what flats are brighter? 50-105 chromes, 45-105 rotos? Sadowskys? or Dr?

CrimsonGhost · #1 11-21-2007, 08:27 AM

Hi guys, looking for a "new" flat for my p-bass im getting sick of the super high tension of the steve harris flats. I basiclly want tensions close to say,.. 45-105 rounds.

I basiclly want a nickel roundwound tone in a super smooth flat that will last, no ground or pressure wounds.

what string will give me the tone im looking for?

Whats the brightest?

chromes,
Rotos,
DRs
sadowskys?

I know to stay away from more "traditional" flats like ghs,labella, etc..

thanks for your help!
-J

Buskman · #2 11-21-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrimsonGhost

I know to stay away from more "traditional" flats like ghs,labella, etc..

Hey, CrimsonGhost -

Why would you say this is so? I'm asking because I've heard (not from direct experience, mind you) that GHS flats have a slightly lower tension. What experience have you had (if any) with these?

But as far as brightness goes, Chromes would be your best bet. However, the tension on these is slightly higher than on a set of D'addario rounds, so you might be headed down the same path...

CrimsonGhost · #3 11-21-2007, 10:37 AM

From trying a set of ghs precision flats YEARS ago. and word on the boards, they are more of a "traditional" thumpy,less bright flat, like the labellas, etc

vs more modern sounding flats like the chromes, etc.

Jason Hollar · #4 11-22-2007, 10:34 AM

The GHS flats are the dullest I've ever tried! Like rubber bands.

I use the Roto 77 (45-105's + 130 for the low B)

I find them to be a very bright string and they mellow nicely with age.

If you like the Steve Harris string sound, try stepping down a guage to the regular 77's.

I also used the D'addario & Ernie Ball Chromes for a while and the Rotos are much brighter & metallic sounding.

groovejam · #5 11-22-2007, 09:10 PM

I dont get Rotos, people say they are bright and not "thumpy" like other flats but I thought Roger Waters (or whoever played bass for Pink Floyd...) used Rotos and that tone is one of the darkest and thumpiest I have heard.

**TheEmptyCell** · #6 11-22-2007, 09:58 PM

There are some GHS flats on my Ibanez Artcore, are they are the antithesis of the tone and feel you want. Super stiff and super thumpy. I don't mind them, but I far prefer my TI Jazz Flat's. I got them super cheap in the classifieds here, and theres no way I'll pay $50 for a string set, so I'm looking for something else.