Dunlop flatwound 45-105 review

[tanr26]

Hi first time posting here. This forum has helped me a great deal in my bass journey. A long time guitarist that got hooked on playing bass since the pandemic started. Just wanted to contribute to this forum for others that might need reviews and comparison of the dunlop flatwound.

I installed the Dunlop flats 45-105 on my Greco PB700 p bass. Previously it was strung with Ernie Ball cobalt flats 45-100. This is my first impression of the Dunlop after only a few hours stringing it up. Its smoother, bassier and stiffer than the EB (maybe due to the increase in gauge?) But i remember the EB had more zing when it was new. I didnt have to adjust my truss rod going from the EB to the Dunlop. The Dunlop have less gap between windings and feels and sound more like traditional flats.

I also have Labella 760FS 45-105 on my jazz bass and 760FS-S on my Mustang PJ. Compared to the 760FS the Dunlop feels more sticky, not as smooth, brighter, considerably less tension. The Dunlop have more gap between windings.

I prefer the Labella 760FL and will try the 760FS on the pbass when I get a chance. The Dunlop is just more modern compared to the Labella. Turning down the tone control helped me get thumpier tone on the Dunlop but the attack that I get from the Labella on my jazz bass and my mustang PJ. I shall see how the Dunlop goes as it age and update my findings here for those who are interested.

 

[michael_t]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/my-review-of-the-new-dunlop-flatwound-strings.1212736/

 

[NKBassman]

Thanks! I've been curious about these for a long time and have a set in the drawer ready to go, but I've just been in more of a roundwound mood these days .

 

[bdplaid]

I really like the Dunlop flats because I like the midrange they have, but since they got expensive, I use Fender 9050s.

 

[tanr26]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/my-review-of-the-new-dunlop-flatwound-strings.1212736/

Your review was one of the reason I was curious about the dunlop

 

[michael_t]

Your review was one of the reason I was curious about the dunlop

That wasn't my review. I have no personal experience with Dunlop Flats. I was just wanted to let people know there is a thread with tons of info on them.

Dunlop Flats were on my shopping list for a few years until I started reading about intonation issues. I ended up trying the Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95) stainless steel flats instead and liking them a lot. That's what's on my P bass right now.

 

[winston]

Hi first time posting here. This forum has helped me a great deal in my bass journey. A long time guitarist that got hooked on playing bass since the pandemic started. Just wanted to contribute to this forum for others that might need reviews and comparison of the dunlop flatwound.

I installed the Dunlop flats 45-105 on my Greco PB700 p bass. Previously it was strung with Ernie Ball cobalt flats 45-100. This is my first impression of the Dunlop after only a few hours stringing it up. Its smoother, bassier and stiffer than the EB (maybe due to the increase in gauge?) But i remember the EB had more zing when it was new. I didnt have to adjust my truss rod going from the EB to the Dunlop. The Dunlop have less gap between windings and feels and sound more like traditional flats.

I also have Labella 760FS 45-105 on my jazz bass and 760FS-S on my Mustang PJ. Compared to the 760FS the Dunlop feels more sticky, not as smooth, brighter, considerably less tension. The Dunlop have more gap between windings.

I prefer the Labella 760FL and will try the 760FS on the pbass when I get a chance. The Dunlop is just more modern compared to the Labella. Turning down the tone control helped me get thumpier tone on the Dunlop but the attack that I get from the Labella on my jazz bass and my mustang PJ. I shall see how the Dunlop goes as it age and update my findings here for those who are interested.

Any issues setting intonation? That (and the price) were the issues for me on Dunlop 40-100 flats.

 

[Root 5]

That wasn't my review. I have no personal experience with Dunlop Flats. I was just wanted to let people know there is a thread with tons of info on them.

Dunlop Flats were on my shopping list for a few years until I started reading about intonation issues. I ended up trying the Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95) stainless steel flats instead and liking them a lot. That's what's on my P bass right now.

