Dunlop Flatwounds 40-100 are phenomenal

[Just Wrong]

I've tried many flatwounds these past years, so I wasn't expecting much from the Dunlop Flatwounds 40-100. It's been a week and I have to say, they might have become my favourite strings.

With the tone knob all the way up on my Precision, they sound like modern flats, almost like rounds; with the tone all the way off, they sound like old-school flats. In both cases, the fundamental is clear, even on the dead spots (6th/7th fret on the G string).

They're smooth and well-balanced, tone-, sound- and tension-wise.

But most importantly (IMO), the tension (tightness/looseness) is perfect! Tighter than TI Jazz Flatwounds, but looser than any others I've tried.

A couple of issues:

• The silk is odd. It untangled so easily compared to other silks.
• The G string saddle has to be pushed so far towards the bridge that it's not aligned with the other saddles/sitting on the D string saddle. It doesn't seem problematic for now, but we'll see.

FWIW, other flatwounds I've tried in the past couple of years:

• TI Jazz Flatwounds
• LaBella Original 1954 0760M
• LaBella 760FS
• LaBella 760FM
• LaBella Low-Tension Flatwounds
• DR Legends
• D'Addario Chromes Regular Light ECB81
• Pyramid Gold Flatwound 640/1
• Fender 9050L
• Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound 45-100

 

[evs]

These were my favourite flats that I tried too.
I loved the tension and feel of them.
Sound great as well.

I ended up changing out my basses with Chromes to the Dunlops.
I also used the 40's.

I did need to cut back the silk in some cases.

 

[Just Wrong]

These were my favourite flats that I tried too.
I loved the tension and feel of them.
Sound great as well.

I ended up changing out my basses with Chromes to the Dunlops.
I also used the 40's.

I did need to cut back the silk in some cases.

Did you have any issues with intonation on the G string?

 

[Yahboy]

I was thinking to give Dunlop blue label flat a shot, but I pull a trigger on another set of Ti again couple days ago.

After research,this blue label will sound more to Classic flat vibe group once broken in. Labella LTF4A already serve me well.

 

[evs]

Did you have any issues with intonation on the G string?

I didn't have any intonation issues.

 

[Just Wrong]

I was thinking to give Dunlop blue label flat a shot, but I pull a trigger on another set of Ti again couple days ago.

After research,this blue label will sound more to Classic flat vibe group once broken in. Labella LTF4A already serve me well.

TI Jazz flatwounds are probably my favourite strings, especially on my Jazz bass. I wanted something more old school for my Precision.

Loved the E, A and D strings of the LTF4A, but found the G string especially bright compared to the others. It never settled either. I tried two sets. Also, the 40-100 Dunlop feel looser? more flexible? than the LTF4A, IIRC.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Yeah I tried a 5 string set awhile ago and thought they were the best I have tried as well. Both clear and thumpy!

 

[Alper Yilmaz]

Just put a set last night on one of my P’s and have liked them better than the TI’s and Chromes, which used to be my top two so far.

One thing though the G string broke while I was working on the saddle for intonation, so I need another set!

Agree with the silk… What’s with that?

 

[bdplaid]

I've tried many flatwounds these past years, so I wasn't expecting much from the Dunlop Flatwounds 40-100. It's been a week and I have to say, they might have become my favourite strings.

With the tone knob all the way up on my Precision, they sound like modern flats, almost like rounds; with the tone all the way off, they sound like old-school flats. In both cases, the fundamental is clear, even on the dead spots (6th/7th fret on the G string).

They're smooth and well-balanced, tone-, sound- and tension-wise.

But most importantly (IMO), the tension (tightness/looseness) is perfect! Tighter than TI Jazz Flatwounds, but looser than any others I've tried.

A couple of issues:

• The silk is odd. It untangled so easily compared to other silks.
• The G string saddle has to be pushed so far towards the bridge that it's not aligned with the other saddles/sitting on the D string saddle. It doesn't seem problematic for now, but we'll see.

FWIW, other flatwounds I've tried in the past couple of years:

• TI Jazz Flatwounds
• LaBella Original 1954 0760M
• LaBella 760FS
• LaBella 760FM
• LaBella Low-Tension Flatwounds
• DR Legends
• D'Addario Chromes Regular Light ECB81
• Pyramid Gold Flatwound 640/1
• Fender 9050L
• Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound 45-100

I liked them too, but stopped using them after the price went up. Now I use 9050s.

 

[Luckydog]

I've tried many flatwounds these past years, so I wasn't expecting much from the Dunlop Flatwounds 40-100. It's been a week and I have to say, they might have become my favourite strings.

With the tone knob all the way up on my Precision, they sound like modern flats, almost like rounds; with the tone all the way off, they sound like old-school flats. In both cases, the fundamental is clear, even on the dead spots (6th/7th fret on the G string).

They're smooth and well-balanced, tone-, sound- and tension-wise.

But most importantly (IMO), the tension (tightness/looseness) is perfect! Tighter than TI Jazz Flatwounds, but looser than any others I've tried.

A couple of issues:

• The silk is odd. It untangled so easily compared to other silks.
• The G string saddle has to be pushed so far towards the bridge that it's not aligned with the other saddles/sitting on the D string saddle. It doesn't seem problematic for now, but we'll see.

