Smooth Flatwounds with Punch?

[::::BASSIST::::]

Time to buy a new set of strings. I love the punchy not-mushy low-end I get from Chromes, but I find the newer sets to be a bit rough.

I want my next set of strings to have that same no-mushy, punchy depth but still super smooth like this.



Any suggestions?

[rosskratter]

Try some LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats.

[jk3]

i use both Chromes & GHS Precision Flats.

the GHS are not as punchy as Chromes, but they are more punch than mush.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Originally Posted by rosskratter

Try some LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats.

I have used those alot in the past. Great string, but they dont really have that punchy thing going on like the Chromes.

[svtb15]

I like the chromes.... They loose the roughness after a few weeks,, unless they changed something..
Sadowsky flats are real smooth.. but i dont remember what they sound like .its been years since i last played them

[::::BASSIST::::]

I have a set of Chromes on my practice-at-home bass and they are not super smooth. About five years ago I had Chromes that were way smoother. They must have changed something.

Right now I am considering:

Sadowsky flats
GHS Precision Flats
Carvin flats (I think I read good things about these a few months ago)

[Marton]

TIs if you like their lower tension.

GHS are pretty good too, I just wish they made a more balanced light set.

[SMILEYSIXX]

Rotosound 77's are the absolute best flatwound I have ever played. Silky smooth and a big chunky sound

[king_biscuit]

TIs, GHS Precisions and La Bellas are all great strings.

[sikamikanico]

i have newer chromes and have had success dialing out the roughness with the tone knob...

[steamthief]

Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX

Rotosound 77's are the absolute best flatwound I have ever played. Silky smooth and a big chunky sound

I agree, they also had punch and growl.

[::::BASSIST::::]

I prefer higher tension so the TIs are out. I took a peek at some Roto 77s at a local store the other day and they didnt seem that smooth to me. Hmmm....

[basss]

I recently switched from from medium la bella flats to light sadowskys. They are both punchy in different ways. The sads have the same basic vibe but less booty and more presence in the mids. They have a great feel. I like them so far - they are still breaking in after about 3 weeks.

[Fran Diaz]

Another vote for the Sadowsky flats. Smooth feel, the right tension and great tone.

[prd004]

Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX

Rotosound 77's are the absolute best flatwound I have ever played. Silky smooth and a big chunky sound

Disagree. I love Roto's have them on my Jazz and my Carvin. Been playing them for years but they are the roughest flatwounds I heve ever seen or felt. They almost feel like really smooth roundwounds.

I love their tone, they have great presence and even a vintage growl. The roughness doesn't bother me, you still don't get any squeek or string noise. I am thinking of switching to strings with less tension, but they will have to sound killer to keep me from going back to Roto's!

[capntripz]

TIs are without a doubt the smoothest I have ever used. Fender actually has a pretty good string. The Pyramids are still a bit rough, but they play well.

[::::BASSIST::::]

How are the Fenders for smoothness?

[Doelle]

I am very pleased with my GHS precision flats.

I don't have the best ear though, and they are my first flats. But to me they sound good!
And I like the higher tension they have, compared the the Ernie Ball steel rounds I used before.

Now you got my 2 cents

[jmceachern36]

GHS are great sounding strings. Very smooth and good tension. My favorites for sure. I'm not sure if they're what you're looking for as far as being punchy. Very old school sound. They don't cost much though. Might be worth a try.... Don't know much about the new Fenders. I've read they're sticky at first.

[ric stave]

Originally Posted by sikamikanico

i have newer chromes and have had success dialing out the roughness with the tone knob...

Interesting - so exactly how does a tone knob change the feel and physical texture of the string?