GHS Brite Flats help

mdogs · #1 01-01-2011, 11:19 AM

Just strung up my GL Jazz with a set of Brite Flats and I can't decide if I like them or not. Definitely do NOT like the higher tension, I like the fact that there is less string noise and they have definitely tamed the growl which was part of my goal believe it or not. However, they are MUCH more thuddy than I expected and it really kills me to to have it sounding this way. Thoughts?

Tusec · #2 01-01-2011, 01:33 PM

Is this your first set of flats? If so, I think you are at stage 2. This is normal.

The 5 Stages of Flatwound Acceptance:

1) Shock (god these things sound awful)

2) Confusion (but the guys at TB say they sound great...maybe I'm crazy?)

3) Bargaining (I'll bet I could trade these to somebody for a set of Steels)

4) Re-evaluation (after playing them for a week I have to admit they're growing on me)

5) Acceptance (okay, now I get it)

And there is often a sixth step as well:

6) Proselytization (I gotta tell everybody about the goodness I have found)

prd004 · #3 01-01-2011, 01:37 PM

I like Rotosound Jazz 77's the best! They have all the benefits, plus the best "presence" of all the flats I've tried. I love em!!!!!

JTE · #4 01-01-2011, 03:48 PM

GHS Brite-Flats are NOT a flatwound string at all. They're a modified round, with the outer wrap being round wire that's polished or ground smooth. Real flats use a flat ribbon wire for the outer wrap.

Bottom line us you don't like 'em. I'd suggest keeping them on forbat least a month and see if they grow in you. Of course, if you just hate them, try something else. I removed a set of Fender 950 flats after one day because they were so putrid.

John

mdogs · #5 01-01-2011, 06:24 PM

Yeah, not flats. Flats on a P, I get it. Flats on a J, I know a lot of people swear by it, but it just seems sac-religious to me. I mean Leo designed things to be the coolest looking and best sounding/growling basses without rounds even being invented. I think I need to come to the realization that flats or anything but true rounds are not for me. I have been really happy with the Circle K's on my Pedullas but I have not tried them on the Jazz, not sure why, but it seems logical for that to be my next step...

Tusec · #6 01-01-2011, 06:39 PM

Oh -- not flats. Well, feel free to ignore all that then.

I'm with you on rounds for Jazz bass. I keep flats on my P, and it's the one I play the most, but it just seems right somehow for a Jazz to have rounds. And it's a good sound to have handy.

dannster · #7 01-01-2011, 06:42 PM

I have been using the GHS Pressurewounds almost exclusively for a few years now and thought I would give the Brite Flats a try. I like them but I need the brightness of the pressurewounds for my situation. I kept them though. I may put them on again for the studio.

You just may find your middle ground with the Pressurewounds as I have.

Mikhail1 · #8 01-01-2011, 07:39 PM

I tried them and liked them intially on my P bass but eventually realized that I missed rounds so they came off. I still think that if, no more like WHEN I get a decent second bass, I will put them back on the P. They can comp the flat sound but will bite when you need it.

mdogs · #9 01-01-2011, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannster

I have been using the GHS Pressurewounds almost exclusively for a few years now and thought I would give the Brite Flats a try. I like them but I need the brightness of the pressurewounds for my situation. I kept them though. I may put them on again for the studio.

You just may find your middle ground with the Pressurewounds as I have.

Thanks, I will give them a try!!

88ric2030 · #10 01-18-2011, 06:36 PM

I have a set of the new Fender 9050s on my Jazz (they are not at all like the old 9050s)
and the bass is very versatile. They are possibly a little too bright, even though they've been on the bass for months. I'm thinking about going for GHS Precision Flats on this bass. I have them on my Squier Bronco and they are awesome, especially with a pick. I've been recording with them quite a bit lately. They are awesome on a short scale, and I want to hear what they are like on a long scale Fender.

markanini · #11 01-19-2011, 05:13 PM

Try adjusting your pickups further from the strings.

unclekebm · #12 01-19-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tusec

Is this your first set of flats? If so, I think you are at stage 2. This is normal.

The 5 Stages of Flatwound Acceptance:

1) Shock (god these things sound awful)

2) Confusion (but the guys at TB say they sound great...maybe I'm crazy?)

3) Bargaining (I'll bet I could trade these to somebody for a set of Steels)

4) Re-evaluation (after playing them for a week I have to admit they're growing on me)

5) Acceptance (okay, now I get it)

And there is often a sixth step as well:

6) Proselytization (I gotta tell everybody about the goodness I have found)

That is funny! ~ and, may I add... Spot on