Thumpiest Flatwounds?

[Mastermold]

I've been searching the archives and there's been a lot already discussed on this subject, but I figured what the heck! Let's discuss some more, this is "Talk Bass" after all!

In my ongoing quest for the perfect flatwound I've been trying differnet brands looking for that perfect set of flats that's deep, dark and thumps like mule kick to your chest, yet don't play like a set of steel bridge cables.

La Bella 760FLs are the string I'm currently using on my favorite P-bass and while responsive and punchy they lack that percussive kick that I'm getting from the Fender 9050MLs that I've got on a few other basses. (A bunch of you guys suggested I need to give the 760FLs more time to season, and I'm going to. But I'm still looking ahead to what string set to try next assuming after 6 months I'm not otherwise happy with the FLs.)

So why not just use the Fenders? While nice and thumpy, they aren't as responsive as the La Bellas and I'd rather have an E string larger than .100 if I can for the deep notes.

Is there a "best of both worlds" set of strings out there? I'm thinking the La Bella 760FS or FM set might be what I want. The Jamerson set I don't know about -- too much maybe?

D'Addario Chromes are not it (too clangy and don't cut through the mix).

TI flats are not it (not deep enough, too little tension).

Rotosound 77 Jazz flats are not it (too bright and growly).

Haven't tried Sadowsky or GHS flats yet but I've been reading the archived files here and thinking about them too.

So share your thoughts and experiences!

[Thangfish]

Fender has .105 in stainless and nickle.
Not much help...

[jasper383]

Go ahead and try the GHS Precision Flats. They do come in a .105 E. Deep and dark, super smooth feel. Good price. Not as high tension as some.

I don't know why they are not more popular in this forum.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by jasper383

Go ahead and try the GHS Precision Flats. They do come in a .105 E. Deep and dark, super smooth feel. Good price. Not as high tension as some.

I don't know why they are not more popular in this forum.

La Bella and TI flats get the majority of talk around here, true. I may try the GHS, the price sure is nice.

[rakirksey]

Originally Posted by Mastermold

Is there a "best of both worlds" set of strings out there? I'm thinking the La Bella 760FS or FM set might be what I want. The Jamerson set I don't know about -- too much maybe?

I have the Jamerson set on my P bass. They are pretty thumpy, but they are also a bit of a workout (52 - 110). I don't think they are too much especially when I hit that open E.

[Trevorus]

Nylon Tapewounds. THUMP THUMP!

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by rakirksey

... I don't think they are too much especially when I hit that open E.

That must sound like a cannon!

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by Trevorus

Nylon Tapewounds. THUMP THUMP!

I've considered those but they're not responsive enough.

[Jason Hollar]

I tried a set of the GHS on a 5 string Zon -- really didn't like them much. TOO THUMPY, not enough high end.

However, I think I have a set on a new used Warwick fretless I recently bought.

Do the GHS have purple wraps? These are super smooth and quite nice actually.

[fretlessman71]

Originally Posted by Jason Hollar

I tried a set of the GHS on a 5 string Zon -- really didn't like them much. TOO THUMPY, not enough high end.

Hmmmm.... that could mean that the strings are PERFECT for the OP. Interesting...

[Thangfish]

Originally Posted by Jason Hollar

Do the GHS have purple wraps? These are super smooth and quite nice actually.

Yes, they have purple wraps. I like 'em too.

[king_biscuit]

IMO, from years of playing different flats, "thump" comes from a string with good tension -- Fender ML or M, La Bella 760FM or Jamerson set, EB Group I, etc. Fender flats are my current favorite.

[fretlessguy]

I do not use flats as a general rule, but the one bass I have them on sounds much better
with them than without them. I tried the LaBella tapewounds and Fender flats, but these fit it much better tonewise.

[fretlessguy]

I'm sorry. I forgot to mention they were GHS Precision flats.

[Jason Hollar]

Yo Mike -- good to see you on TB! How's the Fort?

Yeah -- I'm liking these GHS flats. Might also try a stock set of Fenders, Ernie Ball, or even the D'addario Chromes again.

Still loving the Roto 77s on my Yamaha 5 for r&b and soul gigs.

[Mastermold]

Found what appears to be the best price on the web for La Bellas -- ordered a set of 760FS just in case I ditch my FL set (I won't toss them, just put them on another bass most likely).

http://bassguitarstrings.us/store/home.php?cat=303

[fretlessman71]

http://imperialguitar.stores.yahoo.n...-la-bella.html

Don't mean to burst your bubble....

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

http://imperialguitar.stores.yahoo.n...-la-bella.html

Don't mean to burst your bubble....

Cripes! Yeah I actually forgot about them -- but they didn't carry the FS set which is what I wanted to try as a "baby step" up from the FL. If I end up making a further guage jump to the FM set then I'll be using these guys (need to bookmark this webpage! )

[fretlessman71]

It's a good idea. And they'll get you whatever you want, too - just because it's not listed on their page doesn't mean they can't get it, and at a good discount as well.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

It's a good idea. And they'll get you whatever you want, too - just because it's not listed on their page doesn't mean they can't get it, and at a good discount as well.

That's good to know --thanks!