Trying flats: Should I use a lower-gauge set than the rounds I'm used to?

[mikeddd]

I want to try flats, but have read that they exhibit increased string tension. So, if your rounds are 50-105, you should use a 45-100 set of flats.

Is this correct? All my basses currently have D'Addario 50-105 XLs on them and I'm used to that gauge and tension. Thanks.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by mikeddd

I want to try flats, but have read that they exhibit increased string tension. So, if your rounds are 50-105, you should use a 45-100 set of flats.

Is this correct? All my basses currently have D'Addario 50-105 XLs on them and I'm used to that gauge and tension. Thanks.

It's incorrect.

THEY don't. SOME do. Some have MUCH LESS tension.

If you are going for D'Addario Chromes or TI JAzz Flats you'll be able to tell exactly what the tensions of the new strings will be, as well as what your current strings have for tension. IIRC Chromes will have a SLIGHT tension increase, but that should vanish in comparison to the round/flat difference in general feel.

[mikeddd]

Thank you, JustDavid; that's exactly what I need to know. String tension is important to me; I'm very used to what I currently use. I'd prefer not to change my string tension by any appreciable degree since that would take me too long to get used to. I was looking at Chromes since I do like D'Addario strings (at least the rounds).

[gary m]

Consider also flats sold through Carvin. They are a fantastic value.

[mikeddd]

Carvin strings? Really? I know about their gear; great value for the money, but not strings. Never thought of them. I'd imagine they make their own, like everything else. Thanks, garym.

[jasper383]

If you set up your bass properly after you put the flats on, you probably won't notice much difference.

[king_biscuit]

Originally Posted by mikeddd

Carvin strings? Really? I know about their gear; great value for the money, but not strings. Never thought of them. I'd imagine they make their own, like everything else. Thanks, garym.

La Bella makes strings for Carvin.

[gary m]

Absolutely. Carvin flats are what I use exclusively. Great strings which should last a long time with proper care.

[Soul Power]

I love chromes, but they are *slightly* brighter than other flatwounds, but hey, I still get a very old school tone when I just plug into my computer.

[mikeddd]

I didn't know Labella made flats for Carvin. I wonder if they are the same strings? Wouldn't be a surprise in this day and age. Labellas for 50% of what they go for commercially? Count me in on that.

Because I play such a wide range of music, I'm hesitant to go for a "total flat wound sound". I.E. "pure thud." If I can get "close to that sound" by using moving the tone knob on my J-bass, I'm happy.

[jasper383]

Originally Posted by king_biscuit

La Bella makes strings for Carvin.

The last few sets of La Bella flats I have ordered and received have been repackaged GHS Precision Flats.

[gary m]

mikeddd: I think you'll be more than happy with the Carvin flats. They have a nice midrange detail and a solid bottom end ...plus they feel fantastic. Let us know how they work out.

[gary m]

The Carvin flats are one of the best values out there...nice midrange and a solid bottom.

[JustDavid]

Mike, with all the new things that will be going on sound-wise & feel-wise when changing from rounds to flats (or vice versa), I don't think you'd even notice a full 'step' of tension difference.

& I tend to include a neck relief adjustment in any string change; apologies for that assumption.

I don't know if Carvin publishes their string tension information. That's one thing I really like about D'Addario.

Grab a set of flats & give them a try. Least expensive definitely has it's benefits, but some research into the various flats' sounds in this forum will let you do some filtering before you buy. I don't know 'your sound' nor your playing situation so can't really recommend strings.

[mikeddd]

Thanks for the advice, JustDavid. I'm hoping for as little physical adjustments to the bass as possible. Once you turn the trussrod, you just committed to a 2-month process. A few weeks of the neck settling in, then another adjustment if necessary to get it right. Got my necks where I like'em ATM.

I like my action medium-low and "my sound" definitely leans towards the Motown/Classic Rock side of things. But I like to have a palette of sounds available to me b/c I do play almost everything, genre-wise. Or I try as much as my limited talent will allow me to. A lot of Motown and classic rock mostly, but a little country and jazz thrown in. The only sound I really don't use is the super-hi-fi, zingy slap and pop sound. Don't like the sound and I can't slap to save my life, so that sounds' out for me.

I want to try flats as an experiment to see how much it would affect "my sound". I'll string one of my Jazzes with them and see how I like it, feel and tone-wise. I did a lot of reading last night before and after posting this thread and there's an incredible amount of info and opinions on flats in the Strings forum. From what I gathered, a good "starter/comprimise flat" is the D'Addario Chromes. I ordered a 50-105 set from a company advertising on Amazon. I got their last set. They were $5 cheaper than Musiciansfriend. $25 shipped for a set is a really good price.

I'm really looking forward to the experiment. They may be what I've been looking for to get that sound that's in my head. They may not be. Good times though.

[mikeddd]

Here's one example of the type of flat sound I'm looking for. Not doing the violin bass thing, though. Too much gear aleady. The Word, by The Beatles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiXwc_KLw5c As I've discovered, "turning up the bass and turning down the treble" will only get you so far on roundwounds. Ergo my flats investigation.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by mikeddd

Here's one example of the type of flat sound I'm looking for. Not doing the violin bass thing, though. Too much gear aleady. The Word, by The Beatles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiXwc_KLw5c As I've discovered, "turning up the bass and turning down the treble" will only get you so far on roundwounds. Ergo my flats investigation.

i totally agree. not the same thing. i only wish i could get used to flats. every few months i try again, but i always go back to rounds.

[JustDavid]

I'm only used to Chromes on active Ibanez' but I don't think you'll have an issue getting that Beatles cover sound out of a Jazz. He's using the TI Jazz Flats.

Enjoy!!

[mikeddd]

I'm planning on putting the Chromes on one of my SX Jazzes (stock pups, upgraded pots). What's really going to be interesting is when I try them on my Warmoth Ash/Rosewood Jazz with an EMG JVX active set. That's when I get the body...it's still being painted at Warmoth. Got the neck and pups sitting right here though.

That sound in "The Word" would do very well with most Motown tunes I (try to) play. I've read so many comments like "Just couldn't get used to flats" that I'm a little intimidated. I'm wondering what the oddity is? Maybe it'll be like when I switched from guitar to bass about 15 months ago. Being used to fingerpicking on a 6-string acoustic, I just couldn't get "four big strings" and the spacing under my fingers. Now I can't play the acoustic anymore. LOL!

The guitar will always hold a special place for me, but it took me 25+ years to realize that I was playing the wrong instrument. I always liked rhythm guitar better than lead. Sure it's fun to wail but it's the bass that carries the song. Moves it along. Makes you bob your head up and down.

[Remguy]

"I always liked rhythm guitar better than lead. Sure it's fun to wail but it's the bass that carries the song. Moves it along. Makes you bob your head up and down."

Amen, Brother!