Anyone else try lighter gauge flats?

[bigshiny]

I’ve tried a bunch of flats. I highly recommend the Labella FL’s. My .02

 

[grubdumpling]

Funny, I liked the feel of chromes on a mustang so much that I tuned down my 34" bass to DGCF to get that lower tension. Then I tuned down my mustang because I liked being able to avoid open strings... Then I sold the 34", tuned the mustang back to EADG and got on with enjoying my life.

edit:spelling

 

[jimmydean]

These days I am stringing my J and PB with Ernie Ball Slinky flatwound 40-95 . I think Roto- Sound makes a 35-85 that I might give a go in the future .

 

[Just Wrong]

I've tried way too many flats these past few years (TIs; La Bella 105, 104, 110, LTF; Chromes 105 and 100; Slinky flatwounds 100; Pyramids (105 or 100?), etc. etc.).

If you're looking for floppiest, TIs.
The La Bella LTF's G string always sounded much brighter than the rest.
My favourites were the GHS Precision flats 45-95 -- the sound of chocolate without the tension.

 

[Hundred proof]

Depending on the instrument I’m using either LaBella LTF or TI flats

 

[Plain Old Barry]

All my rounds are 45-100 or 105, but 40-95 in Chromes.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Magma Ultra Flats are supposed to be lower tension (some say like TI). I haven't put them on yet (just got in a few minutes ago). They are supposed to be some type of pressure or ground wound but they do feel like a flat. Not sure how they achieve that low tension when they are hex core as well, but they are definitely smoother than GHS Brite Flats and Pressurewound - really just like a flat. I will record in a few days using the same bass that I have light Cobatls on (the 95-40 set)

Keep us posted! (Also feel free to take one or three pics.) I'm interested in Magma's take on the groundwound concept, and in whatever twist they've given it.

 

[DrBnz]

Labella Low Tension Flats saved my precision 5 string. Thats the best that bass has ever sounded - especially the B string.

 

[dustinymichaels]

I agree with Michael_t. Ernie Ball 40-95's are the best I've used at that gauge.

 

[Jack Butler]

Tried and prefer the lighter gauges for all flats.

I have Chromes 45-100 on my P and although they sound great I find a bit too much tension especially on the G string so I ordered a set to try 40-95 gauge and was wondering did anyone else try these. My other bass is a Mustang which also has 45-100 Chromes but due to the shorter scale it plays easier and that got me thinking.

 

[shadven]

I broke down and bought a set of Thomastik flats (I think .45 to 100?). I hated them on my 1966 P-bass. Uncomfortable low tension feel. But, I then put them on a Mustang bass and they sound and feel perfect. I couldn't be happier with them on the Mustang. On the P-bass I went back to Roto 77s.

 

[iiipopes]

Shortening the scale is the same effect. On my 32-inch Jaguar-H bass I have a set of medium scale La Bella 760FL's which have now been discontinued, although you might find a set here or there NOS. I really like the slightly lighter feel, while retaining the same tone. You can see how they feel by tuning down 1/2 step, then capo a regular scale bass at the first fret. That's how I knew I would enjoy the medium scale with the FL strings.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Try Thomastik Jazz flats. They're very flexible and have great tone.

I have TI Jazz Flats on several basses; they are my favorite strings. I like the fact that they aren't high tension; their flexibility allows me to express nuances far more easily than stiffer strings, especially on fretless.

 

[logdrum]

Keep us posted! (Also feel free to take one or three pics.) I'm interested in Magma's take on the groundwound concept, and in whatever twist they've given it.

It will be Wednesday soonest -- My boss wants to fly to San Jose for a presentation this PM and no bass for a day or 2

 

[Just Wrong]

Magma Ultra Flats are supposed to be lower tension (some say like TI). I haven't put them on yet (just got in a few minutes ago). They are supposed to be some type of pressure or ground wound but they do feel like a flat. Not sure how they achieve that low tension when they are hex core as well, but they are definitely smoother than GHS Brite Flats and Pressurewound - really just like a flat. I will record in a few days using the same bass that I have light Cobatls on (the 95-40 set)

Unless we're talking about different strings, this was not my experience. They were definitely stiffer than TIs and La Bella LTF and sounded more like Chromes than traditional flats. I gave them to @Count Bassula after trying them on for ~ 5 minutes. Maybe he can tell us more about his experience? They were their light gauge flats.

 

[five7]

What are the choices for 5 string players?

 

[Just Wrong]

What are the choices for 5 string players?

TIs and La Bella's LTF are offered in 5 string sets.

 

[logdrum]

Unless we're talking about different strings, this was not my experience. They were definitely stiffer than TIs and La Bella LTF and sounded more like Chromes than traditional flats. I gave them to @Count Bassula after trying them on for ~ 5 minutes. Maybe he can tell us more about his experience? They were their light gauge flats.

We'll find out when I get back. I am replacing them on a bass with Cobalt flats 95 - 40 which to me feels like the material has hardened. Low action , but the material seems harder and I have a lot of stainless steel strings. And I am falling out of love with their sound,

 

[five7]

TIs and La Bella's LTF are offered in 5 string sets.

I have TI's on my pbass atm. That B is a big boy.

 

[Lo-E]

My general (very imprecise) rule of thumb is to use one gauge lighter with flats than I use with rounds. I typically use 45-105 sets when I play rounds so my default flats are Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95, I think). I also find TI flats pretty comfortable but I only like their sound on certain basses.