What flats for a 5-string?

[SirCanealot]

Hi guys,

I recently snagged a decent 5-string Ibanez off of the bay, and it's in bad need of a good setup and a set of new strings. So was thinking of throwing a set of flats on.

Basically, not too fond of the electronics. The treble control seems to roll off the very, very top end, but it still leaves far too much high-mid end! This means, craploads of finger noise, and the low-mids not being as tight as they should be.

So I'm thinking, try a nice set of flats (since my tone of my MM Bongo with rounds isn't that trebley these days anyway)

I'm thinking of either a set of Rotosound Jazz flats (since I know they're quite bright for flats and I want to have a little brightness still), or a set of DD Chromes (I've heard very good things about them). But then I thought...do these sets have good Low Bs too?!

This is my first 5-string, so I wanted to get some thoughts about the low Bs on these sets! I think the bass now has a set of Roto SS strings on (at a guess due to the feel and red thread on the strings), and the low B is very playable

[fretlessman71]

Originally Posted by SirCanealot

Hi guys,

I recently snagged a decent 5-string Ibanez off of the bay, and it's in bad need of a good setup and a set of new strings. So was thinking of throwing a set of flats on.

Basically, not too fond of the electronics. The treble control seems to roll off the very, very top end, but it still leaves far too much high-mid end! This means, craploads of finger noise, and the low-mids not being as tight as they should be.

So I'm thinking, try a nice set of flats (since my tone of my MM Bongo with rounds isn't that trebley these days anyway)

I'm thinking of either a set of Rotosound Jazz flats (since I know they're quite bright for flats and I want to have a little brightness still), or a set of DD Chromes (I've heard very good things about them). But then I thought...do these sets have good Low Bs too?!

This is my first 5-string, so I wanted to get some thoughts about the low Bs on these sets! I think the bass now has a set of Roto SS strings on (at a guess due to the feel and red thread on the strings), and the low B is very playable

If you otherwise like the strings that are on there, you might go with the Roto Flats just because (I'd assume) that not too much will change tension wise and tone wise (flats vs. rounds notwithstanding). It's a new bass; you're not used to its voice; it might be wise to change as little as possible first time around. At least comparatively to the Chromes, I'd think.

If LaBella made a set of Deep Talkin' Bass in 5-string, I'd say try that, but a) I'm pretty sure they don't and b) it's probably not the tone you're looking for...

[tmw]

Xl Chromes...I have a set on mine with a .132 B string...simply outstanding.

[SirCanealot]

Thanks for the feedback

How bright are the chromes? What's the top end growel and low-mid swell like? I kinda know what to expect from the Roto flats from listening to plenty of Iron Maiden (although I know Harris doesn't really play them like normal flats :P), but I really know nothing about the chromes about from the good words I've seen put out about them here.

Rotos seem to be what I could go for for bread and butter tone, but I'm actually a regular sucker for DDs, so I'm very used to their strings (used plenty of Roto SSs in the past though). I was actually looking at Labella stuff earlier (going for some new strings on my MM Bongo soon), and it looks like Labella is hard to track down in the UK anyway. Kinda sucks they don't do a 5-string set, seems kinda silly? Maybe the low end on a deep talkin' low b would shatter people's rib cages? :P

[DavePlaysBass]

Labella makes 5 string sets. I really dig the four sting 760FLs on my P bass. With a high mass bridge, these things cut thru the mix and sustain in a way I did not think they would. They are punchy and full sounding. I have had great expiereince with Labella B strings (hard rockin steels) and would expect the 128 B in the FL 5 string set would be tapered and good.

Another option I would consider is Sadowsky flats. I am surprised no one has mentioned these. They are supposed to be a modern take on the Labellas. I have never played them myself, but they get a lot of good press.

[manicbassman]

Rotosound SM77 Monel Jazz flats have quite a high tension. The B is very good as a result.

I have a set of SM775LD on my V950B

I also have the 4 string set on my Squier VMJ...