fitting a Mustang. IIRC, LaBella shortscales won't."

I believe that the Labella Hofner Flats are actually medium scale because the bridge and tailpiece are similar to the Rivoli, and those Hofner Flats are wonderful strings. But it would pay to ask before ordering.

markjazzbassist · #19 07-27-2008, 01:04 PM

they have a different feel and you'll have to get used to the way you move up and down the fretboard, i find them to be a little harder to slide around on.

long live flats! i love them.

Broseph · #20 07-27-2008, 01:18 PM

Also, if you wanted to put flats on an acoustic (Michael Kelly or somesuch) you want to be careful about putting the last peg in as the flats tend to have a much larger diameter and don't quite fit the carved-out section on the lower-string pegs. The entire time I was tuning up that E string it was pretty easy to imagine is popping out cutting me in half for being dumb. On the bright side, flats make any bass that doesn't have enough "Oomph" sound MUCH better. If your bass already has a fat enough bottom then you run the risk of it getting muddy.