I have TI JF34's on an acoustic bass and love them for that but for precision basses I think D'Addario Chromes are the way to go
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Advice for first Flats
- Thread starter Peter - Oregon
- Start date
I just got my first set of the Pyramid Golds. They have quickly become my favorite flats.
My favorite flats on a P-Bass are LaBella 760FL. 43-60-82-104
Because of their geometry flats will feel stiffer than rounds of the same nominal gauge (outside diameter)
might not be a bad plan to go no heavier than your rounds gauge and consider one gauge lighter than your usual rounds gauge
never done a true apples to apples (eg 100 d’addario XL’s v 100 d’addario Chromes) but I play both flats and rounds and the rounds definitely on average feel stiffer.
might not be a bad plan to go no heavier than your rounds gauge and consider one gauge lighter than your usual rounds gauge
never done a true apples to apples (eg 100 d’addario XL’s v 100 d’addario Chromes) but I play both flats and rounds and the rounds definitely on average feel stiffer.
I’d go with a light set of whatever brand you choose- I think a great set for someone just getting into flats is the D’Addario Chromes set - they sound like rounds (for a while) -good luck!
Fender flats will sound brighter out of the box and last a long time they are decently priced a great string The GHS are mellower out of the box they are a nice string. I think the balance in tone and volume from G to E is better on the Fenders I play the light gage.Suggest Fender flats as well.
Whatever gauge you prefer, they are hard to beat, warm and rich, my go to string. I also use ghs precision flats, both are great for different reasons I prefer Fenders
Mind the gauge and the stiffness, whatever you choose. There are some flats that are as thick and unyielding as upright bass strings. Some people like that, but it can be tiring to play them!
My favorite is still Pyramid Gold. If you want TI, go look at amazon, they were 50-60ish last I checked.
Labellas will get you the classic "Fender bass w flats" sound better than anything else out there (even Fender flats). It really is the sound you've heard on a bizillion records. And they get better over time. Not unusual to find folks with 10+ year old Labellas on a Pbass--it's a thing. These days I use the LaBella 760FS Deep Talkin Bass 45-105.
On the other hand, I often suggest Chromes to people new to flats because they are a little more versatile--they can still grind like a roundwound, sorta. But I've come to the conclusion that I don't like how they age. To me they get sorta wonky over time.
On the other hand, I often suggest Chromes to people new to flats because they are a little more versatile--they can still grind like a roundwound, sorta. But I've come to the conclusion that I don't like how they age. To me they get sorta wonky over time.
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I think the GHS Precision lights are the way to go. I’ve tried a few others including the LTF. But GHS work for me because the less surface area makes them less sticky and easier on my fingers after 3 long sets at a gig. They mellow nicely too. Sound like flats but a bit closer to rounds feel and tension then other heavier flats.
EB Cobalt flats. I play hard rock and metal on a P bass with a pick and these string are just perfect. Big pluses: no string noise and easy on the fingertips. Gauge 45-105.
This has the recipe for classic rock since around 1960:
Start with one bass.
Add Labella Deep Talkin' Flats.
Play the strings in for a month or so...
And you're done.
Personally, I like the light gauge 760FL strings, but suit yourself. They will sound better and better over the first few months.
Start with one bass.
Add Labella Deep Talkin' Flats.
Play the strings in for a month or so...
And you're done.
Personally, I like the light gauge 760FL strings, but suit yourself. They will sound better and better over the first few months.
You cannot go wrong with either D'Addario Chromes or Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats. The Chromes sound awesome for Classic Rock, but so do the EB Cobalt Flats (with a bit more balls and output). If I had to choose one, I would most likely go with the EB Cobalt Flats. The Chromes are fantastic also, however. Here are the gauges I use and they play and feel great!
D'Addario Chromes ECB81 Flatwound, Regular Light (45 - 100)
Ernie Ball 2813 Hybrid Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Strings (45-105)
D'Addario Chromes ECB81 Flatwound, Regular Light (45 - 100)
Ernie Ball 2813 Hybrid Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Strings (45-105)
There are flats made with round cores and there flats made with hex cores. The same applies to roundwound strings. It's not exclusive either way. Core slippage may be more probable in strings with round cores; someone else here may be able to speak more authoritatively about which strings are prone at all or more or most prone to slippage though.
I simply adhere to the practice, as a habit, of crimping and bending ends of new strings as part of my install process, regardless of make or type.
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The difference in tone/feel between different flats can be a LOT bigger than the difference in tone/feel between different roundwounds. You really need to think about what kind of tone you're looking to get any kind of meaningful advice. Do you want an old school, thumpy tone (think Motown) or a brighter, more "modern" tone with more sustain? Do you like stiff strings or more flexible strings? High tension of lower tension? Do you want something closer to the roundwounds you already use or maybe something on the completely other end of the spectrum for more variety? Allrounders of more genre specific flats? What kind of music do you play? Pick or fingerstyle?
