*Balanced* flatwound strings

[Boneless]

I bought a set of Optima flats, hoping they would sound as good as Pyramid flats in the second and third octave, but with a better E string. I read some comments here about them being a more balanced version of Pyramid Gold flats.

They aren't.

I think they *are* rebranded/repackaged Pyramid Gold flats, with a slightly different gauge (lower strings are .080 and .100 respectively, instead of .085 and .105). They feel exactly the same, have the same "silvery" colour, the same dull, almost rubbery "thud" when you play them hard, and the E string similarly feels as stiff as a gallows rope.

So, they're very unbalanced. I'll still keep them on, waiting for them to break in a bit (I'm not building my hopes up) but I really crave a balanced set of flats.

I don't like Chromes (too clicky and mid-scooped), Fender flats (I mean, they're OK but a bit bland), I've tried GHS flats and I've been a bit disappointed, I really like the ultralight LaBella flats on my Guild Starfire I but I don't know if that sound and balance translates to the thicker gauges, I love Thomastik Infeld flats on my Club and I might as well get those but they are not exactly "classic" sounding (they work very well on the Club but I'm not sure I'd like the way they sound or feel on a more "normal" bass). Rotosound flats are probably too clanky for what I'm looking for. I feel I've more or less tried them all is there something I'm missing?

 

[Killing Floor]

You’re missing that there is no best string so you should continue to experiment.

 

[Richard Lindsey]

You could try Dogal flats. I haven't, but some people do like them.

 

[GIBrat51]

Well...
First; No, the Optimas are not made by Pyramid. And, no, they are not *rebranded* Pyramid flats.
Next; I'm assuming you're talking about the Optima 4099RL "Chromes". I've had a set of those on my aluminum-necked '78 Kramer 450B for about 18 months now; and, frankly? Mine do not exhibit any of the things you're complaining about. They sound exactly how I want strings to sound on this bass, and they play - and sound - perfectly fine. Also; for what it's worth? The Optima R4440 RB Flats on my '01 Rick 4003 don't exhibit any of your problems, either. And,
Finally; Personally, I'm more interested in my strings sounding "balanced", than in how they feel. Yes, I'd be very happy if they felt balanced, too; but, if I have to choose? I'll take balanced tone - every time. But, I've been playing basses, with all kinds of flats on them, for well over 50 years. So all I can say is; YMMV - and maybe try some different strings...

 

[iiipopes]

I bought a set of Optima flats, hoping they would sound as good as Pyramid flats in the second and third octave, but with a better E string. I read some comments here about them being a more balanced version of Pyramid Gold flats.

They aren't.

I think they *are* rebranded/repackaged Pyramid Gold flats, with a slightly different gauge (lower strings are .080 and .100 respectively, instead of .085 and .105). They feel exactly the same, have the same "silvery" colour, the same dull, almost rubbery "thud" when you play them hard, and the E string similarly feels as stiff as a gallows rope.

So, they're very unbalanced. I'll still keep them on, waiting for them to break in a bit (I'm not building my hopes up) but I really crave a balanced set of flats.

I don't like Chromes (too clicky and mid-scooped), Fender flats (I mean, they're OK but a bit bland), I've tried GHS flats and I've been a bit disappointed, I really like the ultralight LaBella flats on my Guild Starfire I but I don't know if that sound and balance translates to the thicker gauges, I love Thomastik Infeld flats on my Club and I might as well get those but they are not exactly "classic" sounding (they work very well on the Club but I'm not sure I'd like the way they sound or feel on a more "normal" bass). Rotosound flats are probably too clanky for what I'm looking for. I feel I've more or less tried them all is there something I'm missing?

Which Optima set did you get? Only the RB set can be considered as "balanced." The others have traditional string gauges which are not balanced. That said, two other sets you might try, which I have played since I prefer a balanced set and currently gig with a set of D'A 170BT rounds: La Bella 760FL 43-104 and Fender 9050L 45-100. I find the La Bella set to be relatively balanced, with the traditional tone, possibly a little thumpy on the E string, and the Fender set to have a modern growly tone and have a slightly loose E string for the set, which can be remedied by raising the string at the bridge to somewhat equalize the feel.