Another thread about first flatwound strings

[mrperkolator]

Wow! Awesome! I tried to set up a spreadsheet comparing string tension values I found here and there on the internet , finally I gave up because there were too many models and information was too inconsistent, so I left my homework unfinished but this was my goal! That's a very useful and valuable piece of information! I read somewhere here in TB that, beside objective tension, stiffness is to be considered, and this is much more subjective. What do you think about it? Thank you again!

Tension is a good indicator, but not the total feel of a string. two strings of equal tension may feel quite different if one is hex core and the other is round. That's why I stuck with the phrase "how it feels under my fingers." I know it's not as scientific, but flexibility also plays into the feel along with tension. Standard Labella strings will be stiffer feeling than the low tension. If you can find a friend that has some to play on, try that. Strings are too expensive to be trying new ones that often.

Thanks a lot! Since the O-Bass is 34 inches I never considered short scale strings. I'll check if they fit. Do you think there will be any advantage or difference as opposed to long scale ones?

Most string companies, and [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], have a string sizing guide that talks about winding length. This is the length from ball to just past nut. There is a little room for error, but generally speaking you dont want the flatwound part going around the tuner. The felt goes around the tuner. Whoever you go with, figure out that length first. Then you will not buy the wrong size strings ever. I've tried many different flavors from La Bella. All of them were excellent. They are great examples of what they are. The issue is, if you want Chocolate ice cream, strawberry ice cream wont quite work. That's the way it is with their strings. All great quality, just different flavors for different uses. Just make sure you get the right size, and all will be good.

Good luck finding your strings

 

[skidmarkbass]

I have tried a few different brands of flats over the years. I like the way that the Chromes sound, but it find that they are way too stiff. For me the TIs were not too floppy and sounded great. For a little less money the LaBella LTF are my favorite flat. The Deep Talking Flats are a little stiffer but not as stiff as the Chromes and also sound very good. Just my 2 cents.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Hello everybody!

This is my first post. I come with a question regarding a topic that is widely covered here on TB, but I'd like to ask you a more specific advice. Here's my story: I've been playing bass (for fun) for more than 20 years, and my main bass has always been a MIM Jazz Bass; I tried some different roundwound strings but I settled with D'Addario XL nickel 45-100, I like the sound and I fell comfortable with them. This is where I feel "at home". I would like to try flats on my new bass, an Orange O-Bass I recently purchased used, and I'm looking for something similar to what I'm used to in terms of tension or stiffness. I've read about Low Tension Flats but I'm afraid they would be too floppy. Do you have any advice for me? What should I try first? I don't expect to find the pertest ones at the first attempt, but I'm worried about spending a lot of time and money before I find the good ones, since trying flats are generally more expensive and take time to break in. I have my taste about tone but now I'm more concerned about playability.

Thanks in advance for the help.



P.S. English is not my native language, I hope that what I wrote is understandable

Excellent English my friend. Thomastic Infeld Jazz Flats. Another great choice is LaBella White Nylon Tapewounds.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

Thanks for the advice, and the useful details! I thought tapes were generally darker than flats, I guess i'll have to lister to more samples and demos, but they seem worth a try. I checked the link in your post and I noticed that gauges are generally heavier than the average. Are they stiffer too?

No. At least, they are no stiffer than the DR Black Beauty round wound strings I had on it before.

 

[packhowitzer]

The D'A Chromes and the Fender 9050 flats, which come from the same factory, are notorious for being sticky when new. This has to do with the residue of the compound used in the final polishing process left on them. All it takes is a wipe-down with an isopropyl alcohol wipe BEFORE INSTALLATION to make sure they're free of any gunk from the factory.

Great advice!

 

[Baffenstein]

The D'A Chromes and the Fender 9050 flats, which come from the same factory, are notorious for being sticky when new. This has to do with the residue of the compound used in the final polishing process left on them. All it takes is a wipe-down with an isopropyl alcohol wipe BEFORE INSTALLATION to make sure they're free of any gunk from the factory.

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Thank you! I'll try for sure!

 

[Baffenstein]

If you can find a friend that has some to play on, try that. Strings are too expensive to be trying new ones that often.

I totally agree. I asked all my friends who play bass, but I without any luck. They have less experience with flats than me. Then I decided to try and post here, and I found a lot of useful help, like yours!