Good and cheap flats?

rojo412 · #1 08-16-2010, 08:01 AM

As a roundwound user, I don't know much about flats. From what I know, the best (from what I hear and have played) are the TI Jazz flats are just the bees knees...

But I have a cheap bass that I don't want to invest a bunch into and would like to try some flats.

What's a good, but inexpensive flatwound string that I could easily find at GC?

squashedOpossum · #2 08-16-2010, 08:02 AM

D'Addario Chromes: relatively inexpensive and a good transition from roundwounds.

lmfreeman9 · #3 08-16-2010, 08:33 AM

All flats are cheap.

If you like them, they last forever.

If you don't, you can sell them on the classifieds.

RCCollins · #4 08-16-2010, 08:40 AM

GHS precision flats have a "classic" flatwound sound and shouldn't cost more than $20. A good way to dip your toes into the world of flats.

I used to recommend Fender 9050s, but the new ones in the green box are pretty weak IMO

Pilgrim · #5 08-16-2010, 09:12 AM

Chromes are a good choice. Labella Deep Talkin' flats are my favorite, but more expensive - check Imperial Guitars online, they have incredibly low prices on them.

Dark Horse · #6 08-16-2010, 09:13 AM

I like (and use) Chromes - 45-100 gauge - don't cost a lot, sound great.

Flats are comparatively cheap anyway due to their long life, but Chromes are great strings with small initial cost.

Floridabwoy · #7 08-16-2010, 09:14 AM

Chromes... DO IT.

rojo412 · #8 08-16-2010, 09:53 AM

Thanks, all! I will do that. Chromes, here I come!

Surly · #9 08-16-2010, 10:33 AM

I just ordered another set of Chromes, they indeed do the job and I love the feel. Probably no need to spend twice as much on flats. They last a long time.

MNAirHead · #10 08-16-2010, 10:42 AM

used on TB

gidbass · #11 08-16-2010, 10:45 AM

Recent flatwound convert here, went from RS66's to Chromes (45 - 100) on both my P bass and my fretless jazz. No looking back for me!

Good Luck!

jaywa · #12 08-16-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

GHS precision flats have a "classic" flatwound sound and shouldn't cost more than $20. A good way to dip your toes into the world of flats.

+1. Am using them on my 78 Precision and liking them a lot.

MNAirHead · #13 08-16-2010, 10:48 AM

don't overlook tapes during your quest

lunarpollen · #14 08-16-2010, 10:49 AM

I think I still may have a set of the TI Jazz Flats laying around that I took off of my bass a couple years ago. I don't need them.

rojo412 · #15 08-16-2010, 10:53 AM

Certainly let me know! PM if you got em.

Also, should I gauge down a little if I'm used to Medium gauge rounds? Aren't flats a little higher tension in the same gauge?

thrashingbass · #16 08-16-2010, 11:57 AM

I have a new set of Rotosounds Jazz SM77 that was shipped to me by mistake (I was ordering the Roto RS77S instead for my short scale). Unopened, the merchant has not asked me to ship them back, but refunded the money (I did ask him for a RMA#, but he has not replied in almost a week.) These are the PERFECT flats to my humble ears, I like them more than the Chromes (but Chromes are also good and affordable).

The reason I am willing to part with them for free is that my long scale bass, which once had the SH77 Roto set (heavy gauge Jazz 77) has now Roto swing Rounds (BS66). I only have two basses, so I could either save this light tension flats set later use on my long scale, or give it away to you, IF you are interested. It's a light 40-100 set, so it should feel actually like medium tension rounds (I think).

They are great, so if you are not interested I'll save them up! But since you are trying flats for the first time, I felt like helping out. Let me know, no lose for me either way, except shipping, but it's just a small thing to do you a favor.

rojo412 · #17 08-16-2010, 12:10 PM

That would be AWESOME! PM'd ya.

fretlessguy · #18 08-16-2010, 02:27 PM

GHS Precision Flats. $19.75. I recommend them highly as far as cheap and good go.

https://www.bpstrings.com/indexx.html

These have a good reputation, although they have changed them from the ones I used years ago:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ght?sku=423286

Good luck wwith your search.

Meddle · #19 08-16-2010, 02:58 PM

I found some Picato flats for £17.50 online. My set arrived today! Seems a steal for strings that never wear out. My brother is a violin player (they use flats) and he never changes strings unless they break.

BucardoBass · #20 08-16-2010, 03:05 PM

Maybe you'd like to give these a try:

www.webstrings.com

I use the flats for my fretless, and also de rounds for my fretted basses. They do the job pretty well. Unbeatable prices.