I like the Ernie Ball Group flats a lot. Very smooth feeling & nice tones

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

Try the Dogal Carbonsteels. It was the 'End All' string for me. I still tried alot of different flats and rounds, for the heck of it, Dunlops too....but keep ordering Dogals.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[tanr26]

Any issues setting intonation? That (and the price) were the issues for me on Dunlop 40-100 flats.

I just checked intonation on 12th fret and they were all spot on, didnt need to fiddle with saddles going from EB to Dunlop. I havent checked other frets though. But playing seems fine.

Something I notice is that the E thumps like labella but the A D and G have a different thump, more like rounds.

 

[tanr26]

I like the Ernie Ball Group flats a lot. Very smooth feeling & nice tones

Hows the tension on the group flats compared to the Dunlop?

 

[HowieD72]

I have Dunlop flats on my Jazz. No intonation issues and play sweet. If I want a bit more thump I just dial off the tone and let the Kent Armstrong Single coils do their thing

 

[Root 5]

Hows the tension on the group flats compared to the Dunlop?

I think they feel very comfortable. I’m not someone who’s sensitive to tension so I may not be the best person to ask. I think they’re excellent strings and feel very smooth to the touch.

 

[michael_t]

Hows the tension on the group flats compared to the Dunlop?

I think they feel very comfortable. I’m not someone who’s sensitive to tension so I may not be the best person to ask. I think they’re excellent strings and feel very smooth to the touch.

Based on what I've read, Dunlop flats are slightly more flexible than EB stainless steel flats due to their thinner core wires. I like the EB Group IV (40-95) as they hit my sweet spot for being comfortable for the left hand (fretting) but still firm enough for the right hand (plucking).

I also agree about the EB being pleasantly smooth in surface feel.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Wow. Alternative-recommendation bombing must be the latest fad.

 

[michael_t]

Wow. Alternative-recommendation bombing must be the latest fad.

You mean "alternative-recommendation" is something new on this forum?

 

[HaphAsSard]

You mean "alternative-recommendation" is something new on this forum?

Not at all, but the bombing thereof kinda is.

 

[michael_t]

Not at all, but the bombing thereof kinda is.

Ok... No more bombing!

 

[shirojiro]

Hi first time posting here. This forum has helped me a great deal in my bass journey. A long time guitarist that got hooked on playing bass since the pandemic started. Just wanted to contribute to this forum for others that might need reviews and comparison of the dunlop flatwound.

I installed the Dunlop flats 45-105 on my Greco PB700 p bass. Previously it was strung with Ernie Ball cobalt flats 45-100. This is my first impression of the Dunlop after only a few hours stringing it up. Its smoother, bassier and stiffer than the EB (maybe due to the increase in gauge?) But i remember the EB had more zing when it was new. I didnt have to adjust my truss rod going from the EB to the Dunlop. The Dunlop have less gap between windings and feels and sound more like traditional flats.

I also have Labella 760FS 45-105 on my jazz bass and 760FS-S on my Mustang PJ. Compared to the 760FS the Dunlop feels more sticky, not as smooth, brighter, considerably less tension. The Dunlop have more gap between windings.

I prefer the Labella 760FL and will try the 760FS on the pbass when I get a chance. The Dunlop is just more modern compared to the Labella. Turning down the tone control helped me get thumpier tone on the Dunlop but the attack that I get from the Labella on my jazz bass and my mustang PJ. I shall see how the Dunlop goes as it age and update my findings here for those who are interested.

What were you trying to say about the attack from the Labellas?

 

[tanr26]

What were you trying to say about the attack from the Labellas?

The labella have sharper attack maybe due to the stiffer tension. The EB bounce more which i think create that kind of compression. The labella 760FS feels like plucking a steel rod (exagerated) compared to the rubbery feel of the EB. The labella LTF set that I had on my mustang PJ feels even more rubbery.

I can pluck harder on the 760FL which makes it more forgiving on my right hand control.