Recommened flats on a jazz bass

basspro · #1 11-16-2009, 01:29 PM

I just wanted to get a few opinions for flats on my Fender jazz
deluxe bass before i spend a fortune trying a bunch of strings.
I've joined a R&B motown band and it seems flats would be the
way to go.I've used rounds 45-105 for so long i would'nt know where to start with the flats.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.

rollcall · #2 11-16-2009, 01:30 PM

tomastik infeld flats the only ones youll ever need

basspro · #3 11-16-2009, 01:51 PM

I posted before that a got a set of TI Jazz rounds that felt like flats on a EBMM bass
i bought.Are the TI flats simiular? I don't think they come in .45-105 though.

fishsticks · #4 11-16-2009, 01:53 PM

CHROMES!

aus_bass · #5 11-16-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishsticks

CHROMES!

^ These.

nella · #6 11-16-2009, 02:19 PM

Well for motown you can't go wrong with the labella deep talkin flats.

debassr · #7 11-16-2009, 02:20 PM

Yep, I like chromes on a J. Labella DTF's are better on a P. Keep the neck pup vol almost off, set the bridge pup vol to about 50%, tone to about 20% and off to motown land you'll go.

CPplaysBASS · #8 11-16-2009, 02:29 PM

TI Flats only come in 43-100 I believe ...

I use 45-105 rounds but go to 45-100 for flats (Chromes).

For me (and everyone is different, so making string recommendations difficult), the transition of switching between 45-105 D'Addario Nickelwound and 45-100 Chromes is the most consistent in terms of tension.

Just previous to the Chromes (like two weeks ago), I had the TI flats. I could see why some would love them. I hated them ... and they cost $65 Canadian compared to the $35 Chromes. Multiply that by two actually since I have a Fender Jazz and a P-Bass and instead of being patient and just trying them on one bass, I restrung both at the same time.

I need some tension in the strings to be able to play the way I'm used to. The TIs are very low tension, lower than any rounds I've tried, and despite the tone, I was not playing the way I'm accustomed to and my technique was affected.

What strings are you currently using and do you like the tension of those?

I've burned through flats from RotoSounds (45-105), Fenders (45-95 and 50-100), TIs (43-100) and Chromes (50-105 and 45-100) all just in 2009, and the Chromes 45-100 are the only strings touching my basses from here on out.

If you do try those, just two bits of advice ... string them through the bridge even if stringing through the body is an option (they won't fit properly through the body and, quite frankly, I think all strings sound just as good and "set up" better through the bridge), and give them a good 10+ solid of playing time before you finalize judgement on them. Bright and clanky at first ... evens out very nicely in a short time and, from what I've heard from others, they'll stay that way forever.

p-bass · #9 11-16-2009, 03:46 PM

D'Addario Chromes are a great match for a Fender Jazz. I agree with CPplaysBASS,the 45-100 set is my favorite. I am using rounds on my Jazz Basses now,but do use the ECB81SL Super Long Scale Chromes on a MIA Fender Precision and string it through the body.

Doctor Flang · #10 11-16-2009, 03:52 PM

I've tried many flatwounds on my jazz bass but for the last few years i've used D'addario Chromes Regular Light Cauge (45-100). They both feel and sound good.

**duff84** · #11 11-16-2009, 05:09 PM

ti jazz flats by far, i used them on a 75 reissue jazz bass with custom shop 60s pickups the tone was to die far. best jazz bass tone i ever had, i regret selling that bass.

michael_atw · #12 11-16-2009, 05:20 PM

I have been using Chromes for a couple years...and I have a love for it on some basses and not so much on others. Right now I just got a '75 Reissue and they sound amazing. It seems like at first my hands get stuck on them...like I have to wear them in and grease them up. Like they slow me down. It's odd...wonder if anyone else has that issue. Either way, I guess it depends on the bass; I'd say Chromes would be a good start for you.

bassist4dalord · #13 11-16-2009, 05:30 PM

Another +1 for D'Addario Chromes. REALLY versatile string. If you throw these strings on your Jazz, solo the neck pickup and favor the bass a little (not too much), you'll be rockin' a very sweet tone. It'll sound like a P-Bass with flats to the audience.

mcm · #14 11-16-2009, 05:43 PM

chromes on my lakland dj4 kill

basspro · #15 11-16-2009, 05:58 PM

Thanks guys for all the advice! Looks like i will start with the Chromes 45-100 and go from there,
i play finger style mostly and dig in hard sometimes depending on the song, so
i think the tension should be close to the super slinkys im use too.

Mojo-Man · #16 11-16-2009, 06:36 PM

GHS Steel Core Flats 45-105.
Just put a set on my "Roadworn" Jazz.
Sound great.
TI-Flats always, for my P-Bass.

Number27 · #17 11-17-2009, 03:53 AM

i'm going to throw in my obligitory pyramid gold flats recommendation

Gearhead43 · #18 11-17-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor Flang

I've tried many flatwounds on my jazz bass but for the last few years i've used D'addario Chromes Regular Light Cauge (45-100). They both feel and sound good.

I have these on my SX Jazz and they sound and feel awesome.

Mr. Mig · #19 11-17-2009, 08:01 AM

I like Chromes myself.

DavePlaysBass · #20 11-17-2009, 08:02 AM

I highly recommend the Sadowsky Flats. I think this is the most balanced set of flats relative to the TIs, 760FLs, and EB Group IIs. If the Chromes are like the EBs, I would recommend the Sadowskies over them. Rich, warm, fat, and defined. No clank. I like the 45s. Feel like mediums to me. I have seen a few report they were a tad high tension wise, but I have not noticed this.