Flatwounds for a 5 string?

LKdubby · #1 12-15-2007, 08:01 PM

I went up to GC today to pick up some earphones and while I was there I inquired how much a set of flatwounds would be for my 5 string..

They told me that they only had sets of flatwounds for 4 string basses and that "I'd have to probably contact the manufacturer" to get a set of flatwounds for my 5'er..

Umm...

Does that sound right?

I haven't played long enough to even know which types of strings to get (as in brand name). But I have been reading and hearing about how flatwounds provide a nice warm tone for reggae style bass.. Which is why I want to try them..

So do y'all have any suggestions for;

A. What types of flatwounds to get?
B. Where I can find them for a 5 string since GC didn't seem able to provide them..?

Any help as always is appreciated!

MaxZolt · #2 12-15-2007, 08:04 PM

I would check out juststrings.com. They sell singles, so you can add a 5th string if you can't find a 5-string set.

nonfatmatt · #3 12-15-2007, 08:08 PM

I play Ska/Reggae and I don't string with anything but flats, and for Reggae there's no reason you should be playing any other type of string. GC doesn't carry any 5 string sets, but I'd wager you could find some Chromes at a local music store ($35 down at mine). They're light sounding as flats go, another good bargain for a deeper set that I used to use were the Labella made Carvin strings...at about $26 for the set were nice and deep.

https://www.carvin20.com/products/si...p?product=FW50

jasper383 · #4 12-15-2007, 08:54 PM

Yes, online string stores will have them.

I have tried Chromes, La Bella, and TI Jazz Flats in 5 string format. All excellent. Any would be good for reggae; Chromes a little brighter, La Bellas the thumpiest, TIs most like an upright and having the most mids.

kevinmoore73 · #5 12-15-2007, 08:57 PM

I use super-long scale D'Addario Chromes (ECB81-5SL) on my 55-01. They were $38.94 from theperfectbass.com after the TB 15% discount and shipping.

Jazzdogg · #6 12-15-2007, 11:25 PM

I use Thomastik-Infeld JazzFlats on all of my electric basses.

I've purchased 5-string sets from:
www.juststrings.com
www.musiciansfriend.com

They were surprisingly less expensive through MF.

bassteban · #7 12-15-2007, 11:32 PM

TI Jazz Flats on my through-body-strung Jazz 5. I traded a pedal her for them & they had been cut for a MM(3+1 w/the B unused); the G is only wrapped once but it's been on for awhile & works fine. I had LaBellas on my fretless 6 for awhile(a 5 set w/a GHS high C)but switched to D'Addario half-rounds.

Edit: I forgot to add a vote for www.juststrings.com.

Marcury · #8 12-16-2007, 01:22 AM

I use LaBella tape wounds on my main axe and love them. Great sound and they only get better as they play in. I just put Thomastik Jazz Flats on my ABG (but that's a 4 stringer), haven't had them on long enough to decide how I like them, but bought them because I've only heard good things about them. The two things I've noticed so far is that they're lighter gauge than I'm used to and (probably related) they're not as loud as what was on it originally (pretty sure they were Fenders from the blue silk wrap)

LKdubby · #9 12-17-2007, 10:14 AM

As always, thanks to everyone for some great suggestions and replies! After reading through the responses to my question, I realized I have a couple more questions now..

Before this the terms "long scale" and "short scale" weren't in my vocabulary... From what I can gather I'd want to buy "long scale" strings for my 35" Schecter 5, is that right? I've read that long scale strings are used on 34" basses, is there "extra long scale" for 35"'ers? Hope those aren't stupid questions...

Second new question is about string gauge.. I have no idea what gauges the current strings are that came with the bass.. I have no idea whatsoever as to which gauges to buy for a replacement set.. Can anyone offer advice here?

Thanks again,
LKD

bassteban · #10 12-17-2007, 10:28 AM

I don't know that there is a standard for the terms short, long & extra-long scale, but for a 35 through body bas I'd certainly think extra-long scale would be in order. I like lighter-gauge(100-030 w/a 130 B)strings in general, but flats are going to be different. There's not as many different gauges to choose from & the feel varies from mfr to mfr.

Marcury · #11 12-17-2007, 11:04 AM

Yes 35" Extra Long scale. Not sure how many gauge options there are at least in the Tapewounds I've used, since I've only bought them from Rob Allen and he only carries one gauge in each.

ErnieD · #12 12-17-2007, 09:05 PM

D'AD Chromes is what I ordered at my local store for my 55-02so I could string em thru body. Had to wait like over 3 weeks and paid $47.00 when they got here, geez. I shoulda got em online instead. But after I got em home a read a couple threads here on TB that stringing flats thru body has caused some to have their flats unwind where they break coming out of body onto the bridge. I put some Chromes on my 55-01 a couple years ago and no problems there. Plus the strings on the -02 are new DR Sunbeams and not ready to take those off. But will start with a blues band after first of '08 so may put the flats on then, but really liking these first time DRs right now. Also, I put some D'AD XL170 Nickels regular length on my G&L L2500, all strings went thru body just fine but the B string had to go over the bridge, it came up short. But I dont notice anything different soundwise strung this way. Just my .04 cents.

Dave R · #13 12-17-2007, 11:12 PM

Quote:

They told me that they only had sets of flatwounds for 4 string basses and that "I'd have to probably contact the manufacturer" to get a set of flatwounds for my 5'er..

Umm...

Does that sound right?

That's exactly what my GC told me. So I have a set of D'Addarios on order from JustStrings.