• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best Five String flats for 35" string through

redstrand

redstrand

May 18, 2007
6,837
12,155
Saint Louis, MO
Disclosures
Fool For Four Strings
#1
Really dig my Sire M5 but roundwounds are not being my friend. they are currently sporting the LaBella Chicago Nickels. Really good strings. Just struggling with the feel and that's all me, after my accident on Halloween certain textures are too much and I put stuff down when that happens. I've been playing my other basses with TI's and Sadowsky Blue Label, or LaBella Low tension. I need smooth and warm...don't say Chromes I've never liked them and they don't do string through.

Thank you in advance:thumbsup:
 
#2
I know you said no Chromes, but I used to use 5 string Super Long Chromes ECB81-5SL set on a string thru-body bass. The 38" winding length should be long enough for 35" scale thru-body stringing bass as well.

Back then, I confirmed the seller, Jason from FretNation (when it was still BSO) on this very forum about stringing Chromes thru-body, which he said no problem, and there were also responses from other members which had also used/been using Chromes strung thru-body.

I did use mine thru-body and they were used for quite a few years 'till I sold the bass which had them on.

I currently have La Bella flatwound also strung thru-body. They've been on the bass for almost 4 years. So, it's been quite awhile. IIRC, if you want La Bella flats for thru-body stringing, you need to order for the thru-body version.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redstrand
#3
redstrand said:
I've been playing my other basses with TI's and Sadowsky Blue Label, or LaBella Low tension. I need smooth and warm...
Click to expand...

GHS Precision Flats 3025 (45-60-75-95, 38" winding length), plus a single 126B (XLFB126) would give you something "smooth and warm" and not too high-tension/stiff. I suggest the single 126B (XLFB126) because of the 38" winding length (ball end to silk). The only factory 5-string set offered by GHS is 45-65-85-105-126, and the the low B (FB126) is 37.25" in winding length, not to mention the 45-105 would be heavier and stiffer than the three you mentioned.

And they're pliable enough to be strung thru-body with no issues.

I would suggest you get in touch with Jason at Fret Nation ([email protected]), who can put together the custom set.
 
#4
Aidil said:
I know you said no Chromes, but I used to use 5 string Super Long Chromes ECB81-5SL set on a string thru-body bass. The 38" winding length should be long enough for 35" scale thru-body stringing bass as well.

Back then, I confirmed the seller, Jason from FretNation (when it was still BSO) on this very forum about stringing Chromes thru-body, which he said no problem, and there were also responses from other members which had also used/been using Chromes strung thru-body.

I did use mine thru-body and they were used for quite a few years 'till I sold the bass which had them on.

I currently have La Bella flatwound also strung thru-body. They've been on the bass for almost 4 years. So, it's been quite awhile. IIRC, if you want La Bella flats for thru-body stringing, you need to order for the thru-body version.
Click to expand...
Totally forgot about the deep Talkin flats, had those on a t-40 and was thunderous
 
#5
michael_t said:
GHS Precision Flats 3025 (45-60-75-95, 38" winding length), plus a single 126B (XLFB126) would give you something "smooth and warm" and not too high-tension/stiff. I suggest the single 126B (XLFB126) because of the 38" winding length (ball end to silk). The only factory 5-string set offered by GHS is 45-65-85-105-126, and the the low B (FB126) is 37.25" in winding length, not to mention the 45-105 would be heavier and stiffer than the three you mentioned.

And they're pliable enough to be strung thru-body with no issues.

I would suggest you get in touch with Jason at Fret Nation ([email protected]), who can put together the custom set.
Click to expand...
I had emailed Jason but needed to take the strings off which I haven’t wanted to do since it’s been fine since I got it. I have the Dunlop’s on another bass and the tone is spot on. A custom set would be a good choice
 
#7
One thing to consider when ordering Chromes is the stiffness. Years ago it used to be okay for me with Chromes ECB81-5 gauge, but not in recent years. My fretting fingers got sore playing them long hours.

So, on my current bass with Chromes, I swapped Chromes Regular Light Gauge ECB81-5 that came with the bass with Chromes 4 string Super Light Gauge ECB80 set while still keep on using the 132 low-B from the ECB81-5 set, to make my fretting fingers happy.
 
#8
Aidil said:
One thing to consider when ordering Chromes is the stiffness. Years ago it used to be okay for me with Chromes ECB81-5 gauge, but not in recent years. My fretting fingers got sore playing them long hours.

So, on my current bass with Chromes, I swapped Chromes Regular Light Gauge ECB81-5 that came with the bass with Chromes 4 string Super Light Gauge ECB80 set while still keep on using the 132 low-B from the ECB81-5 set, to make my fretting fingers happy.
Click to expand...
I don't mind the stiffness or flexibility, it's more the texture. Since the wreck I'm way more sensitive towards texture. Changed a bunch a round to make sure I wasn't getting fatigued so quick. I remember liking how they felt but not how they sounded....should have given them another try...which I will shortly. I think I'll be happier with flats on this
 
#9
I'm switching my MTD Z5 (35" scale) to flats and having a hard time sourcing a set. I started with this article:
The best flatwound bass strings 2020: how to choose the right flatwounds for you | Guitar World
..then visited all the manufacturers' sites to see who does 5-string sets extra-long scale. I only came up with 3:
LaBella LTF-5A-XL low tension
D'Addario ECB81-5SL chromes
Thomastik Infeld JF365
@michael_t 's custom GHS suggestion is interesting. I'll look into that. In the meantime, I've ordered some ECB81s.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redstrand
#10
Andy_R said:
I'm switching my MTD Z5 (35" scale) to flats and having a hard time sourcing a set. I started with this article:
The best flatwound bass strings 2020: how to choose the right flatwounds for you | Guitar World
..then visited all the manufacturers' sites to see who does 5-string sets extra-long scale. I only came up with 3:
LaBella LTF-5A-XL low tension
D'Addario ECB81-5SL chromes
Thomastik Infeld JF365
@michael_t 's custom GHS suggestion is interesting. I'll look into that. In the meantime, I've ordered some ECB81s.
Click to expand...
Yeah the chromes are slowly making their way to me, should be here tomorrow.
 
#11
YESSIR!
I really dig them, I think I never liked how dark they were on some basses. Turned the treble up on the pre and they just sing.
B stands for bridge cable, it’s a beast.

07CD43F8-32A1-49D1-ADA8-4937C6CD5002.jpeg
 
#18
JKos said:
I have found the key to making Chromes more comfortable is a fairly straight neck and low action. Their vibration amplitude is less than many other strings so you can go lower and straighter without fret buzz.
Click to expand...
That'll be tomorrow night, I already had to fairly low but it can stand to go a skoosh lower. It's straight now.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back