low tension flats for stingray 5

mrufino1 · #1 06-09-2009, 09:58 PM

I have a stingray 5 arriving on Friday. I have TI flatwounds here, and I love the low tension and the feel. I started wondering if there was anything with low tension besides the TI's that are not quite so hard on the wallet. I just watched some youtube clips with chromes on stingray basses and the sound was great, but I have never used chromes. I have used labella and webstrings flats but now after using TI's I can't go back to that higher tension. A long time ago I had GHS flats on a short scale bass, but I rarely played that bass (it belonged to my wife) so i don't remember too much about them. Anything else comparable to the TI tension? I know TI's have the lowest tension out there, but anything else that is not like playing solid steel ropes? I am looking for a deep sound with a nice attack, sustain is not ultra important. Not opposed to tapewounds either if they give what I want. However, I don't have enough money to try everything so some suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mrdak · #2 06-09-2009, 10:01 PM

Stick with the TIJF's because they can sound like all the rest, just depends on how you play them. Plus they last forever, so they're worth the extra coin. I just went back to the TI's on my 57 precision, and I'm so F'n glad.

mrufino1 · #3 06-09-2009, 10:19 PM

Actually, I broke an E string on a gig last month, very traumatic! Had a year on it already, now a new one is lagging behind! I agree, I do love TI's just seeing what else is similar.

RJMiller · #4 06-09-2009, 10:53 PM

D'Addario Chrome Flats - Gauge and Tension Chart:
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...-String_45-132
Total tension 5 string set: 215.7 lbs
MusiciansFriend stocks them - a bit cheaper there than other vendors I looked at. Have set on order.

TI Flat Wound - Gauge and Tension Chart:
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/guitars/index.html
(Select Jazz E-bass then 5 String Set then Flat Wound)
Total tension 5 string set: 175.0 lbs

There are threads on flats - might do a search to get more information and opinions.

Good luck

RJM

mrufino1 · #5 06-09-2009, 11:00 PM

I spent an hour tonight reading flatwound posts, so no lack of research there, but my question was not asked directly, so I figured I'd ask it.
Those numbers do help- how do the chromes compare in tension to labella?

bassist4dalord · #6 06-09-2009, 11:07 PM

If you like the TI's, then that's how it is! They are worth the coin if you really like the sound. Go for it and be happy my friend.

jasper383 · #7 06-10-2009, 03:14 AM

You could buy the Chromes 40-95 set and add the .132 B string as a single. Would shave a few pounds of tension off each string, and the B actually matches tension better with that set than the regular 45-100 set.

La Bella makes a very light set of flats .038-.096. Add their B string to that for a light 5 set.

GHS makes a 45-95 set of flats. Add their B single to that for a very light set.

All of these will come pretty close to the TI tension, but have a different sound from the TIs. It can be done.

Based on your sound preferences, I'd try the GHS or La Bella suggestions above. The 45-95 GHS Precision Flat set plus a .126 single Precision Flat B would run about $40.

**TheMutt** · #8 06-10-2009, 03:21 AM

Personally I'm running Chromes on my SR5, but I recently transitioned over from round wounds. The feel of them is excellent for me, but I can't compare em to TI's as I've never shelled out for a set. Might have to try some if/when these strings ever wear out.

fuNKmaster83 · #9 06-10-2009, 04:26 AM

TIs have the lowest tension production strings... to my taste the tension is too low

mrufino1 · #10 06-11-2009, 10:33 AM

Where have you been able to find the sets you mentioned plaus the single B? . I was thinking of doing exactly as you suggested with the light set plus the single B, but can't make it happen from one store that I've found yet (can do it if I order from multiple stores). bassguitarstrings.us and juststrings.com don't have the combination. mymusicstuff.com has great prices, but no single strings. Maybe I need to make some phone calls. Didn't d'addario have a "make your own set" kind of thing at one point? Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasper383

You could buy the Chromes 40-95 set and add the .132 B string as a single. Would shave a few pounds of tension off each string, and the B actually matches tension better with that set than the regular 45-100 set.

La Bella makes a very light set of flats .038-.096. Add their B string to that for a light 5 set.

GHS makes a 45-95 set of flats. Add their B single to that for a very light set.

