So I put on flats...

Houston · #1 04-12-2007, 10:59 PM

I put on my first set of flatwound strings since about 1979 or 1980 (Fender 9050) on my MIM Jazz. They certainly have a different voice and feel.
Had band practice last night; waited for some comments...and nobody noticed.

Oh well.

Jim Carr · #2 04-12-2007, 11:21 PM

what gauge?

Houston · #3 04-12-2007, 11:41 PM

Fender 9050 ML
.045 .060 .080 .095

Jim Carr · #4 04-12-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

Fender 9050 ML
.045 .060 .080 .095

That is my favorite gauge of Fender Flats.

How did you like them? Did you change your EQ? What have you been using before?

seanm · #5 04-12-2007, 11:56 PM

Just shows that people don't notice the bass until it *isn't* there. If you like it better, and nobody else notices, then it is all good.

If I change a bass line and nobody comments, then I take that as approval

Houston · #6 04-13-2007, 12:17 AM

I had been using D'Addario roundwounds before this. I still have roundwounds on my Rick and my old Washburn.

We're a cover band, so this gives me another dimension (even if no one else notices). If I use a pick, I can very nearly duplicate Tyrone Porter's sound (Doobie Brothers).

Houston · #7 04-13-2007, 12:22 AM

I did have to piddle around with the EQ a bit, but not much. I've got a BBE preamp and a 1/3 octave EQ that I just barely touch. I use a little push at around 50, 60 and 100 (roughly).

Fat.Mike · #8 04-13-2007, 12:34 AM

I suppose only other bass players notice these things. I put on a set of flats long ago and they totally changed my sound (more Steve Harris like). No one I jammed with at the time noticed either. And so, Such is life.

PilbaraBass · #9 04-13-2007, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

I had been using D'Addario roundwounds before this. I still have roundwounds on my Rick and my old Washburn.

We're a cover band, so this gives me another dimension (even if no one else notices). If I use a pick, I can very nearly duplicate Tyrone Porter's sound (Doobie Brothers).

funny you should mention Tiran Porter...

I just posted in a thread that if there's ONE sound I want out of bass it's his sound...I love the sound of his bass on "Long Train Running"...

Houston · #10 04-13-2007, 08:07 AM

I could be wrong, but I think he's using flats on a Rickenbacker, playing with a pick.

Mrdak · #11 04-13-2007, 08:18 AM

Those particular flats,,,,, are they stiff? High or Low tension?

Jumbotron · #12 04-13-2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

I put on my first set of flatwound strings since about 1979 or 1980 (Fender 9050) on my MIM Jazz. They certainly have a different voice and feel.
Had band practice last night; waited for some comments...and nobody noticed.

In my experience, sometimes they don't even notice if you play half the song in the wrong key.

Cochise · #13 04-13-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumbotron

In my experience, sometimes they don't even notice if you play half the song in the wrong key.

Ain't that the truth. In my covers band we do 2 Paulo Nuttini songs. At rehearsal the other night I played the wrong song for 4 bars, then realising my mistake played the right song a semitone out for a couple of bars. When I apologised at the end of the song the other 3 band members hadn't noticed

rllefebv · #14 04-13-2007, 12:09 PM

When I joined my roots/rock band 2 1/2 years ago, I was a 'roundwounds on everything' kind of guy... The music seemed to want flats, so after a few months I slapped a set on. Immediately, the very keen-eared band leader looked over at me with a big ol' goofy grin on his face... He caught the sound with the first 'thump'... I love my band!

-robert

smeet · #15 04-13-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rllefebv

When I joined my roots/rock band 2 1/2 years ago, I was a 'roundwounds on everything' kind of guy... The music seemed to want flats, so after a few months I slapped a set on. Immediately, the very keen-eared band leader looked over at me with a big ol' goofy grin on his face... He caught the sound with the first 'thump'... I love my band!

-robert

That sounds more like it... If your band doesn't have good enough ears (or care enough) to tell when your sound changes, you should find a new band.

In my bands (even the bad ones), everyone has always been keenly aware of what everyone else is doing with their sound, whether it's a new guitar amp, a new cymbal, new bass strings, or the singer trying a new mic.

I mean, if they're not listening, why are they playing music????

Houston · #16 04-13-2007, 02:50 PM

Mrdak -
Since this is my first set in a long time, I can't really say if they are stiffer than other flats or not. They seemed to need more time to settle down and stay in tune. I think there is more tension, but I'm not the best one to ask.

Houston · #17 04-15-2007, 05:48 PM

Had our first gig last night since I put on flats. Played my Rickenbacker (with roundwounds) for the first set, and switched over to the Jazz with flatwounds in the middle of the second set. By the end of the third set I could really tell the difference in tension. My left had was tired at the end of the third set. I never realized what a difference in tension there was. So, fourth set: bad to the Rick. Much easier.

Now I need some recommendations for some lower-tension flatwounds. And maybe a lighter gauge.

BassMan250 · #18 04-15-2007, 06:54 PM

I found that while my Fender flats (gauge .55, .70, .90, .105) felt stiff at first and my hands got tired, they broke in quickly and now they feel as comfortable as my old rounds (Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky). I also adjusted the action and straightened the neck a little also when I changed strings though, so that might have caused a change in feel also.

SGT. Pepper · #19 04-15-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

Had our first gig last night since I put on flats. Played my Rickenbacker (with roundwounds) for the first set, and switched over to the Jazz with flatwounds in the middle of the second set. By the end of the third set I could really tell the difference in tension. My left had was tired at the end of the third set. I never realized what a difference in tension there was. So, fourth set: bad to the Rick. Much easier.

Now I need some recommendations for some lower-tension flatwounds. And maybe a lighter gauge.

D'Addario Chromes but go for the 45,65,80,100's. The 40-95's will be too loose for you in that brand. Chromes always retain some brightness to them unlike most flats. Just roll off the trble and you'll get the traditional flat sound.

Luke73 · #20 04-15-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

Had band practice last night; waited for some comments...and nobody noticed.

Oh well.

I feel for you!

In the last 18 months or so I think I've had 12 different basses, a bunch of different string types, and nearly 20 different amps!

Whilst they have noticed the different look of a new bass or amp (it's hard not to), when asked which they prefer my band mates always say:

".....I can't hear the difference - bass is just "dum dum dum dum dum".....they all sound the same...."

I'm afraid in this eternal quest for the right tone, it's only me that notices!