School me on flat wound strings please!

Jimmy Stump · #1 05-12-2013, 09:47 PM

I'm on an ipad with a weak search function, so forgive me if this has been beaten to death.

I'm awaiting a Precision bass and I'm really wanting to use flats on it. I typically play a jazz,and like a bright growly sound. I want a different experience with the P. I havent a clue about flats, never used them.

Not sure of my tone goals quite yet, but lets say very smooth and warm. I play through an Eden WT550 or Markbass F1 head and two Bergantino AE210 cabs. No pick.

With that said, what are the major styles of flats, and some of the characteristics of the tone they have?

Thx.

two fingers · #2 05-12-2013, 09:50 PM

For first dive into flats, you can't go wrong with Chromes. They'll be slightly brighter than some others. But you can roll off the tone a bit to warm them up. But I wouldn't go head first into really dull sounding flats at first. They will only serve to turn you off. Also, remember that flats shine in a mix. Listening to them while playing alone will be not so amazing.

SLaPiNFuNK · #3 05-12-2013, 09:50 PM

For really bright flats you are going to be looking at:

D'Addario Chromes
Rotosound Jazz Bass 77
Ernie Ball Flats
Fender Flats

Everything else starts getting darker.

curt basner · #4 05-12-2013, 09:55 PM

Others can give you more details about the many different options for flats that are available, but I can tell you a bit about the Thomastik-Infeld flats, as I have them on all my basses, two 4 strings and a brand new 5 string. I think you would find these TI strings to be very vintage sounding, and from what I've read, can almost literally last forever. I love these strings for several reasons. First off, they are pure nickel wound strings, which I believe gives you the warmest sound. Secondly, different strings require different amounts of tension in order to get to the correct pitch. TIs tend to be lower tension than most. Some people like that, others do not. I happen to love that fact about them. Lastly, they are probably the most expensive strings out there. I think the price is about $105 for a set of their 34" scale length for a 5 string set. But well worth the price, IMHO!!

tbone0813 · #5 05-12-2013, 10:02 PM

I use Chromes on my CV Precision and love the tone. Nice and warm.

gus1894 · #6 05-12-2013, 10:29 PM

D'Addario Chrome Flats on my Reverend BH5 (5-string) and I play through a GK MB-500 head and a 12/6 cab.

I get a warm tone that is bright, with a killer middy punch that sits great in a mix, it shines. It even allows me not to have to push my amp and fight for volume. Solid low end too.

I also tend to keep the tone knob on the bass between 75% and full-on, depending on the room. For example, at rehearsal, it's typically almost 100%, but at the bar I played in last night it was backed up to like 70-75%.

Anyway, I've never had much love for flats and before the Chromes, I would have have never thought of putting flats on one of my basses. After Chromes I wouldn't put rounds back on this bass.

Jimmy Stump · #7 05-13-2013, 05:52 AM

As a user of this forum over time I think I have read Chromes and TI flats the most. Low tension of the TI flats worries me a bit.

Do flats tend to mellow out after time, and how long should a set last? I'm used to changing round wound strings every month to three months depending on how much I play.

SolarMan · #8 05-13-2013, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stump

I'm on an ipad with a weak search function, so forgive me if this has been beaten to death.

I'm awaiting a Precision bass and I'm really wanting to use flats on it. I typically play a jazz,and like a bright growly sound. I want a different experience with the P. I havent a clue about flats, never used them.

Not sure of my tone goals quite yet, but lets say very smooth and warm. I play through an Eden WT550 or Markbass F1 head and two Bergantino AE210 cabs. No pick.

With that said, what are the major styles of flats, and some of the characteristics of the tone they have?

Thx.

For smooth and warm, and for less money than most sets, you have got to try the GHS Precision Flats

Simply superb flats - and they do indeed seem custom made for a Precision!

gary m · #9 05-13-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolarMan

For smooth and warm, and for less money than most sets, you have got to try the GHS Precision Flats

Simply superb flats - and they do indeed seem custom made for a Precision!

Absolutely true. You cannot beat the tone, feel and value of GHS Precision Flats. These strings shine on any Fender or clone.

jumbodbassman · #10 05-13-2013, 02:21 PM

flats last for years usually

SolarMan · #11 05-13-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumbodbassman

flats last for years usually

And many improve with age. Wonderful "feature"!

CnB77 · #12 05-13-2013, 02:31 PM

La Bella flats are great
I hear the new Fender flats are quite good too, though they're in a different tonal world than La Bellas

Marial · #13 05-13-2013, 03:44 PM

For smooth, warm, and articulate, I far prefer the Sadowsky and DR Legends flats. I've tried Chromes and the TIs and in both cases found them to have a 'boing' that I just did not care for. Now it's possible I didn't let them break in long enough, but out of the packaging I really like the rich character of the Sadowskys and DRs.

In standard gauge (.105 to .045) string tension is very similar between them, and sits smack in the middle of TIs (.100 to .40, if I recall correctly) and Chromes (.105 to .45), with the TIs being very light tension and the Chromes being reasonably heavy.

The Sadowskys also have a really lovely, smooth feel to them, and the DRs are close in that respect. The Sads are probably the nicest feeling string I've ever played.

inthebassclef · #14 05-13-2013, 03:57 PM

In my experience I have found the there is no brand of flats that even come close to TI flats. They are warm and true throughout the board. They are very low tension compared to other flats. If you are just starting to use flats then you will be surprised by the tension. They are much high tension than roundwound. However, the TI flats are such low tension that they come very close to rounds. Even thought the E is .100 you still get a really full sound out of it. And the bonus is they last forever. I had one set on a bass for five years now. Hope this helps.

Marial · #15 05-13-2013, 04:05 PM

I actually found the TIs to be lower tension than most round rounds I've used (for reference I prefer DR Sunbeams when using rounds).

Grissle · #16 05-14-2013, 01:42 AM

Also flats take awhile to break in so judge them right away.

SLaPiNFuNK · #17 05-14-2013, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grissle

Also flats take awhile to break in so DON'T judge them right away.

FYP

rodl2005 · #18 05-14-2013, 02:39 AM

Agree with most of the above. T.I.'s = great. Chromes great too. I haven't tried GHS Precision flats, but they're next on my list.
The sure can last for YEARS- depends on yr tonal goals & I suppose how the string actually 'lasts' I played a mate's '62 Precision a while ago & it'd had the same set of flats on it for as long as he'd had it- since '84 - & it sounded phenomenal.

Also- consider Tapewounds too. First time I went to flats I didn't bond with 'em, & went back to rounds- I never liked half rounds either. Later I tried a set of LABELLA Nylon tapewounds, I still have that same set on my Precision. SUPERB!!!

Jimmy Stump · #19 05-14-2013, 05:58 AM

That's my fear is never binding with them the first time and then not going back. I believe the bass has LaBella standards on them right now.

Thx for the opinions so far.

Jimmy Stump · #20 05-14-2013, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inthebassclef

They are very low tension compared to other flats. If you are just starting to use flats then you will be surprised by the tension. They are much high tension than roundwound. However, the TI flats are such low tension that they come very close to rounds.

Thank you, but I'm a bit confused by this part.