Precision Bass - Flats to Rounds... Suggestions?

Groover · #1 07-09-2009, 08:11 AM

I know this is an opened ended question, and ready for a gazzilion option, but here is the question.

I typically play P bass. I've used pretty much all flatwound types out there, and currently using Sadowsky Blacks (flats) .45 - .105

Great strings, but I think I want something that will help me doodle with my bass a little more.

Should I go with a lighter gauge, or go with something a little more "springy" like roundwounds?

If so, what would you recommend in my case? (pretty much a flatwound user at heard, wanting a little more zing and bounce, while still keeping it all buttery

)

Thanks!

lmfreeman9 · #2 07-09-2009, 08:28 AM

I like the DR flats for rock. They are stainless and have a little more brightness.

p-bass · #3 07-09-2009, 08:45 AM

I think the Fender 7250's are a good string, and may be what you looking for.I have found after they break in they have a warm, fat and thumpy sound with some zing. They also feel smoother to me than alot of other roundwound strings.Steve

jasper383 · #4 07-09-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p-bass

I think the Fender 7250's are a good string, and may be what you looking for.I have found after they break in they have a warm, fat and thumpy sound with some zing. They also feel smoother to me than alot of other roundwound strings.Steve

This is what I would try.

Also, the Fender 7150 strings would be worth trying, since the word "buttery" was used.

jmceachern36 · #5 07-09-2009, 09:49 AM

I've got old GHS Boomers on my P. I'm a lover of the flatwound sound and these seem to be a good in between string. They mellow out quickly and are a little easier to play than flats.

Kenny Allyn · #6 07-09-2009, 09:52 AM

7150s are a good choice used them for a long time ... a little lower output but "buttery" is a good description.

I have however made the change to DR Sunbeams.

... Bud LeCompte turned me on to them, and they keep there sound for what seems like forever.

ironrat · #7 07-09-2009, 09:42 PM

TI or Chromes!

bassist4dalord · #8 07-10-2009, 01:08 AM

+1 to Chromes if you want to stick with flats. I have Chromes on my Squier Affinity Jazz V and Ernie Ball Slinky (rounds) on my Precision. I love it!

Groover · #9 07-10-2009, 06:29 AM

All nice suggestions. As of now, from what I'm seeing here, I'm leaning towards the Fender 7250's (.40-.100?).

Actually, the Chromes are the only flats I have never used for some reason. I think they may be similar to the Sadwoski's?

I've tried the 7150's on that bass, pretty nice, but choked my bass somehow (volume?). I'd like something a tad more aggressive this time.

I haven't tried GHS strings in a long time on a different bass. Can't remember why I moved away from them, other than I just started trying out other strings.

No on the TI... Man, I have tried to like those strings for so long now. I've bought two sets, thinking maybe I didn't give the first set enough of a chance... Second set is currently on my Jazz bass. I'll keep them on that for a while until I'll hopefully fall in love with them, but for now, I'm constantly fighting the urge to take them them off!

Are the 7250's comparable more to Sunbeams, Fat Beams, or Low Riders as far as tension goes?

Thanks again!

basss · #10 07-10-2009, 06:47 AM

I like Ken Smith compressors a lot. They are a pure nickle compression wound string. They have a round wound vibe with slightly less zing and more thump.

groovenut57 · #11 07-10-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

Actually, the Chromes are the only flats I have never used for some reason...

I would definitely suggest you at least give chromes flats a try and see. It's a nice compromise between the zing of rounds and the thump of traditional flats.

I use 40-100 on both my P and J and I find them smooth and "buttery" without being too thumpy.

kimokeo · #12 07-10-2009, 10:09 AM

How about Brite Flats or Half Rounds? These allow a flat feel with a little more brightness than a regular flat.

Lichtaffen · #13 07-10-2009, 10:40 AM

Another vote for Chromes.

wildhorse · #14 07-10-2009, 11:27 AM

I too use Chromes... and won't even try anything else at this point.
However on my second bass I use Diaddario Half Rounds and have so for over 20 years....
I'll never like the sound of rounds when I play. Too old school I guess.

jmain · #15 07-21-2009, 01:09 PM

If you're thinking of going rounds, I would second Kenny's suggestion of Sunbeams. They mellow fairly quickly, but hold their life for a long time before going dull.

Mojo-Man · #16 07-21-2009, 01:16 PM

For flats I prefer TI-flats and GHS Precision Fats.

For rounds DR Sunbeams, GHS Pressurewounds, or Ken Smith Compressors.

All work great on a P-bass.

pmaraziti · #17 08-28-2009, 12:41 PM

At the moment I love TI on my Precision RI62 but also have a set of Chromes on standby... listen to JMJ with 66 precision (mind the strings he plays are 4 years old)

unclekebm · #18 08-28-2009, 12:56 PM

TI Jazz Flats
Fender 7150 Nickel rounds
DR Sumbeams (a little more "open" sounding than the 7150's & less tension)