Roundwound for Flatwound, setup

SRT31 · #1 03-04-2010, 08:24 AM

Want to try flatwounds, on my MIM Fender P-Bass, any setup/intonation issues that I should be aware of? This is my first time re-stringing. Thanks.

snyderz · #2 03-04-2010, 08:35 AM

I've never had to adjust the action when I've converted round to flat. You might have to tweak the trussrod if there is a huge difference in tension. Just throw them on, intonate, and play that sucker.

Cannabass · #3 03-04-2010, 09:01 AM

i had to crank the **** out of my old epi LP's truss rod when i put fender flats on it, they are such high tension.

but it also could have because i took the roundwounds off like a week before and left the bass sitting around with no strings... haha i made all the rookie mistakes with that bass

Cannabass · #4 03-04-2010, 09:01 AM

p.s. dont get fender flats

JTE · #5 03-04-2010, 10:55 AM

It depends on at least two things. First, the difference between tuned tension of the rounds you've got on now, and the flats you're going to put on. Second, how critical things like action, relief, and intonation are to you. If you go to T-I Jazz Flats you're probably going to need to relieve the truss rod's tension. If however you go to some LaBella Old Originals (the "Jamerson set"), you'll probably have to tighten the rod a good bit. There's simply not any standard that's consistent except that different sets have different tensions.

Any time you change brand or gauge of strings you should check and set the neck relief, the action, and the intonation. But then I think any bassist should be able to set all of these themselves without any problems.

John

SRT31 · #6 03-05-2010, 01:41 PM

Thanks

Double Agent · #7 03-05-2010, 01:51 PM

+1 to all posts above.

The changes you have to make are the same ANYTIME you make a major switch in strings, even switching from one round to another. You have to compensate for different tension and different gauge, regardless of whether its a round or a flat.

Any ideas on what kind of flats you want to try out? What kind of tone are you going after?

SRT31 · #8 03-06-2010, 05:07 AM

I bought a set of Fender flatwounds already. I'm after a rich, deep tone. I hate the zing zing sound that roundwoulds produce.

Turnaround · #9 03-06-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRT31

I bought a set of Fender flatwounds already. I'm after a rich, deep tone. I hate the zing zing sound that roundwoulds produce.

Nice thought. Some consider the sound of flats to be muddy and lifeless. "Deep and rich" are not the terms I wold use to describe the sound of flats. More "thumpy and muted".

Whaddya know! It's a matter of personal taste.

Then again, I have some high-frequency hearing loss. Maybe the sound I like is awful!

SRT31 · #10 03-07-2010, 06:17 AM

Thank god you don't play violin.

Tim Skaggs · #11 03-08-2010, 09:16 PM

You will definitely have higher tension w/ Fender flats than almost any round wound. I would recommend D'Adderio Chromes to get to anything close to deep & rich. The TI's are actually pretty bright for flats, but there are several brands that could fill the need. Good luck.

SRT31 · #12 03-09-2010, 05:24 AM

Thanks for the input. This is beginning to sound like a project not for the beginner.

Tim Skaggs · #13 03-09-2010, 12:11 PM

Nah, you need to go for it and do what you want with your bass. Don't go crazy and do something that would damage the bass, but making changes until you find what you like is half the fun