Decision paralysis - new flats for new bassist

[OneNut]

So after playing a roommate's bass 30 years ago, I had a resurgence of interest and picked up a used Fender Player P (pau ferro fretboard, stock pickups). It came with what seems to be GHS Precision flats in medium. The feel of these under the fingers is awesome, but I'm finding them stiffer than I like.

So being inexperienced, I've done a lot of reading and now can't make make up my mind so need some help making my final decision.

I'm not chasing tone at the moment, but I think I want to be in the semi-modern camp. Not quite Chrome's, but not vintage LaBella either.

My top choices at the moment are
Ernie Ball Group 4 - these seem like a good fit for what I want based upon what I've read. Maybe even the Group 3 if they would be flexible enough.
Fender 9050L - these seem down the right line, but I've had problems figuring out how stiff/flexible they are as reports always seem to vary.
TI JF344 - king of flex. Maybe too much? But as a beginner I wonder how this would affect my technique to learn on these.
GHS Precision Light - the medium sound good so I could just go lighter

I intend to learn both fingerstyle/pick. While slap is cool, at this point it just isn't my thing.

So what would you suggest to a new bassist? Any feedback you could give will be much appreciated..

 

[KevInDaBassment]

The GHS lights may be less stiff, but how long have you been playing on the medium gauge ones?

 

[OneNut]

I've had the bass a week. As I bought the bass used, I've got no history for how old the strings are.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Keep playing what you've got for awhile instead of fixating on strings (or anything else), and focus on practicing.

You can always change strings later.

 

[rodl2005]

I don't like em too stiff, and Fender flats work for me

 

[OneNut]

Keep playing what you've got for awhile instead of fixating on strings (or anything else), and focus on practicing.

You can always change strings later.

I get this thinking. But here is the thing: if the strings are bothering me, why not change them? This is entirely for my enjoyment, so I'm going to change what I need to increase that.

 

[C Stone]

I am a fan of GHS flats and also like the feel but I do prefer a medium gauge. I have a bass currently strung with GHS lights and every time I pick it up I am reminded why it doesn't get a lot of play

Currently my favorite flat is Fender flat 9050M I like them even more than GHS
I think you can't go wrong with either just get the lighter gauge and give 'em go and some time to break in good luck.

 

[Killing Floor]

TI. There's no best but come on. You'll probably never replace them.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Agreed re Fender 9050L. I have experience with the now-discontinued 9050CL set (it had a 105 instead of a 100) and I found them plenty flexible when I used them.

 

[BigBadBen67]

Thomastiks are definitely the way to go if you don't want stiff. They are wonderful strings, especially for jazz.

I've also been having good luck with the Fender 9050MLs. They have a 105 E string but I wouldn't describe them as overly stiff (though they are stiffer than the Thomastiks).

 

[Pilgrim]

I like old, dead strings, so my recommendation is to keep what you have as long as your fingers are OK with it. I find flats more comfortable to play than rounds, but that's just me.

 

[BlackCrow]

+1 Fender stainless flats 9050. Ive used all guage sets. Fender website shows only "medium" and 'Light" sets now though.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Dunlop flats!

 

[Major Seven]

So after playing a roommate's bass 30 years ago, I had a resurgence of interest and picked up a used Fender Player P (pau ferro fretboard, stock pickups). It came with what seems to be GHS Precision flats in medium. The feel of these under the fingers is awesome, but I'm finding them stiffer than I like.

So being inexperienced, I've done a lot of reading and now can't make make up my mind so need some help making my final decision.

I'm not chasing tone at the moment, but I think I want to be in the semi-modern camp. Not quite Chrome's, but not vintage LaBella either.

My top choices at the moment are
Ernie Ball Group 4 - these seem like a good fit for what I want based upon what I've read. Maybe even the Group 3 if they would be flexible enough.
Fender 9050L - these seem down the right line, but I've had problems figuring out how stiff/flexible they are as reports always seem to vary.
TI JF344 - king of flex. Maybe too much? But as a beginner I wonder how this would affect my technique to learn on these.
GHS Precision Light - the medium sound good so I could just go lighter

I intend to learn both fingerstyle/pick. While slap is cool, at this point it just isn't my thing.

So what would you suggest to a new bassist? Any feedback you could give will be much appreciated..

I started with GHS pressurewounds, tried a few others but came back to the pressurewounds (light).
Seems I got lucky the first try.
Also, be sure the setup is good. When I finally figured out what (correct) relief was it made a big
difference in the instruments feel.

 

[LowendG]

My first question would be (before throwing money at different strings) how's the setup on that bass?
If the setup is good, then I kinda think just playing those for a while since you're so new to the instrument is wise before going down the strings rabbit hole.
45-105 like those Mediums is pretty much the "standard" gauge for bass guitar strings. Maybe get used to those first--they are certainly not bridge cables by any means! For example, for me, anything lighter than 45-105 starts getting into floppy noodle territory.

 

[bherman]

I get this thinking. But here is the thing: if the strings are bothering me, why not change them? This is entirely for my enjoyment, so I'm going to change what I need to increase that.

I 100% agree with you on this, no point in working with strings that are not comfortable. I've pretty much played them all over my 50+playing years, and my current favorites are LaBella Low Tension flats. The TIs are way too floppy for me - and there are others that I also like (Pyramids, LaBella Olintos) but at your stage, the LTFs are great.

 

[OneNut]

My first question would be (before throwing money at different strings) how's the setup on that bass?
If the setup is good, then I kinda think just playing those for a while since you're so new to the instrument is wise before going down the strings rabbit hole.
45-105 like those Mediums is pretty much the "standard" gauge for bass guitar strings. Maybe get used to those first--they are certainly not bridge cables by any means! For example, for me, anything lighter than 45-105 starts getting into floppy noodle territory.

I think the setup is reasonable. I did have to raise the pickups (they were slammed right down into the body). I need to get a set of feeler gauges to do thorough checking but it plays fine as far as I can tell.

So I get the idea of playing it, but these strings are the only ones I played while looking at basses that gave me an issue with soreness in my playing fingers. Sure I could just play until I "toughen up buttercup", but why? I'm not going to win an award for that and paying to get a set of strings to increase my playing enjoyment is well within my budget. I can always put these ones on again later once I develop.

 

[onda'bass]

I use 9050ml and chromes sometimes together. Both are a good choice in my opinion.

 

[OneNut]

TI. There's no best but come on. You'll probably never replace them.

So price is no worry here.

I can see TIs will develop technique due to the flexibility, but will I hurt myself against other strings?

 

[OneNut]

I 100% agree with you on this, no point in working with strings that are not comfortable. I've pretty much played them all over my 50+playing years, and my current favorites are LaBella Low Tension flats. The TIs are way too floppy for me - and there are others that I also like (Pyramids, LaBella Olintos) but at your stage, the LTFs are great.

I had thoughts for the LTFs - just wasn't sure if I wanted to go for the thump vs a more modern flat. Although they are supposed a bit stiffer than the TIs, which I can see as a benefit