is there much difference b/w new flats and old flats

[these_go211]

i started thinking about this while listening to iron maiden today. when i first found out steve harris used flats i was surprised someone playing that style of metal would be a flat user. i thought that players used flats for the old style woofy tone (myself included), and maybe the smooth feel. harris certaintly doesn't have woofy muddy old school tone. his strings sound bright. since flats don't collect dirt and grime like roundwounds don't they sound the same over time?

[joinercape]

In my exerience flats eventually loose their tonal center, so the intonation sounds off. For TI's, this can take years, probably due to their low tension. The DR's (stainless) it seems to be about a year, Fenders a little less. I have no experience with LaBellas. But in general, when you tune up and your intonation seems off up the neck, it's time to replace them. I don't bother with the boiling or other repairs, I just replace them. This is based on daily playing and at least weekly gigging, may they will all last longer with less use.

[Double Agent]

I can only speak about Chromes, as they were my first foray into the world of flats. I have had them on my MIM Fender P/J for several months now and their tone has changed enough for it to be noticed, but still fairly similar to their new, out-of-the-package tone. They were surprisingly bright when I first put them on, almost like rounds, but with a lot more fundamental. After about 2-3 weeks of consistent playing, they took on the character that flats are known for, a nice round, thumpy tone with just enough high end. They have stayed that way for several months now.

I believe that Steve Harris changes his strings very frequently and I've heard that Roto 77s have a LOT of high end when they are new. This might be way Steve's flats sound they way they do, which is very unlike most other flatwound tones. They don't stay on his bass long enough to get a "woofy, muddy, old-school" tone. But, if he left them on his bass long enough, they would surely develop that tone after a few days.

[scottbass]

Yes, TI's are certainly different. I find it takes several weeks of playing for them to "settle into" their signature sound (and for the rosin-like stuff to wear off), but then they keep that sound for years. I replaced my last set of TI Jazz Flats after about 4 or 5 years, but there was no good reason for me to do so - they still sounded the same. My current set has been in service for over 2 years now and still sounds the same. I play about 15 hours per week between practice, rehearsals and gigs. The only maintenance they receive is a good wipe-down with a dry cloth when I finish playing, and a wipe-down with a GHS Fast-Fret cleaning stick once a week or so.

[these_go211]

thanks for the replies guys. i've been using the same TI flats for about 4 years now. i'm not a gigging musician, just a bedroom recording one. i think they stilll sound fantastic. i believe steve harris changes his strings before every show but maybe someone else can confirm.