P Bass Flats?

Reynolds 101 · #1 01-31-2009, 10:06 AM

Im looking to get some flats for the first time ever, but I still don't know what to buy. I want some flats that keep my growl on the p bass, but dont break the bank. Somewhere from $30 and under.

If you have a suggestion, please, please let me know. Im lost.

Aurel · #2 01-31-2009, 10:09 AM

Try Labella flats. Great sound and durablility even if they're a little more expensive than others.

JustDavid · #3 01-31-2009, 10:17 AM

Keep in mind that Flats get changed a lot less than Rounds. If ever.

And some might be very different in tension, so a setup might be desired or required.

I recommend a tone-based decision instead of a price-based one.

JustDavid · #4 01-31-2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

p bass

This shouldn't be in the Double Bass Strings forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reynolds 101

Somewhere from $30 and under.

DEFINITELY shouldn't be in the Double Bass Strings forum

bassbully · #5 01-31-2009, 10:23 AM

Growl with flats is not easy. It might be there when they are fresh then fade. Chromes and Ti jazz flats are brighter than say Fenders or Labellas and the tension is way better which to me is huge. SIT strings makes a set called silencers that might fit you and your budget. They are rounds that are compressed wound which feel like half rounds or once broke in flats. They have growl and a round sound for less than $30.00.

Reynolds 101 · #6 01-31-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

This shouldn't be in the Double Bass Strings forum.

DEFINITELY shouldn't be in the Double Bass Strings forum

My bad, didnt realize I was under DB. Mods please move

JavierBass · #7 01-31-2009, 10:58 AM

These damn yahooligans. Always getting lost in the forums. Try Bass Guitar forums. I doubt you'll find any strings under $125 here.

JustDavid · #8 01-31-2009, 11:03 AM

Any advice on strings for getting P bass growl on an upright?

JavierBass · #9 01-31-2009, 11:06 AM

I think you have to take the frets off the upright to give it that p-bass growl.

JavierBass · #10 01-31-2009, 11:06 AM

At least, the fretless p-bass growl.

TroyK · #11 01-31-2009, 12:54 PM

You're lost and you shouldn't be here, totally inappropriate.

But, I happen to have tested this extensively, so let me give answer anyway.

I tried a TON of flatwounds on my Fender before I put the slab down.

Fender Flats ended up being the cheapest and my favorites. I tried LaBellas and TI's and was underwhelmed.

The Fenders are about $16 and I absolutely loved the sound and feel. But, they are pretty stiff. If they are too much so for you, my second favorite or best compromise was Ernie Ball Flats. Not as smooth, not quite as tasty sonically, but close and easier on the mitts and the truss rod.

I still have a Fender and I have it strung with Ken Smith Burners, which are (I think) ground flat vs actual flat wounds. They don't sound or feel all the way like flats and I wouldn't have liked them back when I was trying to get my Fender to sound DBesque, but that's what my DB is for, so now if I happen to have some occasion to play the slab, I like knowing that they are more versitle sonically. You can dial them flat or bright much better than actual flatwounds. Don't remember what they cost and my last set was a generous gift from Mr. Smith during an exchange of some DB goods that we were making.

Now GET OUT OF OUR FORUM. We don't know nothin' about no EBG strings, we're all orchestral geeks here. I don't even know what you're talking about.

J. Crawford · #12 01-31-2009, 12:57 PM

Hey guys, whats the difference in a Jazz and P bass?!

Oops!

Dave Martin · #13 01-31-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordasch

Hey guys, whats the difference in a Jazz and P bass?!

Oops!

That's easy - a jazz bass is a double bass that you play for very little money (and for small groups of people who mostly ignore you). The "P" stands for Personal, and it's a double bass you play at home for no money (and for small groups of people who mostly ignore you).

Uncletoad · #14 01-31-2009, 01:43 PM

I use Labella Flats on my Pbass. The Jamerson Set.

But I haven't played a gig on it since 2006.

SLaPiNFuNK · #15 01-31-2009, 01:55 PM

I have Ken Smith Compressors on my P Bass...

They are smooth, and fat!

Reynolds 101 · #16 01-31-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Now GET OUT OF OUR FORUM.

Damn uptight uprights

Im kind of looking for a tone like Chris Wood's, but without making my amp clip like crazy. Would I be better with a high tension or medium tension?

- Fast foward to 5:45:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsmLOwveisw

elBandito · #17 01-31-2009, 03:40 PM

That sounds rounds in the video.

Reynolds 101 · #18 01-31-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elBandito

That sounds rounds in the video.

I was pretty sure he was using flats because I think thats what he normally uses, but if not, same idea. Im trying to get a good idea of the tension and the tone. I like to dig in for punch and keep it at a slight lower volume than usual, but my amp clips when I do this. When I get flats, I want it to keep the punch but maybe keep it from clipping as much if I can.

ljazz · #19 02-01-2009, 04:05 AM

I haven't seen the vid, but in the BP issue he was covered on, it looks like a well worn set of DR Black Beauties.

For the OP, flats with some grind while on a budget..... DA Chromes. They are under 30 bucks, have some snap to them, and last forever. I'm not a big DA fan, but the chromes are nice...... I have a set on my G&L SB2 right now, and they sound wicked.

Ljazz

Reynolds 101 · #20 02-01-2009, 08:19 AM

Well on the other thread someone posted the SAME title and almost the SAME exact question....

Anyways on that thread someone posted LaBella Deep Talkin Flats for about $26 bucks, and thats not much more than the set of 9050MLs I was going to buy. Hows the tension on these, fairly even?