What brand of flats for...

[Eskimo Spy]

I'm playing a US Lakland Glaub 4-string (strung through the bridge, of course), through an Ampeg Heritage SVT into an Aguilar DB 410 cab. I'm in an indie band that has no need for a bright, so-called "modern" sound, fortunately.

I currently play Chromes (105's), and while I like them, I find the E string to be a bit boomy, especially if I'm playing something between the 5th and the 10th frets. I love the sound of flats, I just want to have an even sound across all my strings, good low end without as much boominess. I've tried the LaBella 110's, and the tension on those things is just too much, so I would like to keep the gauge around 104-105.

So, please make some recommendations, thanks!

[Bassman822]

I have TI Jazzflats on my P/J fretless and am quite happy with them on that bass. I didnt like them on my G&L L2k though

[Eskimo Spy]

I'm thinking I might try some Thomastik JF344's.

[prd004]

I highly reccomend Rotosound Jazz 77's!

They have the fullest sound of any flats I've tried, perfectly balanced presence from string to string, and I love them!

[fretlessguy]

I use TI and GHS Flats for my flatwound needs and would recommend either set, but try cutting your lows a tad on your EQing first to see if that works.

[username1]

Originally Posted by prd004

I highly reccomend Rotosound Jazz 77's!

They have the fullest sound of any flats I've tried, perfectly balanced presence from string to string, and I love them!

+1 my favorite also

[Eskimo Spy]

Originally Posted by fretlessguy

I use TI and GHS Flats for my flatwound needs and would recommend either set, but try cutting your lows a tad on your EQing first to see if that works.

That's the first thing I did, but I want some strings I don't have to drop my bass frequencies significantly to use.

[Ron G]

After trying about 5 different brands of strings I recommend GHS Precision Flats most had too much tension for me and the GHS's cost less than $30.

[madmatt]

Weird how nobody mentioned Fender flats.
These are less than 20 Bucks and are almost like Chromes.
I have a set strung through body on my American P deluxe and they are holding up.

[iiipopes]

I will mention them. The new 9050CL set, 45-60-80-105, is the best set of flats I've ever played in over 35 years of playing bass. They are not hollow. They almost have a subdued growl to the tone. They are consistent from string to string and up the neck. These are the first set of flats I have ever played that I changed to and kept, and I've played every set of flats out there, and until these, I'd put them on, play them for a week, and take them off.

If the OP thinks a 105 is a bit boomy, the 9050L set, 45-60-80-100 may be a better alternative.

[MarkusBass]

Yep! Love the 9050Ls! I wish they were not quite as stiff, but the tone is killer. Best feeling flats IMO are the JOs, and since you don't need a ton of top, they would be worth checking out.

Originally Posted by iiipopes

I will mention them. The new 9050CL set, 45-60-80-105, is the best set of flats I've ever played in over 35 years of playing bass. They are not hollow. They almost have a subdued growl to the tone. They are consistent from string to string and up the neck. These are the first set of flats I have ever played that I changed to and kept, and I've played every set of flats out there, and until these, I'd put them on, play them for a week, and take them off.

If the OP thinks a 105 is a bit boomy, the 9050L set, 45-60-80-100 may be a better alternative.

[Eskimo Spy]

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm going to try out the TI jazzflats first, then the 9050L set, then the lighter gauge Chromes. I'm currently playing the 105 Chromes, and while I like the way they feel, the 105 E does really BOOM on my Lakland. So, it's time to try some 100's and see if the higher register loses any tone or volume...

[Andysalina5]

Rotosound 77s are my favorites

[mccartneyman]

Sadocsky flats are my new favorites.

[lowendfriend]

Originally Posted by Bassman822

I have TI Jazzflats on my P/J fretless and am quite happy with them on that bass. I didnt like them on my G&L L2k though

Didja try 'em on your 44-02?

[lowendfriend]

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

Sadocsky flats are my new favorites.

Are you using them on the Lakland? How are they on a (presumably) 35" scale?

[chadhargis]

I have a set of TIs on my G&L L-2500 and they are fantastic. I liked the Chromes, but it was my B string that sounded "off". No so with the TI flats.

[ThisisCraigP]

Originally Posted by Eskimo Spy

Which brand of flats for.....

metal?

[Russell Bergum]

My favorite is definitely Sadowsky flats. Have tried both the 40-100, and the 45-105 gauge sets, and they are great. Next I like TI Jazz Flats, followed by Chromes. I didn't really care for GHS Precision Flats.

[jasper383]

No one has mentioned La Bella 760FL? "The" sound for your P style bass. Even, punchy, ballsy, fat. 43-104 gauge.