Anxiously awaiting my GHS Precision Flats

[vernhillbass]

I have played DR Hi Beams for the last number if years. Back in college I had an old Jazz Bass that came with flats and quite honestly can't remember the sound. Waiting for my new flats and can't decide which bass to put them on. I've got a Lakland 44-02, a Fender Jazz 24 and an old Ibanez 824. Which one would sound the best with the flats? Thanks for your input!

 

[Coolhandjjl]

GHS Precision Flats really have that old-school thump boiled into them. A nice dull percussive attack followed by a hollow woody tone.

That being said, each bass will respond differently. Try them on all three, just don't cut them until you decide. Sometimes I'd just string up the 3 and 4 when demo'ing strings.

 

[jallenbass]

At first the E string will sound thuddy. Just be sure to give it enough time to liven up before you pass judgment.

 

[Duckwater]

They are pretty dark sounding, I would put them on a bright sounding bass myself but you might end up putting them on the bass that reinforces the thump.

 

[gary m]

GHS P Flats sound good on just about any bass, but I think they shine on Fender P basses and P clones. The Lakland might be the best place to start your experiment.

 

[Salamenster]

At first the E string will sound thuddy. Just be sure to give it enough time to liven up before you pass judgment.

I think this is true.

I put some GHS flats on yesterday: the E-string sounded all thumpy 'n stuff, but the D and G string were just zingy! But they've already started to calm down, with just a few hours of playing.

 

[vernhillbass]

Received them yesterday and they went on the Lakland. What a differnce in tone! I recorded before and after and although I did not like them at first they really beef up the tone. I will be playing at worship Sunday and I am going to see if anyone notices. Our drummer really pays attention so I/m hoping he will like them, too. Maybe I can get a bit more time on them today!

 

[jmain]

I have a set on my CallowHill and love them. (I have them on a P and a J too.)

The 'Hill is pretty bright and it really brings out the warm punch on this bass. Nobody even realizes they're flats.

 

[u84six]

What do you think of the tension?

 

[jmain]

What do you think of the tension?

IMHO, the tension is just right. Not too loose like some flats, but don't feel as tight as some. As related to roundwounds, I'd say they feel more like Lo-Riders than Hi/Sunbeams as far as tension goes.

 

[jallenbass]

I will be playing at worship Sunday and I am going to see if anyone notices.

On the bandstand is really where they should be judged. They sound OK to me in my practice room but they really make my job easier on the gig. They seem to occupy the perfect sonic space to be easily heard without being overbearing.

 

[jmain]

On the bandstand is really where they should be judged. They sound OK to me in my practice room but they really make my job easier on the gig. They seem to occupy the perfect sonic space to be easily heard without being overbearing.

I fully agree with this.

 

[Jon Moody]

Received them yesterday and they went on the Lakland. What a differnce in tone! I recorded before and after and although I did not like them at first they really beef up the tone. I will be playing at worship Sunday and I am going to see if anyone notices. Our drummer really pays attention so I/m hoping he will like them, too. Maybe I can get a bit more time on them today!

What's the verdict? Did the drummer comment on how splendid your tone was? How are you liking them now after they've sat for a bit?

 

[jaywa]

Former P-Flat player with a 78 Precision here, and I agree with the majority.

You will love them IF you like a lot of thump and IF sustain is not required. They feel great under your fingers. And yeah they do seem to have a certain synergy with P-Basses in particular.

Personally, I moderated off of them to GHS Pressurewounds because the P-Flats were just a bit too "old school" for the material I was playing the majority of the time. But while I had them on I could roll off the tone, pluck up close to the neck and get a very "upright" sounding tone that served me well on a jazz gig or two.

 

[jmain]

That's why I may have to go towards the Pressure Wounds for my Lakland 55-02D and/or the Ibanez SR505SM. Then I'll keep the PFlats on my CallowHill J5 since I do love the tone. Just wishing for a little more sustain and less thump on the B and E strings.

 

[vernhillbass]

After playing them for a while I have switched back to my trusted DR Fat Beams. Just not working for me. I might find a use for them down the road.

 

[vernhillbass]

I guess my new motto is, "once I went fat, I had to go back"

 

[jaywa]

That's why I may have to go towards the Pressure Wounds for my Lakland 55-02D and/or the Ibanez SR505SM. Then I'll keep the PFlats on my CallowHill J5 since I do love the tone. Just wishing for a little more sustain and less thump on the B and E strings.

Not to derail the thread but I would highly recommend the PressureWounds. For my bass, playing style and material, they are exactly what I've been looking for. The price is right, too.

 

[jmain]

Not to derail the thread but I would highly recommend the PressureWounds. For my bass, playing style and material, they are exactly what I've been looking for. The price is right, too.

Since the OP went for the fat back , I guess its okay. Thanks for the info.

I should have a set of Pressure Wounds in the mailbox when I get home. Question is, which bass to put them on?