Best Flatwound Strings?

[cv115505]

I'm not typically a big fan of flatwounds, but I am wanting to try something different with my Precision. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for flats. I typically use DR High Beams which are also made in flats, but I am also curious about trying out Sadowsky Strings or any other bright sounding flats you guys can recommend.

 

[MoeTown1986]

I have D'addario Chromes on both if my P's. they're SS strings so they still sound very bright for flats.

 

[bassbully]

Chromes- tried a few but they work for me.

 

[bassdude51]

There is no such thing as The Best Flat Wound Strings. You'll have to find what you like. Looking for bright? GHS Bright Flats.

 

[Duckwater]

Chromes, Fenders, Sadowsky's, TIs, Roto 77s, Ernie Balls. All bright sounding flats.

 

[Laurent]

Ernie Ball Flatwound Group II have been my favorite for a long time.
Thomastick are very good too but their price is outreageous.

 

[tsverrir]

TI Flats are those who did it for me. Never get tired of recommending them

 

[MICKUSS]

Chromes were the first and only flat I've tried. I like them so much that I haven't felt the need to try anything else.....yet.

 

[4-string]

TI Flats are those who did it for me. Never get tired of recommending them

+1.

 

[billgwx]

Over the past year I experimented with a few different types of flats: D'Addario Chromes, LaBella Deep Talkin' 760FL's, D'Addario Nylon Tapewounds, and RotoSound Jazz Bass 77's.

On my Jazz bass, I liked the sound of Chromes best. They let the typical J sound stand out best of the bunch--the tapes and Rotos took away too much of that, and I found the La Bellas to be too muddy for a J.

On my P-bass, I liked the D'Addario tapes best, once again because they really seemed to bring out the best of the P sound combined with a nice woodiness, followed by the La Bella 760FL's, which were thumpmasters. I really disliked the overbearing midrange of the Chromes, especially when brand new, and even when broken in. The Rotos were interesting--almost as bright-sounding as rounds for slapping, but that was not the sound I was shooting for on the P.

The above is what worked for me--YMMV as they say.

 

[Shane Carter]

Taking the Rotos off and trying TI's on the Fender Deluxe 5. I hope all the TI hype here on TB is right.

 

[f.c.geil]

For the tone you're describing, I'd try Sadowsky Black Label flats in light gauge. They are an amazing string.

 

[bassfootballguy]

The best ones are the ones that you feel have the best combination of tone, playability and value for your given circumstance.
If you can swing the $ I would start with TI jazz flats and if they don't tickle your tone bone, you can recover some of the $ and try others.
Enjoy yourself.

 

[f.c.geil]

...If you can swing the $ I would start with TI jazz flats and if they don't tickle your tone bone, you can recover some of the $ and try others.
Enjoy yourself.

That's true of any string, though. Funny thing about TIs, I love them on other people's basses, but they always sound like Sh!t on mine.

 

[sigmafloyd]

Taking the Rotos off and trying TI's on the Fender Deluxe 5. I hope all the TI hype here on TB is right.

You will probably need a truss rod adjustment after that, those are on opposite ends of the tension spectrum.

 

[coldwar1977]

D'Addario Chromes for sure ! ! !
They're pretty bright for flatwounds, but they have good thump and lack the harsh metallic overtones of rounds.
And they feel fantastic. No more unwanted finger noise!

By the way, flatwound strings and P-basses are a match made in heaven

 

[phangtonpower]

I like La Bella 760FM's for the thump and I like the TI's for the mid range punch. Only other flats I have tried were Ernie Balls not bad, but didn't really have much character. After trying the two I'm sticking with, I'm happy enough to not have to experiment anymore on other strings

 

[Sni77]

I just tried TI flats and I am really happy with them. Price seems okay to me, but then again I bought them in Vienna, where they are made. I guess they get expensive in the US.

 

[precisioner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R2LOXMqyg8

This comparison video gives a very good idea, I personally prefer the Rotosound for tighter and aggressive music, sounds so great while doing palm mute. Laballa gives very warm fat sound! love them both

 

[JoeWPgh]

For the tone you're describing, I'd try Sadowsky Black Label flats in light gauge. They are an amazing string.

+1