What kind of Flatwounds?

[CTC564]

I have a Lakland 5 string...35" scale
Considering using flatwounds for the first time

Any recommendations?

[AmadeusXeno]

The flats I've tried that I liked the most were roto's

[burgerdj]

I recently fell in love with the DR Highbeam flats. They remain flexible, have a great fundamental and zero finger noise.

[bassmasta76]

I use GHS Flats on one of my basses... love 'em.

[meatwad]

I recently put some D'Addario Chromes on my Precision, and really like them. I don't have much experience with flats, other than some being unpleasantly stiff with tension through the roof. With Chromes, at least the ECB80 XL set, I found these are quite easy on the neck, fingers, and wallet. Great tone, too.

D'Addario*ECB80 XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Strings - Find the largest selection and guaranteed lowest prices at Musician's Friend.

[jallenbass]

Whatever you choose be sure not to pass judgment on them until they have been on your bass for at least a few weeks. They change a lot (for the better) with time.

[Toneman]

I used and liked the Lakland Joe Osborne flats which are made by GHS for Lakland basses both four and five string. The five string sets are 35 scale. They're available on the Lakland website.

[teleharmonium]

I usually use La Bellas. My two most played electric basses are short scale and have La Bellas on them. I have also used Pyramids, T-I, and the Fender branded flats, and Chromes. I hate Chromes with a passion, will never use those again.

The ones I would recommend for a price/performance ratio are La Bellas and then T-I. I need to get some new T-I sets to compare side by side, as I've only had one set of their flats (I use their rounds on my 5 string Ric and love them), but the La Bellas have been totally satisfying and they haven't worn out yet, so it may be a while before I can do that comparison.

[G00D+~VIBES]

I use/like chromes on anything with a "P" pup, and Roto77's on "J" basses.

[Eric Scholz]

Originally Posted by meatwad

I recently put some D'Addario Chromes on my Precision, and really like them. I don't have much experience with flats, other than some being unpleasantly stiff with tension through the roof. With Chromes, at least the ECB80 XL set, I found these are quite easy on the neck, fingers, and wallet. Great tone, too.

What sets did you find had higher tension? I use Chromes, and they have higher tension than their round wound equivalent IME. Personally I love the feel of tighter strings, so if there's something with higher tension at the same gauge I'd be very interested.

Sorry, I don't mean to high-jack this thread.

[CTC564]

No problem

Thanks for all the info

Seems to me that flatwounds could require a set-up as well? Or can you just replace roundwounds with flatwounds???

[meatwad]

Originally Posted by Eric Scholz

What sets did you find had higher tension? I use Chromes, and they have higher tension than their round wound equivalent IME. Personally I love the feel of tighter strings, so if there's something with higher tension at the same gauge I'd be very interested.

Sorry, I don't mean to high-jack this thread.

Most likely they were old school GHS or Fender medium gauge flats. They always made any bass they were on a serious chore to play, and gave a tone I was in no way interested in at the time. I have avoided them entirely until recently, making the Chromes the first set of flats I've ever bought. I'm sure there may be something out there I might like better, but these are a major improvement over those old neck-benders.

[bassist4dalord]

D'Addario Chromes. +1 to giving them a month or two to settle in.

[eff-clef]

I just ordered the(Brand new [custom light]) Fender 9050Cl's on the advice from iiipope. I have the old 9050's and they are too stiff! They have a good sound though. The new 9050's(all gauges) have been reformulated(Core and outer wrap) to be more flexable and balanced. He says that the new 9050Cl's are more flexable like the D'Addario chromes, BUT with better tone(less hollow), articulation, growl and a balanced feel. Also, they are cheap in price.

[m0ntels]

I'm digging my Fender MLs after getting used to the tension. When I put them on, I was able to lower my action a fair amount, but my truss rod needed about a quarter turn the next day. It's a skinny necked Ibanez, so I expected that. I love the sound they make though, so clear yet so growly.

[CTC564]

Ok...again, pardon the ignorance regarding this question

I am confused as to the "conversion factor"

Seems that flatwounds increase tension on neck....so putting them on would require a set up as well?

[AmadeusXeno]

Whenever I change to a different brand, gauge, or type of string I always do a setup. Many things can change the tension different strings put on the neck (although sometimes so minor you can't notice) so it's always a good idea to have the setup done.

[Tommygunn]

Old package fender flats. Not sure if they came in a 5er set but if they do its worth checking out. I'm in love with them.

[T40Chump]

Di'Addario Chromes .045-.132 Super Long scale. Make sure you get Super Long.

[markanini]

I hear good things in GHS flats.