New guy to the forum, flat wounds!

[Tbcgregory]

I just joined a 70s sounding country band, in the vein of Willie and Waylon.

I have a 5 string American Jazz bass going through a MarkBass Little Mark II and a MarkBass 2x10 cab. The band I was in before was Coldplay/Radiohead, so it was perfect (even though they use P Basses, I know, I know).

Here's my new issue. I want that 70s country sound, which at times, sounds like a less sustained Motown sound. (if you can, listen to "Wabash Cannonball" and "Whiskey River" by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings' version of "Midnight Rider)

I know I can use my neck pickup more, tinker with my amp and get sort of close. But I probably need flat wounds right? I wanted La Bellas based on research. But now, time is an issue and no stores carry Deep Talkin' 5 Strings. So what's a flat wound that will give me that sound, that's within reach? I need something that's deep, but wi a thud, and a little less sustain. Hopefully the sustain's not in the bass. Haha. Any clues are appreciated!

[jallenbass]

GHS Precision Flats

[Tbcgregory]

They've got that "dead-ish" sound?

[Tbcgregory]

From what I can tell, they don't make a 5 string Precision Flat set.

[Handyman]

If you really want to kill the sustain with whichever string you go with, add a foam mute under the bridge.

[mgbass]

TI flats are nice for this style, I use them on a Mike Lull 5 string P and they sound great!

[Tbcgregory]

I definitely don't want to go that far. I've done that in the studio, and don't like the way it feels. Plus, sometimes I need a bit more sustain than others.

[Tbcgregory]

My ONLY issue with TI is the price. I won't lie.

[IronLung1986]

Originally Posted by Tbcgregory

My ONLY issue with TI is the price. I won't lie.

ya but you don't have to change flatwound strings very often. lots of people keep the same set on a bass for years, as i did with my fretless jazz (7+ years). flats are actually a great way to save money.

[Stumbo]

I use old round wounds on my active Ibanez Musician P/J (3 band e.q.). They work fine. Turn down the treble as necessary. Turn it up to get some spank when needed. They still sustain more than old flats so I right-hand mute when needed. Probably will install a bit of foam to reduce overall sustain. I also use a pick/finger pluck as required.

P.S. This comes from someone who always played a Fender Jazz bass with old flats that were never changed.

Here's something else to check out that may work for you: The BassMute - A smart muting device for Bass Players

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by Tbcgregory

From what I can tell, they don't make a 5 string Precision Flat set.

Sure they do. At the bottom of the page on the link (but no pic).

GHS Electric Bass Guitar Precision Flatwound

[fretlessguy]

When I used GHS P Flats my fretless 5 I ordered the light set and bought a single.128 B string which is sold seperately. Both can be found at juststrings.com.