Lowest tension flats?

Rip Topaz · #1 01-02-2010, 01:42 PM

What's the lowest tension set of flats out there? I love flats, but don't like the high tension of Roto77's.

FranF · #2 01-02-2010, 01:48 PM

Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats. By far.

Rip Topaz · #3 01-02-2010, 02:05 PM

What's next in line. Have no choice but hitting GC, I need them tonight.

Chromes maybe?

Craig_S · #4 01-02-2010, 02:41 PM

Chromes are pretty high tension. Try GHS Precision Flats. They should be available at GC.

Rip Topaz · #5 01-02-2010, 02:42 PM

Thanx. Ill give them a shot.

fretlessguy · #6 01-02-2010, 09:32 PM

I'll second the GHS Flats if you get them in light gauge. I like TIs as well.

chuck3 · #7 01-02-2010, 09:44 PM

Thomastik-Infeld Flats are very low tension. I have the nickels, not the jazz, but it seems to be the same deal. They are very low-tension flats. They are on my Joe Veillette.

On my 51 P re-issue, I have the D'Addario Chrome Flats, and they are very high tension.

I like both, but go with what you are looking for.

dancrocker · #8 01-02-2010, 11:03 PM

Rip:
I'm curious...why don't you like the tension of the rotos? Does it have to do with playability or tone?

Rip Topaz · #9 01-03-2010, 03:31 AM

Its a playability issue. Too many years of playing rounds, now moved to fretless and trying to approximate the tension that I'm used to with flats. I like the tone of flats, but I guess the rotos just weren't the right ones for me.

Nic. · #10 01-03-2010, 04:06 AM

TI Jazz Flats feel like butter. So smooth. It makes playing intricate lines a breeze... well, not a breeze but breezier than it would otherwise be.

bertbassplayer · #11 01-03-2010, 04:12 AM

Rotos I think are known for being the most tension out of the flats. If it's just a matter of switching from rounds you might want to try D'Addario Chromes, they are about the same tension as their roundwound counterparts. You might find TI flats actually too light, the tension in the A and D strings are quite a bit less than your normal roundwound. That being said, the TI flats are great and yield a great sound... but they do require getting used to especially if your a heavy handed player.

Rip Topaz · #12 01-03-2010, 05:24 AM

Its more about intricate lines. On the rotos, I felt like I was fighting the strings. My action is typically very low, so the lighter the tension, the better. The rotos were just way too much.
My plan is to find a set of flats I like, on switch all my basses to them.

ljazz · #13 01-03-2010, 05:37 AM

You'll have to raise your action a touch if you go to the TI's. For me, I come up about 1/64th at the 12th fret when I string up with TIJF's.

Try a lighter gauge of chromes.... the .100 - .045 really aren't that bad. About the same feel tension and stiffness wise as the xl rounds of the same gauge.

bamabass · #14 01-03-2010, 06:13 AM

TI Jazz Flats...the lowest tension I have played. If you want similiar to rounds, go with d'addario Chromes.

Deep · #15 01-03-2010, 07:44 AM

GHS Precision Flats are pretty comfortable. They have the flexibilty of a regular tension roundwound. They have a round core but are not as loose feeling as TI's. They might be a good compromise for someone going from rounds to flats.....as far as feel goes.

Rip Topaz · #16 01-03-2010, 07:50 AM

That's what I was hoping for. Closer to the tension of rounds. As you can see by my signature, they are going on a Wishbass (no truss rod), so I'm trying to keep the tension as low as possible. Plus, at the moment, I have a set of GHS rounds on it, and I actually like the feel. Just hate the tone I'm getting with the rounds.

Deep · #17 01-03-2010, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

That's what I was hoping for. Closer to the tension of rounds. As you can see by my signature, they are going on a Wishbass (no truss rod), so I'm trying to keep the tension as low as possible. Plus, at the moment, I have a set of GHS rounds on it, and I actually like the feel. Just hate the tone I'm getting with the rounds.

I use the 45-105 GHS gauge set. You might even like a lighter set. I just find the 45-105 comfortable for me.
I also have TI's on my Pbass. I find the tension fine for me, though they are very low tension, I never had a problem adapting to them.
*** I think it you want tension "as low as possible" the TI's ARE as low as you can get with flatwounds. You may want to check them out.

beyondat · #18 01-03-2010, 10:44 AM

Labella 760FX slightly stiffer than TI's and you can keep your low action too!

Rip Topaz · #19 01-03-2010, 10:58 AM

Cool. Thanks for all the great suggestions.
Being a GC employee (yeah, I know, go ahead), I was hoping it was something we carried so I could use my discount, but tone is more important in the long run.

waynobass · #20 01-16-2010, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

Try GHS Precision Flats.

Yes. I love them on my Jazz.

I would try TI but
(1) the word "floppy" is often used to describe them
(2) they're really expensive.