suggest flatwounds...for rock...help!

raul · #1 07-15-2011, 02:03 PM

i was all set to get some Rotos for my Geddy Jazz bass but decided to try out some flats...and yes, a mostly play loud rock type stuff, but also a big of everything, but mostly rock or loud heavy music.

thinking flatwounds are very much worth a try, seems like they could work. so...Chromes or the TI jazz flats? i want a big loud punchy growly deep sound that is will work well with the Geddy Jazz bass.

i usually play roundwounds, of course...so i need some advice as to which set of flats should work for me. seems like the two i mentioned are a few of the go-to flats but there is a tension issue with the TI flats?

i guess i want the ones that last long and have that strong tone i'm going for. and of course, good for loud rockin heavy music and everything else in the bass world!

tekdiver500ft · #2 07-15-2011, 02:17 PM

You really need Rotos to sound like Geddy Lee. I use LaBella Jamerson's, and that's a really nice, thumper of a string, so you don't want that. If you're set on flats, then I'd go with the Chromes, I think. They are pretty bright and growly, and last longer than rounds.

**funkybass4ever** · #3 07-15-2011, 02:35 PM

I used only roundwounds but decided I needed a change and got some Fender stainless steel flatwounds. It is a big change in feel and sound but so far i love them. I have them on my MIM jazz with Leo Quan Badass 2 bridge similar to the Geddy Lee Jazz. Roundwounds have a ring to them I have noticed and the flats dont have it as pronounced. They have a more thumpy tone. I tried the Fenders because they were cheaper than TI's by about thirty bucks.

ironrat · #4 07-15-2011, 02:39 PM

I recommend the Chromes. TI are too low in tension to be played very fast (at least for me)

gidbass · #5 07-15-2011, 02:40 PM

The TI's will be closer in tension to the Roto's IMO. The Chromes will be higher, which isn't necessarily bad, just something to be aware of. you will probably need to tweak your truss rod either way.

I have played both chromes and ti's and i love them both, but for me, i give the edge to the TI's. i think they sound "clearer" in the low notes, and I like the lower tension.

I don't think you can really go wrong with either.

Good Luck!

Low End Lover · #6 07-15-2011, 02:41 PM

Try the Fender Flats, the 9050CL set. They are not your typical flats. I have them on my Ric 4003 & 4003FL and they work great. Here's a link to them and a few reviews:

Fender Bass Guitar Stainless Steel Flatwound Long Scale 34", .045 - .105, 9050CL

guroove · #7 07-15-2011, 02:52 PM

I like light gauge LaBella deep talkin' flats. They have a lot of grind and a nice mellow top end on a jazz bass.

raul · #8 07-15-2011, 03:13 PM

i think im gonna try out some Chromes...those sound like they work well with all kindsa music and the type of music i love, loud powerful music, should sound like a great big fat tone explosion. and with muzz fuzz and a VT Deluxe, i think it's a good recipe with a Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass...