Best flats for a P poll

[Deleted member 165050]

TI Flats are the clear poll leader so far and indeed I have them on several of my other basses, the surprise though is that DTFs are so popular as I thought they were very stiff? Not so fond of stiff strings myself, although Ps do seem to be happier with stiffer strings than other basses.

 

[Ralph Manak]

Voted Dunlop based on first description. Also worth considering: La Bella DTFx (lightest set), and EB Cobalt Flats (but try to order a balanced set, e.g. from FretNation).

 

[Phaidrus]

My preference for a P bass is GHS Precision Flats. Warmer than LaBella, more even output than Rotos, smoother than Chromes, and nice tension IMO. TIs have too many mids for an already mid-forward bass like a Precision for my liking. I'd like to try DR Legends at some point.

DR Legend on a Pbass (tone knob is probably fully open):

 

[mrjim123]

OP, I also play both TI Jazz Flats and La Bella LTFs (the only flats I currently play; tried Chromes once - too stiff). Based on my experience and research you'll be hard pressed to find flats that are as loose in feel as either the TI's or LaBellas. I'm not even gonna mention my tonal preference because, as others have said, that is a very subjective thing.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

best flats for a P

Or, in your case, a very specific P; Hollow-body fretless, and if IRRc, Lace PUs, piezos, and active.

You describe the "feel" you're looking for, but what about the tone?
(and TIs and DTFs are -to me- on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to feel)

What is it sound-wise you don't like about TIs or DTFs on that particular bass?
I have both TIs & DTFs (105) on fretted Ps, but not on any of my fretless Ps.
(and I do not consider the TIs and DTFs "interchangeable" on those 2 basses).

I have not played the specific model shown in your post, but, FWIW, I use Slinky Cobalt flats on 2 of my FL Ps, Chromes on another.
(I'll rotate Pressure Wounds on (only) 2 of those)
My '78 FL P has always "rejected" flats. That one is strung w/Sunbeams.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I think that most flats are going to have some tension (compared to rounds). TIs would be WAY too floppy for my tastes. Try a set of light or super light guage Chromes. Very smooth with good clarity and punch.

 

[andare]

Either TIs or La Bella DTFs depending on the sound I'm going for. Right now, I have DTFs on my P for that super classic Motown sound. The stiffness is a bit of a struggle.

I disliked the Chromes and the Fender flats on my P.

I have 50-100 Fender flats on my P and i find them very mid-heavy, which is too much on a P. How would you describe the difference between them and The labellas? Would be helpful before i pull the trigger on a set of 43-104 DTFs. Thanks in advance!

 

[mexicanyella]

I only have experience with D’Addario chromes on mine, but I’m a couple years’ use into the set (.045-.100) and like them a lot, not least because they allow me to get where I want to be tonally with much less EQ. They still feel good too, and while I suspect the top end may have mellowed by now, it’s been such a gradual change that I can’t tell.

I recently put a set of Rotosound 77 flats (.045-.105) on a Dean “Demonator Metalman” bass I’m tinkering with and they sound pretty good but feel like bridge cables.

 

[LeFunk Machine]

This guy compared them all.

 

[Raoul_Duke]

I voted for Labella LTFs because thats what I use. The bass picked them, though, just as they all seem to do.

 

[jnewmark]

After trying many brands, I finally found one I like - GHS Precision Flats. According to the GHS folks, they were specifically made for P type basses, thus the name. They are the first flats I ever played that sounded good right out of the package. No sticky feeling, no break in period, no change in tone or feel after some time ( about one year ). I put a Fender mute piece under the bridge cover and BANGO !, got that Jamerson/Motown thud going. They also sound good without the mute on my P bass, great for recording either way.

 

[R&B]

Voted for La Bella DTF (760FL or FS both work great). Smooth, huge fundamental. GHS Precision Flats sound similar and cost less. DR Legends and Pyramid Gold sound similar and cost more. Sadowsky Blue Label Flats sound similar and have become unobtainium. They are my favorites.

Fender flats did not impress; too middy. Chromes are dusty, clanky bridge cables to me. TIs are an acquired taste: pricey, floppy and middy, but if you caress them just so, they can sound great.

Maybe try tapes? (Never played fretless.)

All JMHO, YMMV.

 

[Matt O]

My fave is the “diet Jamerson” La Bella 760FM .049-.109

More flexible and balanced than the Jamerson 1954 .110 set. I prefer the tone of the FM set as well.

Also a fan of GHS precision.

 

[ACRock]

But if you’re looking for balanced output, the GHS Precision Flats does a nice job on that tonal department. Not sure about the rest…

I like TIs for the tone and Labella Deep Talking for the thump - the GHS precision flats fit nicely in between

 

[Neon Scribe]

La Bella DTF: nice tone, way too stiff.
Chromes: weird clangy sound, also pretty stiff.
TI Flats: nice tone, very flexible. Just right for you if you have a very light touch, but I pushed the low string over the edge of the fingerboard too many times, leading to --
La Bella LTF: just right! The Goldilocks flats. Just enough stiffer than the TIs, with a very similar tone. Also half the price.

 

[MasterMonkeyMan]

760FGS Deep Talkin’ Bass Gold Flats – Standard 45-105
Like for sound, feel and looks. Especially as they age.

 

[waynobass]

I voted Ernie Ball, but they gotta be the Cobalt version.

 

[AngelCrusher]

The point of the thread is to gather opinions from the tb membership, some of whom have been known to put flats on a P bass.

what type of tone do you like?

chromes or the fenders are great, you cant go wrong there unless you want a deeper more rolled of sound.

In that case you could go labella- smooth deep and old school. or maybe you want less thickness, string tension and more highs.

In that case you can go with the skinny and slinky ti flats. Or maybe you cant make up your mind and want to just go with something balanced that works pretty well for about anything.

In that case you could go with Dunlops.

Hopefully this helps. Its easy to get kind of neurotic about flats so id suggest sticking with the set you have for as long as possible since they change character and break in rather nicely.

 

[Koog]

I use flats and tape wound strings exclusively. My fretted basses wear the flats and the tapes are for fretless, with the exception of a new build that is coming soon. I'm pretty sure it will be strung with tapes, but I'll do some testing time with both before I make a final decision.

My long time preference for flats has been D'Addario Chromes. Very subjective, of course.

Koog

 

[keith1r]