Thinking of putting a flatwound on just the B string ?

JonathanD · #1 11-13-2007, 08:24 AM

So, I am thinking of putting a TI flatwound on just the B string. This way it tightens up, and I can get a different tone from each string.

Anyone see problems arising with my neck on a MM SR5? Also, any of you 4 stringers willing to buy a 5er set if I pay the extra cost to get the 5 string set and shipping to get it to me?
Jonathan

joelb79 · #2 11-13-2007, 08:46 AM

I would be very hesitant to put a much lower tension string on just the B, when the B is usually a higher tension string. Having different tension on 1/2 of the neck would promote twisting, which is not a good and easily fixable phenomenon. I would suggest finding a set that has the tension you are looking for and for a tighter B-String, play closer to the bridge.

It would also seem to me that the TI would have a much different tone and would not blend well. I can't imagine you liking it.

JonathanD · #3 11-13-2007, 08:48 AM

Are flats lower tension? I was under the assumption that they were higher tension.

I would like to try some flats, but $70 is a tad much for me right now unless I can find a trade.

Thanks for the response Joel.

joelb79 · #4 11-13-2007, 08:51 AM

OK i'll be the first to chime in that flats can be an awesome thing. TI's are generally the lowest tension string you can find. I put flats on my EBMM Sterling and loved the sound, but they were the wrong flats for my play style and found the tension to be high.

That being said, TI's are probably around the tension of a light set of DR high beams. They can get squishy feeling when digging in which is because of the way they are wound. Plus they are the most expensive. I have not tried them.

I would suggest trying something like Diaddario Chromes to start out. The lighter guages would work well with the EBMM pickups and would have the grind but not the clank, and would round out your lows and low mids a bit.

greenboy · #5 11-13-2007, 05:30 PM

Other than TI "un-flats" which are made of different materials and construction than "traditional" flats, flats are HIGHER tension for the same diameter than roundwounds because they have higher MASS. TI "un-flats" have lower tension for equivalent gauges.

Also, in most sets the B string is by far the lighest tension when properly tuned. One can remedy this by going for a higher gauge, or with technique and setup.