Looking For Flatwound Recommendations

Mannas · #1 01-15-2010, 06:15 PM

So, I need some advice on flatwound strings. I am putting them on my Ibanez SR300. I got a set of chromes about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I love the bottom end but there's alot of clanky sound when the string hits the fretboard. Not fret buzz but the clanking. I think it's the brightness of the Chromes. I definitely want flatwounds but I want to get rid of that sound. If I roll back the tone then it sounds too muffled and muddy. I thought about La Bellas but didn't know if they would be better. Any other ideas?

jasper383 · #2 01-15-2010, 06:41 PM

Is your bass set up properly?

Clank on the fretboard usually means too low action, or you need to add relief to the neck, or both.

ironrat · #3 01-15-2010, 06:42 PM

Thomastik Infeld Jazz flats
here:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ngs?sku=101646

J. Crawford · #4 01-15-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasper383

Is your bass set up properly?

Clank on the fretboard usually means too low action, or you need to add relief to the neck, or both.

I agree. I have Chromes on all of my basses, and dont have that problem. Is your bass setup?

**lowendfriend** · #5 01-15-2010, 07:12 PM

One set I rarely hear discussed are the so-called Detroit flasts from webstrings.com.

THey are inexpensive and pretty decent stainless flats.

LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats are another frequent recommendation here.

Mannas · #6 01-15-2010, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasper383

Is your bass set up properly?

Clank on the fretboard usually means too low action, or you need to add relief to the neck, or both.

No, I was going to have it set up soon. The action seems really high though, not low.

Forgive me for not knowing what adding relief means. Could you explain that or is there somewhere I can find it? Nevermind. I read a bit about it.

I'm wondering if I found part of the problem. The action seems pretty low near the nut but higher toward the higher frets and headed toward the bridge. Is this normal? The clanky sound is happening around the 8th-12th frets maybe more but I tend to play there a bit more which makes it noticeable.

Also, I saw your in Durham. I'm nearby. Anywhere you might recommend I could get it setup by a professional?

braydensharrar · #7 01-15-2010, 09:06 PM

La Bellas are what I play.
They have the best thump and are real smooth to the touch.
They have a higher tension that TI's, which I prefer.
In my book, it's La Bellas or TI's for flats.
La Bellas for a stronger feel, TI or a lighter touch.

I'd of course go with the La Bellas..

~B

PS Good to hear of another flat conversion!

ljazz · #8 01-16-2010, 02:36 AM

I too recommend you make sure you're set up properly...... and while you're at it, learn to do the basic setups yourself..... I can't imagine playing without knowing how to properly set up my instruments.

As for the chromes and clak. First, let them break in a while longer. I've had my latest set on for just over a couple of months now.... they've only recently gotten to where I don't cringe when I play a note. A few more months and we'll be sufficiently broken in. But man, that's par for the course with flats. It's just a darn good thing they last as long as they do.

You may also want to adjust your technique a bit. I run my chromes at 3/32" off the 12th fret. That's a comfortable distance for me.... it's low enough to be comfortable (with these particular strings) without having the strings bang away on the frets. If I start claking at that height, then I know I'm getting sloppy.

eyecandy · #9 01-16-2010, 03:58 AM

+1 on the chromes

i run my chromes at 3/32 bass and 1/16 treble side as well..

what gauge are you using ljazz?
mines 40-100

ljazz · #10 01-16-2010, 06:14 AM

45-100

Sometimes I think about going to 50-105, but that's usually when I'm practicing at home with this POS SWR WM12. I get out to rehearsal, gig or recording, and I realize the 45-100 are perfect for me. Personally, I don't like the 40-100..... the 40 g string just doesn't sound like it belongs in the set (to me).

I've said this many times before...... I'm a diehard D'Addario hater. They have the worst quality control out there when it comes to strings. Several years back I bought a set (nickel rounds), and the G string was much thicker than what was stated on the package. So much so, that it snapped my nut when I strung up. I really should have noticed, I guess. Ever since, I caliper every single set of strings I put on. D'Addario has proven over the years to be very bad.... either they mis package them, or they have poor mfg'ing controls. In fact, the very first set of chromes I ever bought (about 2 years ago) had a .103 E string.... the package said .100. Now, what makes you decide to put a .103 E string into a pack that is labeled .100?????? Why not .105??????? ..... or better yet, scrap the dagnabbin' thing, and put the right friggin' string in there. But the simple fact is this...... no other flat sounds as good as the chromes on my '08 MIA P. In continuing my hatred of D'Addario, I should probably change out the pup in the bass, and go to a different string. The only saving grace here is that the set of chromes I have on now were gauged properly, and the sound is perfect. And I don't have the patience to break in another set of flats!

Sundogue · #11 01-16-2010, 06:49 AM

Personally, one of the things I love about Chromes versus other flats is the clank!

While I love flats, I also like some snappy punch to go along with the thud and thunder only flats give. Chromes do that in spades unlike most other flatwounds.

And I'd disagree that over time you'll lost that clank. I have a set of Chromes on that are almost a year old under heavy use, never cleaned and they still retain this wonderful clanky punch I desire. Of course, since I dig that sound I don't have my bass setup to avoid that.

One thing to consider if you don't desire that clank is that Chromes are extremely strong in the mids. Rolling off the highs will not remove this sound from them. You need to adjust your EQ...probably cutting a bit around 500Hz and 800Hz. But IMO, this removes the very tone that Chromes give you that other flats don't.

If you don't dig the tone from Chromes, then try some other strings. One man's ideal tone is another's problem. You just have to bite the bullet and try out other strings until you find what you are looking for.

Mannas · #12 01-16-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundogue

Personally, one of the things I love about Chromes versus other flats is the clank!

While I love flats, I also like some snappy punch to go along with the thud and thunder only flats give. Chromes do that in spades unlike most other flatwounds.

And I'd disagree that over time you'll lost that clank. I have a set of Chromes on that are almost a year old under heavy use, never cleaned and they still retain this wonderful clanky punch I desire. Of course, since I dig that sound I don't have my bass setup to avoid that.

One thing to consider if you don't desire that clank is that Chromes are extremely strong in the mids. Rolling off the highs will not remove this sound from them. You need to adjust your EQ...probably cutting a bit around 500Hz and 800Hz. But IMO, this removes the very tone that Chromes give you that other flats don't.

If you don't dig the tone from Chromes, then try some other strings. One man's ideal tone is another's problem. You just have to bite the bullet and try out other strings until you find what you are looking for.

Thanks. Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. I didn't want to have to drop a bunch of money in the pursuit of finding "my strings" but I knew that would be the case.