Flats and Thru Body Stringing

buzzbass · #1 03-02-2007, 11:52 AM

Maybe you guys can figure this one out. I've wanted to convert my maple board/duncan p'up 55-94 to flat wounds for a while now. Mainly to get a more vintage, less zingy sound. I couldn't find any manufacturer who makes a 35" scale flat set. So I went to the source, Lakland, and bought a set of Joe Osborne sig strings. So, my tech goes to put them on and they're too short . *** !? So I called Lakland, Brian was very helpful, but I'm s@#t outta luck. He told me that you can't do strings thru body with ANYONE's flat wound strings. The break angle over the saddle would cause the flats to snap, as they're not as flexible as round wounds. As long as I go thru the bridge I'm fine, but no thru body stringing Is this truely the case, or does someone make a string that will help me out. FYI, I tried 35" scale ThomaStiks and they were too short too. Can anyone shed any light on this. Would this be true on all 35" basses or is this just a quirk of my Lakie ?
__________________

wilser · #2 03-02-2007, 12:05 PM

Have you tried DR hi-beam flats?

you can try contacting them and talking to one of their techs.

buzzbass · #3 03-02-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilser

Have you tried DR hi-beam flats?

you can try contacting them and talking to one of their techs.

Thanks for the suggestion, I just called them. They said the 4 string flat sets are out now, the 5 string sets won't be out for a couple of months. They also said strings thru body wouldn't be a problem, because the new strings will be made to accomodate up to a 37.5" scale. So, I guess I'll just have to play my lakie flats for now and try again later for some longer ones.

Angus · #4 03-02-2007, 05:49 PM

Thomastik-Infled makes 36" scale flats, don't they? That should hopefully be enough, as the winding won't start right at 36". They are definitely pricey and a different feel, though, but are great strings. I know they make the extra long set in rounds, but I'm pretty sure they do it for flats as well.

I do not know if you'll run into problems with the break angle at the brideg with them, though.