Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 Flatwound Strings?
- Thread starter cv115505
- Start date
There will never be a consensus about what is the best flatwound string! The 'best' to me, might be craaaap to someone else!
But here's what I like: GHS Precision flatwounds.
Labella 0760M 'Jamerson' flats.
Pyramid Gold flats.
Over and out.
But here's what I like: GHS Precision flatwounds.
Labella 0760M 'Jamerson' flats.
Pyramid Gold flats.
Over and out.
+1 for Sadowsky Black Label flats. I've tried Chromes, GHS, Fender, and TI flats and the best to my ears and to my taste was the Sadowskys. I'd like to try LaBellas. For now, it's the Sadowskys.
GHS Precision flatwounds for me (on an EMG equipped PJ). Chromes were tinny and bright and didn't have punch, even after a few years of breaking in. I have tried TI's as well, and couldn't get them to work for me, also too bright sounding. The higher action required for their light tension didn't work for me either. Based on my experiences with chromes and TI's I have hated flats and thought I would never use them unless the producer requested them. But the precision flats have changed my mind. GHS's just sound great out of the box. I don't have to EQ my bass anymore; what a joy. Much punch, much depth without muddying up. Very much in-love with them. I don't foresee myself going back to rounds anytime soon.
The moral of my story is; find what flats work for you before you write them off.
The moral of my story is; find what flats work for you before you write them off.
I'm surprised that Pyramid Flats haven't come up more often. They are excellent strings for an old school sound. They are very warm sounding, long lasting, easy to play and are polished glass smooth.
- Sep 14, 2012
- 1,560
- 1,198
- 40
- Disclosures
- Reverend Guitars ; SIT Strings ; Trickfish Amplifiers ; LK Straps ; Rattlesnake Cables
I ended up going with the Sadowsky flats... they are unbelievable... I am now a flatwound convert... I slapped some Thomastiks on my jazz and they are the best strings ive ever played (though I like the sadowsky flats moreso on a P) I am now working to replace my Road Worn Jazz with a G&L JB which will inherit the pickups from the RW (Joe Bardens) and the thomastik flats
Personnally I have tried Chromes, GHS precision flats, and Fenders. The Fenders blow them both out of the water as far as brightness goes. So naturally I play Fenders.
I know it's all about the sound, but nothing feels as good as labella flats. They're definitely not the most versatile flats you can get, but they feel the best on the fingers.
Feel good ... and sound good when nicely matured (about 8 years the case of my favourite set).
I found the Dogal worth considering. These are italian strings, made in Venice by a company famous for violin and cello strings, just like Thomastick.
The Dogal Jaco System have a round core and are bright and lasting with the typical thump combined with some overtones.
Now I have an other set of italian strings, the Galli Black Nylon. These are made in Naples, again by a company with a long story.
I like nylon flats because the tension is very light and they sing a lot. These are now on my fretless, as I am playing mostly jazz now.
I tried recently a set of Ernie Ball 50-110 flats, but they were too tight and too dull for me, so I quickly changed with a set of D'Addario EXL 170.
The Dogal Jaco System have a round core and are bright and lasting with the typical thump combined with some overtones.
Now I have an other set of italian strings, the Galli Black Nylon. These are made in Naples, again by a company with a long story.
I like nylon flats because the tension is very light and they sing a lot. These are now on my fretless, as I am playing mostly jazz now.
I tried recently a set of Ernie Ball 50-110 flats, but they were too tight and too dull for me, so I quickly changed with a set of D'Addario EXL 170.
Been a roundwound player pretty much since day one (1986) and last wednesday I ordered fender 9050's 55-105 and slapped them on my ebay kit bass
they are a little on the heavy side.but man oh man do they sound gorgeous. I flushed the bridge pup totally flat to the body so it adds a slight flavor to the split pup.
the neck is no issue for these strings, it's like a louisville slugger just like I like 'em!
they are a little on the heavy side.but man oh man do they sound gorgeous. I flushed the bridge pup totally flat to the body so it adds a slight flavor to the split pup.
the neck is no issue for these strings, it's like a louisville slugger just like I like 'em!
I've only tried Chromes, Roto 77s, Roto Steve Harris sigs (essentially the same as 77's, but larger gauge), and DR Legends. The DRs win by a long, long shot.
I like the sound of the T.I.s a lot - deep and punchy, but it is correct - they are very low tension. This takes a bit of getting used to. If you want that great, Motown P Bass sound, there is only the LaBellas. They are on my MIA P and the only string it will wear.
I keep trying the Chromes because of all the love for them here, but while they are brighter than most flatst, there is a "honk" to them that I just don't like. And if you want bright - use rounds.
I keep trying the Chromes because of all the love for them here, but while they are brighter than most flatst, there is a "honk" to them that I just don't like. And if you want bright - use rounds.