All of these will come pretty close to the TI tension, but have a different sound from the TIs. It can be done.

Based on your sound preferences, I'd try the GHS or La Bella suggestions above. The 45-95 GHS Precision Flat set plus a .126 single Precision Flat B would run about $40.

jasper383 · #11 06-11-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrufino1

Where have you been able to find the sets you mentioned plaus the single B? . I was thinking of doing exactly as you suggested with the light set plus the single B, but can't make it happen from one store that I've found yet (can do it if I order from multiple stores). bassguitarstrings.us and juststrings.com don't have the combination. mymusicstuff.com has great prices, but no single strings. Maybe I need to make some phone calls. Didn't d'addario have a "make your own set" kind of thing at one point? Thanks.

Here are links to the 40-95 set, and the .132 single from juststrings.com.

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-ecb80.html
http://www.juststrings.com/dad-cb132.html

mrufino1 · #12 06-11-2009, 11:29 AM

Thanks, I just found that right before you posted. juststrings doesn't have the lowest prices I found, but I think I'm going to try. Anyone have experience with the GHS flats? They work out to a decent price. I do like the TI flats, so in the end I may just stick with those, but I am curious as to some of the other sets. I need a string endorsement...this is an expensive experiment!

mrufino1 · #13 06-11-2009, 11:33 AM

Also may pick up a 5 string set of ghs tapewounds, I have never used tapewounds before.

jasper383 · #14 06-11-2009, 11:39 AM

It is expensive, experimenting with strings.

I like the GHS Precision Flats, and the GHS Tapes. The GHS Precision flats are a very traditional sounding flat, along the lines of La Bella flats. Chromes, to my ears, suit the brightness "required" by Stingrays. If you really want to smack people in the chest with grunt with your Ray, try the GHS flats, or La Bellas.

Tapes are another realm. Lots of high mids, and really easy on the fingers and hands. It felt to me that the bass was really singing when I had tapes on my Jazz Bass.

The GHS tapes make a great way to experiment because they are less expensive than other brands, and they fit regular bass nuts without adjustment. Some tape sets have really big E strings.

jazzlovr1990 · #15 06-11-2009, 12:51 PM

Ya, too low

mrufino1 · #16 06-11-2009, 09:30 PM

After all that, I think I am just going to order more TI's. I know I like them, and we are on a budget now so I don't want to buy twice. Someday though I'll do some experimenting. Maybe we need to have a string get together sometime.

swmmojo · #17 08-13-2009, 01:29 PM

I'm reading this thread and not understanding. I'm thinking of putting flats on my SR5. What is with the tension discussion. Does low tension=floppy?

Also, seems like chromes or TIs are the way to go. Any others to consider for a MM Stingray5? Thanks.

**TheMutt** · #18 08-13-2009, 01:39 PM

Tension is partly a feel thing, especially if you're a fingerstyle player, or do a lot of note bending/tapping. AFAIK it also contributes to floppy B syndrome, but don't quote me on that one. I've run my SR5 with DR High Beams, DR stainless/nickel Low Riders, DR Sunbeams, DR High Beam Flats, and D'Addario Chromes. Personally, I like the chromes so far for flats, and the nickel Low Riders for roundwounds. I plan to change strings again when I change out my pickup for an Alnico V and my preamp for a Glockenklang (I want active/passive for those embarasing times when the battery dies). I'll probably stick with the chromes TBH.

swmmojo · #19 08-13-2009, 06:32 PM

Thanks. I guess I'm looking for some flats that will take the clank out of my Stingray but will respond like rounds. I've never been a flats player but I think it's more relevant to my playing style. Chromes?

**TheMutt** · #20 08-13-2009, 06:50 PM

I've never had a clank problem with Chromes on my SR5 unless I boosted the high mids on my amp (LM II). DR Hi Beams and Sunbeams I had a little clank, but then again I tend to dig in pretty deep when I play. Try a set of Chromes. I think you'll like them. They're the flatwounds that made me change my mind about flatwounds. As long as you're not expecting to be slapping, they sound great; which is not to say that you can't slap with them, but you won't get the same type of sound as you would with rounds. They start out really bright and then mellow out a little over the next few months. Great strings!