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Black Flatwounds

I

Inverse Kinetix

Jul 12, 2012
168
0
#1
I currently have a MiJ JB with the stock strings, I don't know what they are but I don't really like them, they seem to be less taut than I think I would like and a bit too "twangy" the E seems to be much "thicker" than the rest by ratio.


With this in mind I am thinking I want to try some flats, ideally in black.


Anyone have any suggestions or experience?


Thanks in advance.
 
#6
Inverse Kinetix said:
cheers, looking at the D'addario Nylon tapewounds now on amazon jp, seems like this brand's strings are 60% at the moment!

Any idea of the gauge that might be ok for me?
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Dang man can't really help you with that. It's all a matter of personal preference. Supposedly, a thicker gauge gives you a fatter tone. Thicker gauges are also recommendable if you really beat the crap out of those strings. They also have higher tension than lighter gauges. I lean towards the medium gauges (.045 .065 .085 .105) my current favorite strings are .044 .062 .084 .106 and .128. I've never tried the heavy gauges though. A good starting point would be to pin point which strings you've been the most comfortable with so far, and find out what gauges they were!
 
#8
I love my D'Addario Tapewounds! They are roundwounds coated in black nylon, which is then polished smooth like a flat. They have characteristics of both rounds and flats. The tension is that of a light-gauge set of rounds, i.e. pretty low tension. Very comfortable to play.

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#9
Thanks again.

I like the look of the DA tapewounds, but if, as you say, they are pretty low tension, they might not work for me.

I would like to be able to try many different kinds to find the right ones for me, but it seems like it could get expensive fast.

On a related note, how do I know what "scale" my bass is, do I have to be aware of this when buying strings, or will any fit any?
 
#10
Inverse Kinetix said:
Thanks again.

I like the look of the DA tapewounds, but if, as you say, they are pretty low tension, they might not work for me.

I would like to be able to try many different kinds to find the right ones for me, but it seems like it could get expensive fast.

On a related note, how do I know what "scale" my bass is, do I have to be aware of this when buying strings, or will any fit any?
Click to expand...

Key point to remember: Low tension for others might feel like regular/high tension to you. Most basses are 34" scale, but there are short scale basses and also long scale. What bass do you have? The basses manual should say how long it is. And YES it is vital to know what it is! After all, you need to know how long you need to buy your strings. LOL You should check out BASSSTRINGSONLINE if you haven't already. Great prices, choices, and Jason is VERY helpful.
 
#11
bassist4dalord said:
I love my D'Addario Tapewounds! They are roundwounds coated in black nylon, which is then polished smooth like a flat. They have characteristics of both rounds and flats. The tension is that of a light-gauge set of rounds, i.e. pretty low tension. Very comfortable to play.
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NICE! Looks like you have a rosewood fretboard, ever struggle to see your strings while playing?
 
#13
bassist4dalord said:
None whatsoever! I only ever play in well-lit venues, but I can understand where you're coming from. These strings are fantastic; no problems at all!
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I see. I usually play in venues that have stage lights but there's always that one place that doesn't. So I went with GHS Pressure Wounds instead of the black nylon and never looked back. Now I feel like experimenting again... LOL
 
#14
As far as I know, D'addario and GHS makes the only black tapewounds in standard gauges. The rest, I believe are all thicker and you will have to make adjustments to your nut for them to fit in there. I had a stock Squier and the GHS's *just* fit in, and the E string barely fit. If you do file your nut slots so they are bigger, you may not be able to put in standard gauge strings in after, depending on the gauges.

Also, the GHS were low tension, which I wasn't a fan of. Also, when you touch the metal strings you ground your bass. You may notice hum when you're not touching your bass, but when you touch the strings the hum goes away. This cannot happen with tapes since you do not touch the metal core directly. Could be an issue in a venue with bad wiring.
 
#15
Matthew_84 said:
Also, the GHS were low tension, which I wasn't a fan of. Also, when you touch the metal strings you ground your bass. You may notice hum when you're not touching your bass, but when you touch the strings the hum goes away. This cannot happen with tapes since you do not touch the metal core directly. Could be an issue in a venue with bad wiring.
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I can't play in public, but this is a great point and something I hadn't thought about. That hum annoys the heck out of me when I record!
 

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