Light, thumpy flats needed!!!

Jones_Stuff · #1 06-05-2010, 05:12 PM

Hey guys,
I've been playing a set of Fender 9050ml flatwounds for about the last 6 months now and I'm still finding them difficult to play with.

I've been reading in the strings forum that some TBers, like myself, have found the high tension and stiffness of these flats difficult to handle, along with the subsequent effects on the bass due to the tension.

So what I'm really asking is, could you suggest a lower tension flatwound with a similar bassy low end (LaBellas perhaps?) like the Fenders have? Any help at all would be appreciated.

Thanks, Chris.

John Wentzien · #2 06-05-2010, 05:23 PM

These are really good for the money
http://www.webstrings.com/flatwound_bass_strings.html

Spencer! · #3 06-05-2010, 05:30 PM

TI jazz flats are the first thing that comes to mind. Really low tension, nice thump.

Jones_Stuff · #4 06-05-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

These are really good for the money
http://www.webstrings.com/flatwound_bass_strings.html

Wow, that's a seriosly good price!

Jones_Stuff · #5 06-05-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

TI jazz flats are the first thing that comes to mind. Really low tension, nice thump.

Thanks, I'll be sure to look into them

gm2_in_co · #6 06-05-2010, 05:40 PM

Just got my first TI Jazz Flats and I think I'll not buy another brand/model of strings for a LONG time. That being said, I do love LaBella Tapewounds but I don't think they'd be what you want. Give TI Jazz Flats a try.

testing1two · #7 06-05-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

TI jazz flats are the first thing that comes to mind. Really low tension, nice thump.

+1 - They are expensive but they sound and feel superb.

N.F.A. · #8 06-05-2010, 05:44 PM

TI Jazz flats.. Worth the extra dosh..

Jones_Stuff · #9 06-05-2010, 05:48 PM

Thanks everyone, sounds like I'm gonna end up with a nice set of TIs

old-fashioned · #10 06-05-2010, 05:55 PM

Lower tension?: TI Jazz Flats are worth a try (at least...).

jasper383 · #11 06-05-2010, 06:46 PM

I would also look at the La Bella 760FX set; very light, and they are thumpy.

I have not found the TI set to be thumpy at all. Growly and middy for flats, and yes, very low tension/stiffness, but not thumpy.

N.F.A. · #12 06-05-2010, 08:37 PM

Jasper383 has got me thinking. I use Labella 760FHBB Beatle Bass flats on my Hofner clone. They are every bit as nice as the TI flats I use on my other basses. I may try a set of those on my Peavey Fury or something soon. Thanks for the heads up Jasper383.

**RedsFan75** · #13 06-05-2010, 08:45 PM

TI Jazz Flats, Amazing... There's a couple of sets for sale in the classifieds too, get them a bit lower in price.

N.F.A. · #14 06-05-2010, 08:52 PM

Hi RedsFan75. Thanks for the heads up. Off to check it out. The bass meetup today in Mason was great. Did you know about it?

#15 06-05-2010, 09:14 PM

D'Addario Chromes. I've only used short and medium scale sets so far, but love 'em, and will be putting Chromes on my new P tomorrow...

My fave flats are Pyramid (they make Hofner as well). But too inconsistent in quality, and too expensive...

LaBellas are pretty stiff too, in my opinion. Haven't tried TIs yet... Lots of good reviews about them...

Good luck!!

JerBo · #16 06-06-2010, 12:03 AM

I'd say LaBellas over TI's

But that's just me.

jasper383 · #17 06-06-2010, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerBo

I'd say LaBellas over TI's

But that's just me.

Yes.

TIs are wonderful strings, but the OP wants thumpy. TIs are not naturally thumpy.

jasper383 · #18 06-06-2010, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tifftunes

LaBellas are pretty stiff too, in my opinion. Haven't tried TIs yet... Lots of good reviews about them...

Good luck!!

What La Bellas have you played? The 760FL and 760FX sets are definitely on the "less stiff" side.

P-punk · #19 06-06-2010, 07:13 AM

Quote:

along with the subsequent effects on the bass due to the tension.

Haven't tried these strings, and Fender doesn't publish the tension of their strings, but I didn't think a set of strings with 50-100 gauge would cause any damage to the neck? Or am I wrong?

jallenbass · #20 06-06-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-punk

Haven't tried these strings, and Fender doesn't publish the tension of their strings, but I didn't think a set of strings with 50-100 gauge would cause any damage to the neck? Or am I wrong?

I have a set on Fender 9050MLs on my ABG and it's fine.