FWIW, other flatwounds I've tried in the past couple of years:

• TI Jazz Flatwounds
• LaBella Original 1954 0760M
• LaBella 760FS
• LaBella 760FM
• LaBella Low-Tension Flatwounds
• DR Legends
• D'Addario Chromes Regular Light ECB81
• Pyramid Gold Flatwound 640/1
• Fender 9050L
• Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound 45-100

from your description, these sound like they would be similar to the old Sadowsky blacks. I’ve never tried the Dunlops but really like the old, discontinued Sadowskys.

 

[GIBrat51]

I've never used Dunlops, but I hear good things; so, when I ordered my short scale Serek Sacramento last March, I specified Dunlop Flats on it. Which, since they're short scale, I assume will be 40-100s. Will I like them? Maybe; 40-100 is a little lighter gauge than I prefer on a short scale bass, but... I have 39-96 La Bella's on my Dano Longhorn, and various other short scale flats that are in more or less the same range. They could be a little stiffer, but... I have no complaints. So, I'm keeping an open mind - and waiting with what little patience I can muster...

 

[GwenOnBass]

The G string saddle has to be pushed so far towards the bridge that it's not aligned with the other saddles/sitting on the D string saddle. It doesn't seem problematic for now, but we'll see.

Yes this was a problem with the set on a bass with a floating bridge, which created all manner of intonation issues never satisfactorily resolved. Swapped in Low Tension Flats that are still there two years on.

 

[michael_t]

from your description, these sound like they would be similar to the old Sadowsky blacks. I’ve never tried the Dunlops but really like the old, discontinued Sadowskys.

Dunlop Flatwound 40-100 were at the top of my must-try list for a while... till I read about the intonation issues. I ended up with the Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95) stainless steel flats instead. And you know what, they remind me a lot about the old Sadowsky Black Label flats, which I once tried on my P bass and really liked for their midrange clarity and articulation.

 

[Luckydog]

Dunlop Flatwound 40-100 were at the top of my must-try list for a while... till I read about the intonation issues. I ended up with the Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95) stainless steel flats instead. And you know what, they remind me a lot about the old Sadowsky Black Label flats, which I once tried on my P bass and really liked for their midrange clarity and articulation.

Didn't know about the intonation issue. Another flat I’ve not tried, the EBs. Yes, thats pretty much how I would characterize the Sadowskys also.

 

[Benj-jammin]

Been a long time user of Dunlop strings. I prefer the nickel wound medium/brights, but if I ever feel the need to go the flatwound route with one of my basses, I'll know exactly what to get.

 

[Just Wrong]

Dunlop Flatwound 40-100 were at the top of my must-try list for a while... till I read about the intonation issues. I ended up with the Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95) stainless steel flats instead. And you know what, they remind me a lot about the old Sadowsky Black Label flats, which I once tried on my P bass and really liked for their midrange clarity and articulation.

I've never tried the Group IV. Do they have the same rust problem as the Slinky? I've tried two or three sets of Slinky Flatwounds and all of them rusted? within a week...

 

[michael_t]

Do they have the same rust problem as the Slinky? I've tried two or three sets of Slinky Flatwounds and all of them rusted? within a week...

EB "Group Flats" are stainless steel like most flats = no rust problem. It's the Cobalt alloy that's susceptible to premature rusting under certain conditions.

 

[Treblefree]

I've never used Dunlops, but I hear good things; so, when I ordered my short scale Serek Sacramento last March, I specified Dunlop Flats on it. Which, since they're short scale, I assume will be 40-100s. Will I like them? Maybe; 40-100 is a little lighter gauge than I prefer on a short scale bass, but... I have 39-96 La Bella's on my Dano Longhorn, and various other short scale flats that are in more or less the same range. They could be a little stiffer, but... I have no complaints. So, I'm keeping an open mind - and waiting with what little patience I can muster...

Please report back on how you like them compared to a heavier gauge on your Serek. I have no real experience other than I just bought my first set of flats ever (Dunlop 45-105) and put on my short scale EBMM. I really love them for a million reasons, but am curious if I'd like the 40-100 better or not and why or why not. I went with 45-105 just because the rounds that came on it were 45-105 and no other reason.

 

[Just Wrong]

Dunlop Flatwound 40-100 were at the top of my must-try list for a while... till I read about the intonation issues. I ended up with the Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95) stainless steel flats instead. And you know what, they remind me a lot about the old Sadowsky Black Label flats, which I once tried on my P bass and really liked for their midrange clarity and articulation.

Didn't know about the intonation issue. Another flat I’ve not tried, the EBs. Yes, thats pretty much how I would characterize the Sadowskys also.

I'm wondering if it's accurate to call it an issue, at least with regards to the 40 G (no experience with the 45 G, which I would assume would need to be pulled towards the bridge even more since it has a bigger diameter). I've never had to pull the G saddle so close towards the bridge before, but it doesn't seem to cause any issues, so far. I'm wondering if the fact that the saddle isn't resting on the D string saddle might be problematic, however. Here's how it look on my Fender Precision:

And here's how TI Jazz Flatwounds look on my Fender Jazz, for reference:

 

[michael_t]

Here's how the saddles on my P bass are positioned for intonation with the EB Group IV Flats...