That's a pretty bold metaphysical statement!
To be, or not to be, THAT, is the question! (love the Seinfeld quote in your signature.)
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Confessions of a flatwound convert pt 2.
- Thread starter john turner
- Start date
To be, or not to be, THAT, is the question! (love the Seinfeld quote in your signature.)
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
Been wanting to covert to flats as I keep reading on here that they sound more full than rounds, AND I want to be able to cut down my string expense by using a set for as long as possible. Gave a set of Chromes a try a year or so ago on a couple rock gigs, and couldn't hear myself, so I put them away. Recently started playing with a hip-hop band that required me to use a lot of palm-muting which was really killing my strings quickly. Threw on another set of Chromes, and tried them out. I only have one show under my belt with them, but so far, I think they're gonna work well. A few songs we play seem to favor rounds, but the bulk of the set sounded great with the flats. I'm really hoping that these strings will last for a long time, cuz if they do, I'll be a flatwound covert. Still wanna try a set of TI's at some point.
NicJimBass said:
Glad you are warming up the Chromes. I've been using the same set for about 4 or 5 months and they cut like a knife! I have a P bass with .45 - .100s with a BAII. I play into an Ampeg PF500 rig and usually boost the mids a hair. I also like to palm mute with a little overdrive for girth. Try it! Long story short, mess around with EQ/OD and prepare to be amazed!
Also, have you had your bass setup for flats? It makes all the difference in the world! Good luck!
Why the advise against stringing through the body with flats?
I've got a set of Chromes on my MIA P, through body, and haven't had any issues other than needing the extra long scale when I bought them.
I've got a set of Chromes on my MIA P, through body, and haven't had any issues other than needing the extra long scale when I bought them.
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
Finding the right bass for the flats was an issue for me. Tried them on my StingRay 5 and an ATK, and was never impressed. Put them recently on a US Peavey Millennium, and they seem like a good match. Having sweepable mids has definitely helped me being heard for sure. The neck pickup on the Mill does an excellent P-bass impression, so I've been playing with that tone lately.
I do all my own setups anymore, although it took a little more massaging with the Chromes than with rounds. I'm still having a slight issue with the intonation on the "E" string, as the stock saddle won't go back far enough to be spot on. It's close though. Need a shorter screw to make it happen.
You're having that problem with the E too? I thought that was just my BAII being a BAII. G/D/A are spot on, but I was just able to get my E +/- 5 cents with the saddle almost touching the string's thread. Interesting.
Some of the flats that are stiffer and thicker than chromes, like LaBella's, could break if bent that sharp...
engedi1 said:
Gotcha. Yeah, Chromes don't seem to have that issue. I strung 'em up like I would any other string and never had a problem.
chromes and ti flats are the only two Flats I know for sure you can do this with, and maybe not even the heaviest gauge of Chromes.
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
Yeah for me the E and B strings were finicky. I got the B to intonate, but the E is still slightly off.
I could never get the B string on my TI flats to intonate 100%, but I also used really high action on that string which made the problem worse. Still my favorite flatwound b string though...
I personally am always chasing a smooth, dark, mellow old school funk (James Brown, Nite Liters, etc) type of tone, so I immediately liked flatwounds. Based on reading around here, I ordered some sets of Labellas including the supposed "telephone wire" Jamerson set. The existing flats I have are .050 to .105, so I can't see it being hugely different to string the 760 FMs at .049-.109. I also got a set of .45-.105 FSs and the Jamersons at .052-.110. Looking forward to trying them out.
The difference between the FLs and the FMs is immense. One is easily playable (for me), the other is not even remotely playable. Strangely enough, though, the Ms (Jamerson) are easier to play, even though they're nominally larger.
It's hard to tell how much of the tension talk is subjective, but I'm pretty willing to see for myself! Looking forward to stringing up the FMs (very close to the ones I currently use)!
Looking forward to stringing up the FMs (very close to the ones I currently use)!
It's hard to tell how much of the tension talk is subjective, but I'm pretty willing to see for myself!
This is so true! I use chromes and I think they are the most comfortable string to play in the world, while others say they are mid-high tension. I have never tried TIs because I'm afraid of any lower tension. I accidentally over-fretted my E string last night at rehearsal--I don't need lower tension! haha
I'd love to hear more from folks that have used the 5-string set of Rotosound 77's. I believe these are one of the highest tension strings out there.
I've been real curious about how they'd match up with a Warwick Corvette $$. It's got a beefy neck that could easily stand up to the tension. My main curiosity driver is how that B-string sounds especially above fret 5.
I've been real curious about how they'd match up with a Warwick Corvette $$. It's got a beefy neck that could easily stand up to the tension. My main curiosity driver is how that B-string sounds especially above fret 5.
Could you tell me a little more about the Roto B-string? Is the high tension tough on your fingers?
Still searching for a Warwick player that uses Roto 77's...
Entwistle was the father of the "smile" eq pattern. He boosted his bass and trebs while cutting the mids. He was also playing with Pete who left as much room as any guitar every did.
