Flatwound for my Fender P-Bass ???

[sucho2000]

Howdie,

I have done a few search through TB
and found that there is a tension issue with the bass necks..

I currently have a MIJ fender precision bass made in 94-95 ish.
Currently strung with an unknown roundwound with
super-low action and super-low tension.. (Bought as is..)

I am trying to convert to flatwound for this bass...
My questions are:

Should I adjust truss and bridge to accomodate the flatwounds ??
And if I go for lighter gauges, I can just use as it is??

Please recommend me one good-value (cheapish) flatwound to a COMPLETE NEWBIE to the flatwound...

It would be great if I do not have to change my setup

cheers

sucho

[dalkowski]

D'addario Chromes, but others will have other opinions.

No matter what strings you put on, unbelt for a good setup if you can't DIY. It'll be like getting a brand-new bass for a fraction of the price.

[Emibass]

Sadowsky Flats...simply the best!

[RCCollins]

I really liked the fender flatwound strings on a P-bass, but apparently they have changed, and I can't comment on the new ones.

[JackANSI]

i didn't need to 'retool' any of my basses I put Chromes on as long as I got the size closest to what was on there already.

[Dark Horse]

Originally Posted by dalkowski

D'addario Chromes, but others will have other opinions.

No matter what strings you put on, unbelt for a good setup if you can't DIY. It'll be like getting a brand-new bass for a fraction of the price.

+1 to the entire post !

[RCCollins]

chromes are pretty bright though. if you're going for an old school "vintage" fender sound, they're definitely not the string for the job IMO

[waynobass]

I use GHS Precision flats, light guage. They are low-tension and inexpensive. And the purple threads are lovely.

[PaulMacCnj]

I've tried LaBella and DR flats. The LaBellas are deeper sounding. The DRs are brighter and cut through the mix a bit better. Also, the DRs have lower tension compared to the LaBellas.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by waynobass

I use GHS Precision flats, light guage. They are low-tension and inexpensive. And the purple threads are lovely.

+1 on GHS Precisions - they're very affordable and, after a short break in period, play great. And yes, you will most likely have to do one, or more, adjustments to the truss rod when you make the switch.

[StrangerDanger]

Originally Posted by dalkowski

D'addario Chromes, but others will have other opinions.

No matter what strings you put on, unbelt for a good setup if you can't DIY. It'll be like getting a brand-new bass for a fraction of the price.

this

[rhopper]

Originally Posted by JackANSI

i didn't need to 'retool' any of my basses I put Chromes on as long as I got the size closest to what was on there already.

Same here on a Squier P-bass.

[ExaltBass]

I'm a fan of Sadowsky flats, but YMMV. No matter what I always end up tweaking my setup after a string change, unless it is switching to the exact brand and gauge strings.

As other have stated here, a good setup is priceless!

[bassman_al]

I started this thread for people interested in trying flats out without buying them. TB community at its best, passing on used flats for free as a way to try before you buy.

Flatwound lending library/pay it forward idea

Hope this is useful to you.

[unclekebm]

+3 for GHS precision light gauge...
warm & thumpy (old school P)

You should teach yourself how to set up your bass,
It'll be priceless in the future, and it's not difficult to learn

[Pilgrim]

There is no tension issue whatsoever with a properly functioning P or J neck. That's simply incorrect.

That said, the classic P sound is usually Labella Deep Talkin' flats.

[lmfreeman9]

I find that TI Jazz flats are the best and the lightest tension.

Economical? Hell yes! If you like them, they will last forever.

If you don't, you can sell them on the classifieds for a $10 loss.