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Does anyone use flats on a Jazz bass?

TheGreatSealof

TheGreatSealof

Nov 15, 2010
699
563
Deptford, NJ
#1
Sorry if this has been previously posted. I have searched threads to no avail.

Does anyone use flats on a Jazz bass? I have pbass with LaBella Jamerson flats and I understand the history of flats on a pbass. However, I can't seem to find any posts regarding flats on a Jazz. Am I being blasphemous to ask?

Are rounds the only strings for a Jazz? Do flats sound ok or not?

Thanks in advance.
 
#7
For what it's worth, I had d'adarrio chrome flats on a PJ fretless and they really worked for me. (it now has nylon flats). The chrome flats were very very VERY solid sounding. And to me perfect. bassstringsonline.com sell them for less than you would pay at your local store or other online stores for that matter. They're not too pricey so that giving them a try is major big deal if the fail. Approx 23 bucks. So, I'd say go for it, you will only know after trying. A few years ago I spent a ton of time asking around TB about half/ground-wounds for my P. But until I tried them, for every person that loved them, one person would say no good. So I gave it a shot and tried them... not my cup of tea, but that's AOK. Still have them packed neatly back in package, standing by for another day.

So if you're interested sticking with history, I'm with you, I'm not sure, but if you're looking for a smoother feel and a less "zing" in the tone I can imagine the clarity of the Jazz overall and the texture of the string might work well with the Jazz. I dont think they will loose any punch if that's your concern. I hope if you do buy them they inspire you, and if that's where it starts anyhow.
 
#8
I have a set of chromes on mine. Swapped in after the tapewound Rotosounds weren't grounding me out. Now my bass is practically hum-free.

Until I get a second noiseless pickup in my bass I'm sticking with flats. After then? Back to the TruBass 88 - my favourite flatwound string set.
 
#13
Times have changed....along with the guitars, the players and the strings.

As bass guitars moved further into the limelight.....and as style of playing and sound changed....so did the guitar itself and the strings that are used on it......

Flats satisfy a lot of users on certain guitars.....but there are a ton of players who want a different more modern sound........plus the ever increasing "slappers".
 
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#14
I have only used rounds for fifteen years, mostly playing punk and blues. I recently fell into a free set of NOS nickel D'Add "half" (the wrap is flat on the outside and round on the inside), I like them enough that I'm considering getting a second J when my $ situation levels out- 1 with rounds, one with flats :)
 
#15
Hell yeah!

I know most folks associate flats with Motown-y P Bass thump, but there's something to be said about the crisp, articulate bite of the Jazz's split coils paired with the mellow punch of flats. I've had the light gauge LaBella set on mine for almost a year and a half, and never looked back.

Edit for OP: Don't forget Leo introduced the Jazz in 1960; rounds weren't widely available to the public until the late 60s–early 70s, and all Fenders came out of the factory with flats right up until '83. That's a huge portion of a classic era accounted for by Jazzes with flats.
 
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#19
I am falling in love with my RotoSound 77's! It definitely takes a month for them to de-bright (kinda cool, like playing a different set of strings everyday). I started with D'Addario Pro Steels; much happier with the tone of the flats. I'd recommend it for a more smooth low mid, if that's what you're after. IMO, gets the classic 70's rock sound (the flats), where as the bright round wounds are more for jazz or metal; solo etc.
f n o r d !
 
#20
fnordlyone said:
I am falling in love with my RotoSound 77's! It definitely takes a month for them to de-bright (kinda cool, like playing a different set of strings everyday). I started with D'Addario Pro Steels; much happier with the tone of the flats. I'd recommend it for a more smooth low mid, if that's what you're after. IMO, gets the classic 70's rock sound (the flats), where as the bright round wounds are more for jazz or metal; solo etc.
f n o r d !
Click to expand...

Now you've got me tempted to try the Rotos again. :hyper:

I wanted so hard to like them before, being used on the classic Zeppelin albums and all, but I just couldn't get over the tinny clank... they were replaced by my trusty old LaBellas within a couple days. Maybe I just didn't give them enough time?
 
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