Flatwounds question

[Truktek2]

Does anyone know which strings Tommy Shannon uses? I did a search and got conflicting stories. Some said worn out rounds, others said flats. I'm looking to get that sound out of my jazz. If in fact they are flats, can someone recommend which ones? I have no experience with flats and would like to try them out. I've also searched for tension on flats, and don't want any "floppy" or "bridge cables". Any comparable in tension to DR Lo-Riders would be great. Thanks in advance.

[debassr]

I don't know exactly what Tommy uses but from the description you gave I would give a set of medium light Chromes a shot, decent tension and they're a little brighter than most flats but nowhere near as bright as any set of rounds. I'd say they're comparable to lo-riders.

[p-bass]

In all the interviews I've read Tommy said he was using D'Addario Nickel Roundwounds on the Jazz Bass back in the Stevie Ray days. I know he was using Fondera Roundwounds a few years ago. If I was going for Tommy's sound I would use a well broken in set of any quality nickelwound string. I have to say,D'Addario Chromes are nothing like DR Lo-Riders.

[BluesWalker]

Originally Posted by p-bass

In all the interviews I've read Tommy said he was using D'Addario Nickel Roundwounds on the Jazz Bass back in the Stevie Ray days. I know he was using Fondera Roundwounds a few years ago. If I was going for Tommy's sound I would use a well broken in set of any quality nickelwound string. I have to say,D'Addario Chromes are nothing like DR Lo-Riders.

Don't forget the Ampeg backline, that was a big part of his sound.

[debassr]

...and this is why whenever p-bass posts, I have it set to do this:

This message is hidden because p-bass is on your ignore list.

Also, because mentioning a troll's name always sets them off, I'm now unsubscribing from this thread. Carry on.

[Jason Hollar]

He was tuned down to E flat for most of that stuff -- so I wonder if he used a medium or even heavy string to deal with the tension balance?

I also agree with the statement about broken in nickels. Love 'em.

I'm a long-time flats user and dig the Rotosounds. Also really like the Chromes and Labella flats too.

[mcm]

ive done quite a bit of research on this subject myself. a lot of people on talkbass refer to him using flats, but there is one interview on the internet where he states all he uses is 'daddario medium roundwounds' and occasionally he will use half rounds. i believe it is an interview with a guy named 'dave on bass'.

i was using chromes (flats) for awhile to get that sound, but when i returned to using daddario xl165's, they really helped me get extremely close to tommy's tone.

[Truktek2]

I guess that settles it......1 set of flats & 1 set of nickels! That should keep me happy for awhile.

[Craig_S]

http://www.tommyshannon.com/

go to MISC then Frequently Asked Questions. Scroll down a bit to the link that asks your question. Don't want to go to the trouble? He uses Fodera strings now, but has used D'Addario in the past.

[ljazz]

Originally Posted by BluesWalker

Don't forget the Ampeg backline, that was a big part of his sound.

That's funny, because darn near everytime I've footage of him with Stevie live, he's using everything but Ampeg. Hartke cabs, GK heads, Demeter pres, some Peavey ..... some homemade looking cabs.... but rarely Ampeg.

I think I remember reading something about him recording with an AMP and a Guild/Hartke 410 back with Stevie.

edit.... just to clarify my statements.... I'm not saying he never played Ampeg..... only that I don't believe it was a key ingredient to his sound.