• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender Flats (9050) on Lakland Jazz?

TheRealGru

TheRealGru

Supporting Member
Sep 28, 2013
687
1,034
Chicago, IL
#1
I finally had listened to @michael_t recommendation and put Pressurewounds on my Lakland. Solid sound, great tension and feel and overall, I'm happy with the combo.

A week ago, I went to Bass Bash in Chicago and met Ian from Scott Bass Lessons. To make the story short, I got to play a little bit on his 1968 Fender Jazz with Fender 9050L flats on it. I loved the sound. I know it was mainly that bass but the strings were something else too. So I got home and ordered a set.

I'm about to install them tonight but will not cut Pressurewounds so I can put them back on if the Lakland/Fender flats combo won't work.

How long does it take for 9050s to settle down? I wish they had no silk or had another color...
 
#7
TheRealGru said:
I have a USA Lakland 44-60 so we have same guitar. Afraid to pull the trigger on Fender flats but it should not be an issue to reinstall PW right?
Click to expand...

One thing to keep in mind is Fender 9050s are very different from the Chromes in their tonal character. Just because they come from the same factory doesn't mean they're identical twins.

My Fender Jazz did wear the Chromes at one point, then I discovered the Fender 9050s and never looked back.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassBlue
#9
As much as I want to put these 9050s on the only bass I have, I cannot do the light green silk... :D

I barely accepted the black silks of Pressurewounds and the only reason they are still there is the sound and feel of them.

Is there a comparable string to Fender 9050 (flatwound) that has the solid midrange and no stupid silk on the ends??
 
#10
TheRealGru said:
Is there a comparable string to Fender 9050 (flatwound) that has the solid midrange and no stupid silk on the ends??
Click to expand...

Most flats do come with silk. Ernie Ball stainless steel (NOT Cobalt) flats are similar to Fender 9050s, except with blue silk. Dunlop Flats come with black silk.

EDIT: Curt Mangan Flats are the only flats I know of that don't have silk. But no idea what they sound like.
 
Last edited:
#14
Well, I put Fenders on. Surf green silks don't look as bad as I thought they would.

20220802_212456.jpg


They sound phenomenal outta the box. Exactly what I was looking for in a flatwound string! One caviat, they are bridge cables for certain. I gave it a good hour long playing session and my fingers hurt. They require more work, more strength than Pressurewounds these 9050s replaced. They are a little bit sticky but I think that will eventually go away as they get broken in, is that right?

Hard choice to make now owning one bass. Now, I see how PW are a middle ground between flats and roundwounds. PWs are so much easier to play, but Fenders sound better IMO (different better) to my ears. Have much more mid range and overall heft than PWs.

Thanks for recommending both sets @michael_t
 
  • Like
Reactions: michael_t
#15
TheRealGru said:
They are a little bit sticky but I think that will eventually go away as they get broken in, is that right?
Click to expand...

The initial stickiness with the 9050 flats, and also with D'A Chromes, has to do with the residue of the compound used in the final polishing process left on them from the factory. It will wear off eventually but you might notice your finger tips turning black for the first little while as they're being played in.

Now that you have the Fender Flats on your Lakland, I would love to see a pic of the whole bass!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassBlue
#16
michael_t said:
The initial stickiness with the 9050 flats, and also with D'A Chromes, has to do with the residue of the compound used in the final polishing process left on them from the factory. It will wear off eventually but you might notice your finger tips turning black for the first little while as they're being played in.

Now that you have the Fender Flats on your Lakland, I would love to see a pic of the whole bass!
Click to expand...

Sounds good. Already in bed, but I'll post a photo of the entire bass first thing in the morning.
 
#18
Fender flats have a ton of midrange so they fill the scooped mids of a Jazz bass.
For the same reason I find them muddy on a P bass, which could use scooped strings for a balanced sound.

Fender flats need a couple of months of daily play to lose the excessive high end IME.

I hate the gauges. I have the 50-65-85-100 on my P and I wish the E was bigger. I'm heavy handed so these are pretty standard for me. I'll be świtching to 49-109 Labellas as soon as possible.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: michael_t and Ricky Rioli
#19
michael_t said:
The initial stickiness with the 9050 flats, and also with D'A Chromes, has to do with the residue of the compound used in the final polishing process left on them from the factory. It will wear off eventually but you might notice your finger tips turning black for the first little while as they're being played in.

Now that you have the Fender Flats on your Lakland, I would love to see a pic of the whole bass!
Click to expand...

20220804_100912.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: michael_t

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back