Best flat wound brand/gauge for reggae

[Jfever]

I have roto sound 45-105s jazz77

Good?

 

[One Drop]

My least favorite flats, but if they sound good to you, why not?

 

[markjazzbassist]

Yeah if you like them, use them. I was going to say 45-105 would be minimum thickness I'd think. That deep thick sound could also be from larger strings.

 

[Jfever]

They are my first flats so I have no frame of reference. Can you make brand suggestions? Thanks for the gauge advice.

 

[Pier_]

considering that Ashton Barrett uses Chromes in the last years, I'd say they can do the job.

for my tastes, everything is good, it's 100% in the mojo, hands and playing. I love the thomastik flats played with a pick near the neck, with foam mute at the bridge, wonderful for the Natty Dread style of reggae.

everything is good

 

[nerkoids]

After about 6 months of playing, your Rotosound 77s will be mellow enough for Reggae. Just use foam and lower the tone knob for the time being.

 

[One Drop]

I like bigger strings for reggae because I find it easier to play steady percussive lines with them.

 

[Jfever]

Great stuff everyone thanks. They have more than 6 months of playing so I'm good there. I'll search the forum and look for foam sources.

 

[Eric66]

I only tried Fender flats and dAddario chromes.
I found not very much of a difference, both are good strings.
But I use the chromes now, because they slide better and sound somewhat smoother.
If I remember correctly, the string tension is somewhat lower as well.
Anyway, I like them a lot.

I read good reviews about TI and La bella, but I never had the chance to try them, and the price is holding me from buying them. I would love to try them, but the price is twice as high.

 

[Rycebag]

GHS precision flats for sure! I've played in tons of reggae bands and those strings do the job

 

[PikeoftheLake]

They don't get much love around here but I really like DR flats. Here is a sample from a recent recording (black p bass):

 

[Buzz E]

DR Legends wrote the book on Reggae...!

 

[jamersonburton]

GHS Precision flats get my vote! I also do like rotosound rs77 but I think the pflats will be more what you're looking for.

 

[Jfever]

Oh well I just ordered the chromed, should I try to cancel?

 

[Skasteadyb]

yes Aston Barrett and Robbie Shakespeare both use flats , but I've successfully used rounds in reggae bands for years. It's all on the fingers. Very light playing and as close to the neck as possible. Tone basically rolled off all the way. I've gotten some good tone with half wounds and I'm gonna try some flats on a pbass soon.

 

[Skasteadyb]

If I had to say flats though, the 1954 la bella flats seem to be great. Very thick strings.

 

[vin*tone]

Anything will get the job done. I usually use TIJFs. Tapewounds were interesting - a lot more articulation in a big band.

 

[Skasteadyb]

And foam is NOT a good idea for reggae. You need those notes to ring out well and stop on a dime. Sorry for so many posts but I live and breathe reggae music

 

[Lo-E]

GHS precision flats for sure! I've played in tons of reggae bands and those strings do the job

I was going to suggest these and LaBellas but, as others pointed out, with technique, foam and proper amp settings you can get great dub sounds with anything, including rounds.

 

[bolophonic]

Labella. I am rocking the black silks.