String-thru and flats

C.Linton · #1 07-04-2010, 05:12 PM

Just this week got a Squier VM Jazz bass, and after many years using roundwounds, decided to put flats on it for a more vintage sound. So far I like it, and I think I will likely put some flats on my '08 Fender Am. Std. Jazz. However, I have read that some flatwound strings (La Bellas?) are not suitable for a string-thru bass (too short?) Who makes a decent flatwound string that is compatible with a string-thru bass?

**lowendfriend** · #2 07-04-2010, 06:51 PM

Try Detroit Flats from webstrings.com ....They are reasonably priced and should be fine for string thru. I use them on a ABG with an abrupt angle to the bridge with no issues.

Captain Simian · #3 07-04-2010, 07:12 PM

Actually, I tried the Detroit flats on my string thru Osborne and they weren't long enough. Maybe try some extra long scale flats. Try Just Strings www.juststrings.com and see who sells XL flatwounds.

C.Linton · #4 07-04-2010, 09:14 PM

I was thinking of GHS Precision flats. They seem to be getting generally good reviews, and the listing I saw on JustStrings.com says they are made for 34" - 36" scale basses. Also looking at Rotosound's Jazz bass flats, extra long. What do you think?

CBgaragebassist · #5 07-04-2010, 11:07 PM

Super Long Chromes. Oh yeah.

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-ecb81sl.html

Grateful · #6 07-04-2010, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBgaragebassist

Super Long Chromes. Oh yeah.

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-ecb81sl.html

+1. I've had the same set of Chromes that has been strung through body on probably 4-5 different 35" 5 string basses over the last 2+ years and sound better than ever.

Bongolation · #7 07-05-2010, 12:38 AM

The problem is also gauge.

Heavy gauge flats just won't bend properly with through-stringing. They just jam up on the E's windings in a big arc.

Fitting bass E strings is a perpetual pain in the neck.

Good luck in your quest!

Bongolation · #8 07-05-2010, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Linton

Who makes a decent flatwound string that is compatible with a string-thru bass?

The new Fender 9050 series should work if you use the L or ML gauges, but the M (.105" E) is too fat to make the bend cleanly.

The new 9050s are pretty nice. I was not a big fan of the old 9050 series, though.

hdracer · #9 07-05-2010, 12:47 AM

I have used long scale Chromes on my Cirrus 35" with no problems. La Bella has special strings for through body. Look on their web site. I think I saw them on Elderly's web site too.

Bongolation · #10 07-05-2010, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Simian

Actually, I tried the Detroit flats on my string thru Osborne and they weren't long enough.

Thanks for the heads-up on that!

I was going to buy some sets from them, but too-short is a deal-killer. What was the ball-to-stepdown length? Do you remember?

C.Linton · #11 07-05-2010, 09:18 AM

Thanks guys, now I have a better idea what to look for.
Just a note - The last time I used flatwounds was when LaBellas were less than ten bucks a set for a short-scale bass.

fretlessguy · #12 07-05-2010, 05:46 PM

I have used GHS Precision Flats and TI Jazz flats with my body thrus without any problems.

bthiemann80 · #13 07-06-2010, 11:08 AM

Anybody tried to string the Rotosound RS77 jazz flats strung through the body?

Greg75 · #14 07-06-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bthiemann80

Anybody tried to string the Rotosound RS77 jazz flats strung through the body?

I have. No problem stringing them through on my Stingray. Sounded excellent but were a touch too high-tension for me.

Captain Simian · #15 07-06-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bongolation

What was the ball-to-stepdown length? Do you remember?

You totally lost me on this.

I have had the Detroit Flats on a couple of top load precisions and I really like them. The seem to have a wider wind so they're very thuddy ( I have the .50-.110 set on both). I'm going to order another set for a jazz I just picked up. Totally worth the money IMHO.

Throckmorten · #16 07-13-2010, 06:47 AM

I have TI flats on my Fender 51 RI string-thru. No problem.

It puts a dent in the strings and they could not be swapped into any other bass. So the only drawback would be if you like to trade strings with other basses.

mnavarre · #17 07-16-2010, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bongolation

Thanks for the heads-up on that!

I was going to buy some sets from them, but too-short is a deal-killer. What was the ball-to-stepdown length? Do you remember?

I just put a set of the heavy gauge on my Squier 50's P and there's *maybe* 1/2" past the nut on the E before they step down. couldn't see 'em working for a 35". The LaBella 760FM/L on my '51 RI work great and probably have enough room before the silks to fit a through body 35".