Need a set of flat wounds for 1971 P-bass

jcalo · #1 07-14-2009, 05:41 PM

I was just recently in Valley Forge and attended the guitar show. Out of curiosity I played a 1971 P-bass at the show and was impressed with flat wound strings. I did not ask about the brand. I've been using round wound strings now for about 30 years but would not hesitate to stick a set of flatwounds on this bass. The obvious question is of course,Which brand? I don't want to necessarily break the bank with this purchase. I'm currently using the DR Sunbeams and have recently tried the DR nickel wound. I've read some positive comments about the Fender flats as well as Sadowsky flats. Any thoughts or recommendations are much appreciated

Beefbass · #2 07-14-2009, 06:29 PM

Try the GHS precision flatwounds. I use the .45-.95 set on my Pbass deluxe with Nordstrand pickups. These strings are very easy to play, while having a great old school flatwound kind of sound, if thats your thing.

I used to like the Fenders, but don't anymore for the following reasons;
I've had quality issues with them lately
Compared to the GHS flats, the same gauge Fenders feel like bridge cables. IMHO they also sound a lot better out of the package than the Fenders do.

TI jazz flats are nice too, but what you have to consider is the price, and the fact that they don't have a traditional flatwound sound. If these are not an issue for you, then I would consider TI's also.

Hope that was helpful

dubstylee · #3 07-14-2009, 06:37 PM

I have used both, but I like the Fenders more for the following reasons: b/c of the high tension, they seem to thump a lot more, and I notice more low mids and lows along with that thump. Also, I hear the note more with the Fenders; I do however agree that they are cables compared to the GHS Precision Flatwounds. The GHS flats just seem to have too loose of tension for my personal liking. Another string I like is D'addario Chromes, although, they're a bit brighter, but are high tension, which give you a nice amount of thump too. The Chromes seem to be very versatile for a flat IMO.

Fenders: Pretty Old School Sounding, high tension, pretty thumpy

GHS: Same, less thump due to the looser tension

D'addario Chromes: Brighter, accentuates more high-mids, yet high tension and thumpy.

I heard Labella's are awesome, yet still haven't tried them, probably b/c I'm too cheap. Either way, good luck, I hope you find the right flat for yourself.

**ExaltBass** · #4 07-14-2009, 06:41 PM

I'm a raving Sadowsky flats fan! Nice tension, smooth lows, firm mids and a little crispness plus long life... what more can you ask for???

david fitch · #5 07-14-2009, 06:50 PM

I have used the Fenders,GHS,and Chromes. I like the GHS because they seem to break in very fast...sound almost broken in out of the pack. I don't like the tension of the Fenders and I really don't hear any more "thump" out of them than the GHS Flats. I think the Fenders take a while to loose their brightness,but when they do,they sound alot like the GHS Flats. That being said,I have an early 70's Fender Precision Bass that just seems made for Flatwounds. I string up my 70's P with D'Addario Chromes. My P has an "A" neck and the 45-100 Chromes are the perfect strings for it. I agree with dubstylee,the Chromes are very versatile strings when new.After a while the Chromes mellow into a sound more like the Fender and GHS Flats.

73jbass · #6 07-14-2009, 07:02 PM

I have a set of Chromes on my newly aquired P-bass.A little brighter than I need,but they will settle in after time as stated.LaBellas are relly nice to if you want that old school Chuck Rainey vibe. Hey David,can I have your "A" neck P- bass?

jcalo · #7 07-14-2009, 08:02 PM

Sorry. I'm not familiar with the term an "A" neck. Could you provide a short explanation please?

david fitch · #8 07-14-2009, 08:22 PM

jcalo, an "A" neck is close to a Jazz Bass neck,narrower at the nut than a Precision Bass neck. 73jbass,I think I'll hang onto the P,it was my fathers.