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Dunlop Flatwounds 40-100 are phenomenal
- Thread starter Just Wrong
- Start date
Dunlop Flats are slightly stiffer than the SBN of the same gauges, but they're still more flexible than most other flats of similar gauges.
I like the Dunlop flats too, but the .100 E string is too floppy IMO. Much better set with beefed up low strings.
They are my favorite flats, however, I use the medium gauge.
What I like is the flexibility of the string (many flats are so rigid), as well as great sustain. No thud and done sustain for these strings. Plus, they feel great as well. No drag!
What I like is the flexibility of the string (many flats are so rigid), as well as great sustain. No thud and done sustain for these strings. Plus, they feel great as well. No drag!
I usually prefer light gauges, but you two have me wondering. How is the intonation on the 45 G string
I'd be happy to, but... you'll have to wait a while. The "scheduled" delivery date for my Serek is April, 2024. According to the Serek Club here, they're a little... booked up with orders. However...
I've been playing all kinds of flats - on a lot of different basses - since the late 1960's. My experience with them is that, usually? The only change you get from going from one gauge to another with the same brand of flats, is - flexibility. Lighter gauges are normally less stiff than the heavier gauge of the same string. The usual advice we give new flat wound users here, is to go down one step from the rounds that you're used to - if you like those string's tension and feel. So, if you used 45-105 rounds? Then, 40-100 flats will feel similar. The 40-100 Dunlops won't feel as stiff as the 45-105's you're using now, but... they will sound pretty much the same. Really light flats can sound different from heavier ones, but there has to be quite a difference. The 39-96 La Bella 760FX's on my Danelectro Longhorn, for instance, do sound a bit different from the 43-104 760FL's on one of my violin basses. There are definitely more mids and highs with the FX's, but... there's no doubt that they're La Bellas. The lipstick pickups on the Dano might have something to do with it, too; with those light flats, it's definitely got the tone that Dano's are famous for...
So, bottom line? If you like the way the 45-105 Dunlops feel under your fingers? There's no real need to go to a lighter gauge; all you'll get, if you do, is slightly more flexible strings. Unless, of course, your bass's neck is unhappy with the strings it's wearing now; that can be a consideration. But, other than that - or you want more flexible strings - there's no need to change them out. Want to, on the other hand...
SBN 40-100 , different gauge but not too much. > Ti flat.
Labella LTF4A more close to SBN 45-105 stiffness or Pre-2010 Fender 7150XL.
Quick question... For a Precision, would the medium-scale Dunlop flats be fine or should I go for the long-scale version?
Dunlop "medium scale" = 34" from ball end to taper/silk.
Dunlop "long scale" = 37.25" from ball end to taper/silk.
For the standard Fender Precision (34" scale), you definitely need the long scale with 37.25" winding length.
I'd be happy to, but... you'll have to wait a while. The "scheduled" delivery date for my Serek is April, 2024. According to the Serek Club here, they're a little... booked up with orders. However...
I've been playing all kinds of flats - on a lot of different basses - since the late 1960's. My experience with them is that, usually? The only change you get from going from one gauge to another with the same brand of flats, is - flexibility. Lighter gauges are normally less stiff than the heavier gauge of the same string. The usual advice we give new flat wound users here, is to go down one step from the rounds that you're used to - if you like those string's tension and feel. So, if you used 45-105 rounds? Then, 40-100 flats will feel similar. The 40-100 Dunlops won't feel as stiff as the 45-105's you're using now, but... they will sound pretty much the same. Really light flats can sound different from heavier ones, but there has to be quite a difference. The 39-96 La Bella 760FX's on my Danelectro Longhorn, for instance, do sound a bit different from the 43-104 760FL's on one of my violin basses. There are definitely more mids and highs with the FX's, but... there's no doubt that they're La Bellas. The lipstick pickups on the Dano might have something to do with it, too; with those light flats, it's definitely got the tone that Dano's are famous for...
So, bottom line? If you like the way the 45-105 Dunlops feel under your fingers? There's no real need to go to a lighter gauge; all you'll get, if you do, is slightly more flexible strings. Unless, of course, your bass's neck is unhappy with the strings it's wearing now; that can be a consideration. But, other than that - or you want more flexible strings - there's no need to change them out. Want to, on the other hand...
Thank you! That's very helpful!
I’ve used the 45.105 set extensively. The only time I had a problem with the G string intonation was when I moved a set from one bass to another.
I also recall the G being “sharp” and had to pull it back towards the bridge - but nothing too out of line.
For those wondering about the difference in tension/playability of the 2 sets - the 45.105 set is pretty flexible and comfortable for a medium gauge string.
I tried the 40.100 set briefly. I think they have a nice tone and felt stiffer than Thomastiks, but are missing the depth of the regular gauge.
I tried the 40.100 set briefly. I think they have a nice tone and felt stiffer than Thomastiks, but are missing the depth of the regular gauge.
This is how the saddles look on my Mustang with medium scale LaBella LTFs. With short scale LFTs on my Reverend, the saddles look "normal".
Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. In my experience, every instrument sets up differently.
Gentlemen, I know the thread is old, but I have some experience with these strings. I put them on when this thread was going back in June. I play out a bit and rehearse a lot, solo and with four piece band. For anyone researching these strings, here's what I got:
Stiffer than T-I's, about even with LaBella LTF's, looser than Fender or Roto or Chromes, more low end mojo than the new Ernie Ball flats, but those are almost a category in themselves.
I've played them all on a trusty 2022 Squier Affinity PJ Precision with Fralins and 2018 Squier Jaguar VM stock.
The Precision has a soft neck, bows easily. The reduced tension makes this neck work better.
Bottom line: decent strings regarding tone, feel could be soft for some, but perfect for someone looking for a solid tone with a soft feel.
A bit pricey, most flats are.
Just my $0.02.
Stiffer than T-I's, about even with LaBella LTF's, looser than Fender or Roto or Chromes, more low end mojo than the new Ernie Ball flats, but those are almost a category in themselves.
I've played them all on a trusty 2022 Squier Affinity PJ Precision with Fralins and 2018 Squier Jaguar VM stock.
The Precision has a soft neck, bows easily. The reduced tension makes this neck work better.
Bottom line: decent strings regarding tone, feel could be soft for some, but perfect for someone looking for a solid tone with a soft feel.
A bit pricey, most flats are.
Just my $0.02.
