time for flat strings?

therex · #1 12-04-2008, 05:04 PM

so i am kind of decided of trying flats on my p bass, but does it worth it?. i will have a really hard time buying flat strings
i hate death rounds sound, they just sound too dull to me
but i just realized i dont like new strings sound either, i like the brigth and growl but they dont have that huge low end my old rounds use to have
also i want low tension string with a thick feel, how is the tension in flats compared to rounds?

any suggestion for flats?

Number27 · #2 12-05-2008, 12:51 AM

flats are generally a little stiffer than rounds.. cept for TI jazz flats, which i've never tried, but everyone always harps on about how bendy they are. i suggest you just bite the bullet and try some. at the very worse you're out 25 bux

bassteban · #3 12-05-2008, 01:34 AM

If you've never tried flats on your P, it's time.

WarThumb · #4 12-05-2008, 02:14 AM

I was in your position a month ago, and ordered a set of Labella tapewounds for my P. I put them on my Geco just to try, and now I have tapes on both basses. I just love them! This is my first flats. The tension makes the string stiffer, but it makes my touch lighter since i don't pull the string, but kind of pick on in. If that makes sense..
And the Labella tapes are not dull in my ears. They have huge low end, but still som crisp attack. They are quite expensive though.. I paid $64 for the 6-string set, can't remember what I paid for the four..

Nick Kay · #5 12-05-2008, 02:19 AM

If you don't like how rounds get dull after they've been worn in, you definitely won't like flats. Try some stainless steel rounds instead - DR Hi Beams have low tension and a big, bright sound.

fearceol · #6 12-05-2008, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therex

i hate death rounds sound, they just sound too dull to me

If you are looking for flats, then this sounds like a contradiction.

Having said that, the TI Jazz Flats (TI = Thomastik/Infeld) are fairly bright as flats go. They are also low tension. They are expensive , but as they last for years, with the tone getting better with age, they are worth it IMO.

Unfortunately with strings, the only way to find "yours" is to experiment.

DavePlaysBass · #7 12-05-2008, 06:55 AM

To me there is something totally different about flats the worn out rounds do not come close to. The note decay is quicker They are deeper. Without all the extra sustain, they sound more articulate for many passages. Hanging on the E string and banging out a some low notes is a lot of fun with flats. You really should give it a shot if you have never experienced it.

For low tension, the TIs are a good one. And the Labella 760FLs are a tad tighter but not by much. These are about like a Medium Light set of rounds.

TIs have great mids and sit great in a mix.

Labellas are deeper and thuddier. If you are playing music with sonic space for all that, these are a great string too. If you are in a busy rock environment, they may get buried easily.

RH434 · #8 12-05-2008, 08:19 PM

I just put flats on for my P/J for the first time. I didn't know what to try first, but I tried GHS Stainless 3050's from Juststrings.com for like $23.

I really am sold on them now. I am also much happier with the sound out of my P pickups, especially if I finger up by the neck. The tone is really sweet and got rid of some of that "honky" sound from my boomers.

Hope you try some out. G/L

metalmariachi · #9 12-05-2008, 10:17 PM

You might give ground wound strings a try.
Like GHS bright flats.
They are less zingy than rounds, brighter than true flats and have a nice deep sound once they are broken in.

Still get finger noise that you don't get with true flats if your technique is a tad sloppy like mine.

MM

therex · #10 12-22-2008, 09:47 AM

i think i'll try flats when i got the chance,
i just tryed fender rounds, and they sound amesome deads!, unlike dead daddario rounds

Spinal Tapper · #11 12-22-2008, 09:57 AM

I've got Roto 77 flats on my Jazz & P.

Amazing tone - pretty dark, tense strings though. To each his own.

Shaun_Bass0 · #12 12-24-2008, 02:23 AM

+1 on the roto 77's, had a set on my PJ for 6 months now...can't stand the way they feel or how they sound alone but played them at rehearsal this week, the first time they've been played at proper volume within a band setting. I didnt want to like them they sounded awesome!

I've finally found out why people rave about flats, and I honestly think its worth the (IMO) horrible feel for what it adds to your sound. Have 2 basses, on strung with flats the other with rounds, and just switch when you need to. People make big deal out of "their" sound, **** that, take the time to make a number of sounds yours, variety being the spice of life and all that!