Thinking about some flats

lenosgood · #1 01-29-2011, 05:46 AM

I got a chance to play a Jazz bass with some flats on it, and i like 'em, so I was thinking about putting a set on my P bass. I remember reading about the possible difference in tension, so I was wondering if it would be advisable to have them installed by a tech to avoid any setup issues or is it that big of a deal?

MrGotBass · #2 01-29-2011, 06:00 AM

It shouldn't be a big deal, just slap 'em on there and go to town.

treekiller · #3 01-29-2011, 06:02 AM

I do simply because I'm not very confident in my set-up skills and the local dealer services all new instruments they sell for life.

As for flats on your P, I have a 2000 MIM P, an '08 MIA Jazz, and a 2010 MIA P all strung with flats(Chromes 45 - 100) and very happy with them! I have the Jazz tuned down to Eb and there really wasn't any problem with string tension. I have found I use a bit lighter touch than before on all of them. There is a bit of a break-in period with the Chromes, but after they lose that initial "zing" they sound great and I absolutely love the way they feel. Good luck!

lenosgood · #4 01-29-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGotBass

It shouldn't be a big deal, just slap 'em on there and go to town.

+1 for your sig quote...

Johnny Alien · #5 01-29-2011, 01:31 PM

Depending on your choice of flats they could be significantly higher in tension than your current strings and would indeed require a truss rod adjustment. If you are not comfortable doing that than it might be a good idea to get a setup by a tech when you do the string swap.

prd004 · #6 01-29-2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Alien

Depending on your choice of flats they could be significantly higher in tension than your current strings and would indeed require a truss rod adjustment. If you are not comfortable doing that than it might be a good idea to get a setup by a tech when you do the string swap.

+1

Welcome to Flatville, where all bassists are welcome!

lenosgood · #7 01-29-2011, 02:30 PM

From what I've read, I'm leaning toward D'addario chromes...but being a newbie, I'm open to suggestions!

Johnny Alien · #8 01-29-2011, 06:57 PM

Chromes aren't as high tension as alot of them so it might need adjusted a little but maybe not alot or at all. That's a tough call. Whenever I change types or brands I figure on doing an adjustment.

IMO if you are new to flats than Chromes are the perfect place to start. Not too high tension, not too expensive and a real good example of old school flatwound tone.

michaeln · #9 01-29-2011, 07:00 PM

I sure like the GHS Precision Flatwounds I have installed on my Squire VM P-Bass. Great feel, great sound. Lousy fit on the E string, but it sounds good.

88ric2030 · #10 01-30-2011, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaeln

I sure like the GHS Precision Flatwounds I have installed on my Squire VM P-Bass. Great feel, great sound. Lousy fit on the E string, but it sounds good.

I have GHS Precision Flats on a short scale Squier Bronco as a specialty bass that I mainly use for recording in certain situations when a tune warrants a real old school flat sound. They are perfect for that, but if someone wants something a little more versatile for an all purpose main bass, I'd recommend Chromes or the new Fender 9050 set, which are similar, but maybe not quite as smooth to the touch, with a little more growl. I have Ric and Fender basses strung with both that are my main gigging instruments.

magstorm · #11 03-02-2011, 04:42 AM

From what I've read, Thomastik Infield have the lowest tension, but I haven't tried them myself. I use Picato flatwounds which have slightly higher tension than Chromes and are less "zing-ish".
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/