Flatwound recommendation for my recently acquired Squier Vintage Modified Fretless

bcolins · #1 11-08-2009, 10:27 AM

I just picked up a lightly used Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Fretless. I want to try some flatwounds on it. Any recommendations?

Brian

bassist4dalord · #2 11-08-2009, 10:47 AM

D'Addario Chromes are great for first-time flat users. Pretty good price, too. If you're looking to not spend a lot of money, check out www.webstrings.com Please know that, much like roundwounds, no two flatwounds sound the same: D'Addario Chromes have more low-mid and mid emphasis, whereas La Bella flats are mostly nothin' but thump. Also, please take a look at the Confessions of a Flatwound Convert thread. Lots of help in there. Best of luck!

Goodlawdy · #3 11-08-2009, 10:52 AM

I've tried Labella 760FL and DR HiBeam Flats. Both are roughly the same tension - not terribly cable like. Labellas are slightly smoother strings. I like the Labellas a little better than the DRs. DR's are slightly brighter tonewise. Both are great strings though.

I favor a more rolled off tone.

Bassman316 · #4 11-08-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassist4dalord

D'Addario Chromes are great for first-time flat users. Pretty good price, too. If you're looking to not spend a lot of money, check out www.webstrings.com Please know that, much like roundwounds, no two flatwounds sound the same: D'Addario Chromes have more low-mid and mid emphasis, whereas La Bella flats are mostly nothin' but thump. Also, please take a look at the Confessions of a Flatwound Convert thread. Lots of help in there. Best of luck!

+1 to Chromes and the Confessions of a Flatwound Convert thread. THE thread for flat talk.

Tahoe_Ed · #5 11-08-2009, 10:53 AM

My favorites are Pyramid Golds, very expensive, and La Bella Deep Talking Bass Tape Wounds. If you are looking to try the Chromes, PM me. I have a set setting around that were played about 6 times and removed. Too bright for my taste, but they have many fans on TB so they may suit you.

boogie8008 · #6 11-08-2009, 10:54 AM

I use the Rotosound flats and I think they sound pretty close to the labellas but with considerably lower tension. They are also a good bit cheaper.

snyderz · #7 11-08-2009, 10:58 AM

Looks like you'll get as many recommendations as there are brands. But you knew that, right? Lakland Joe Osborn Stainless Flats.

fivestringgecko · #8 11-08-2009, 11:01 AM

+1 to Chromes, I just put a set on my Pbass V, sounds great!
+1 to Confessions of a Flatwound Convert thread!
+1 to "you'll get lots of suggestions"

5sg.

bcolins · #9 11-08-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tahoe_Ed

My favorites are Pyramid Golds, very expensive, and La Bella Deep Talking Bass Tape Wounds. If you are looking to try the Chromes, PM me. I have a set setting around that were played about 6 times and removed. Too bright for my taste, but they have many fans on TB so they may suit you.

Ed, I PMd you.

Brian

**BLDavis** · #10 11-08-2009, 06:39 PM

I prefer TI Jazz Flats on my VM. I like the low tension and warm tone. I tried Ernie Ball flats and liked them ok but they were a bit too bright for me.

JohnnyB53 · #11 11-09-2009, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLDavis

I prefer TI Jazz Flats on my VM. I like the low tension and warm tone. I tried Ernie Ball flats and liked them ok but they were a bit too bright for me.

I like the TI Flats infinitely better than the Chromes. To my ears the Chromes do a lot of things right, but have a sort of midrange glare that's characteristic of stainless strings. The TI's have a deeper rooted fundamental, a really pleasant harmonic structure and tonal balance, sustain out the wazoo, feel nice and soft in the hand, and most importantly, blend well into a mix and yet don't disappear. They have a great sense of ensemble without getting lost.

Of course, I'm talking about music styles where flatwounds are valued in the first place. I haven't tried Pyramids, I'm sure they're in the same league or better. I'll always gladly spend the extra $25 for the TI Flats over the chromes.

bassbenj · #12 11-09-2009, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcolins

I just picked up a lightly used Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Fretless. I want to try some flatwounds on it. Any recommendations?
Brian

Since everyone have mentioned just about every brand there is except GHS I might as well mention them.

My personal rule about bass strings is that I consider GHS strings to be the "standard". Everything they sell does the job. They are never the best, but always good enough. So when I'm a noob about a certain bass or strings I always start with GHS strings to give me a baseline of what to expect.

Once you have established that, you can start trying all the exotic things that everybody is telling you is "best". But the GHS strings will let you judge right away if this particular style of string etc. is what you want on that particular bass etc. If the GHS won't give you what you are looking for then usually other brands won't either.

JohnnyB53 · #13 11-09-2009, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbenj

If the GHS won't give you what you are looking for then usually other brands won't either.

I've got nothing against GHS strings and like some of them pretty well in fact. But there's one thing that make the Pyramid and TI Flats stand apart from all the other flatwounds: they use pure nickel wrap where every other flatwound I know of uses stainless steel, including Chromes and GHS. The difference in overtone structure (which translates into fundamental tone quality) can't be fixed with the tone knob or the amp EQ. I know cuz I tried.