string size rounds to flats

[jagdeluxe]

Hi everyone pretty new here,hope this does not sound too stupid.I,ve searched this great forum but cant find the definite answer.I have a MIM P. bass that has factory 45,s to 100,s on it.I want to try flats.Do i need flats in the very same size or can i go heavier considering nut and bridge slots not to mention extra tension on the neck.In other words when we convert to flats or the other way around do we have to use the same size or diameter.Thank you for this.

[AmadeusXeno]

When I've treid flats I just used the same gauge. Flats are higher tension for the most part so you might not want to go up in gauge unless you are looking for much higher tension. Make sure to get a prpoer setup done after.

[Shoewreck]

Same size would fit same slot, but flats would probably feel stiffer.

[mmbongo]

I definitely would not go with a higher gauge than what you're used to. Flats will be MUCH stiffer.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Flats will be stiffer depending on the brand you go with.

Most of the Steel / Nickel wrapped flats out there will not require modification... If you go with Black Nylon Tapes some may require modification of the nut... So any flats you will be fine...

You will find that flats in the gauges you currently have now will be quite nice.. even if you go +/-.005 on either string it will still be pretty killer...

[jagdeluxe]

Thank you

[Russell L]

I did ok going from 45-105 in rounds to the same size in flats on one bass, and going from 50-105 to the same on another. I, too, was concerned that the nut slots would limit how big I could go, but as it turned out I didn't go any bigger, so I'm good. I'm sure there is a limit, though.

What I'd like to know is what sizes are OEM nut slots on different basses, straight from the factory. Do they have a standard?

[AmadeusXeno]

Most basses have 45-65-80-100 or 45-65-85-105. Those 2 are the most common I've seen from the factory anyway. Hope this helps.