Gauge question?

[billiam5billion]

I'm making the move to flatwound strings, and since I've never bought them, I was wondering if somebody could give me a little info about how the different gauges sound and feel? I play a 96 Fender MIM Jazz in a 3-piece country/rockabilly/surf band.

[crucislancer]

Like round wounds, they vary depending on the manufacturer. Any particular brand you are looking at?

[billiam5billion]

Originally Posted by crucislancer

Like round wounds, they vary depending on the manufacturer. Any particular brand you are looking at?

Well, I've been playing Diaddario rounds for years, so I trust them as a company, but I researched Fender flats and they seem like a good "bang for your buck" deal.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by billiam5billion

Well, I've been playing Diaddario rounds for years, so I trust them as a company, but I researched Fender flats and they seem like a good "bang for your buck" deal.

If you like D'Addario strings, their Chromes are good all purpose flatwounds. They're a little high on the tension side, but not quite as much as the Fenders you're also looking at. You may want to try their light guage to start, see how you like the feel. Chromes are bright when new, but over time they season (like all flats) into a nice warm tone with solid percussive thump.

[Meatrus]

Flats will feel like they have much more tension than rounds, if you dont like high tension I would choose a gauge lower. And yes Fender flats are high in tension feel!

[billiam5billion]

Thanks for the help, I think I'll stick with D'addarios.