Finally tried Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats

[Funky40]

EB Cobalt Flats are one of the more flexible flats in the market; they're not as stiff-feeling as some flats,

ok, i see. That answers it !....i´ll go with same gauge.
and i´m even more convinced that this is the right type of flats to start "that one".
( since i´m just doing an order at thomann now, my shop to go)
Much thanks !

 

[Funky40]

ahhh, 5 string set (2816) not available now........in 4-5 weeks.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Not all flats are created equal... EB Cobalt Flats are one of the more flexible flats in the market; they're not as stiff-feeling as some flats, such as La Bella DTFs and D'A Chromes Flats of similar gauges.

Totally agree. I wouldn't consider EB Cobalt Flats noticeably "stiff". One of the more "flexible" flats... unless you want the ultimate in flexibility (loose tension), TI Flats get a lot of love her on TB. Personally, I wouldn't like them, just because I like a string that isn't "floppy".

 

[74hc]

Same here, more flexible as flatwounds go was my experience. I have 45-65-80-100-130 gauges.

The B string was not that good, tonewise, in my view.

 

[shawshank72]

Is there anywhere to be buy singles anymore?
Love to try these in 50/65/85/110
Back in the day bassstringsonline was where I went but haven't gotten strings in years.

 

[michael_t]

Is there anywhere to be buy singles anymore?
Love to try these in 50/65/85/110
Back in the day bassstringsonline was where I went but haven't gotten strings in years.

The old BSO is now Fret Nation. The same Jason is still the owner.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[shawshank72]

The old BSO is now Fret Nation. The same Jason is still the owner.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Thank you sir, this is good news.

 

[Jim C]

Any truth to the rumors I've read on TB that the cobalt finish is more aggressive on fret wear?

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Any truth to the rumors I've read on TB that the cobalt finish is more aggressive on fret wear?

I don't know how hard the alloy is - just guessing it's stainless steel with a little cobalt (so, harder than nickel) - but it is true that it has a slight texture on the surface, rather than being polished smooth. How much difference that makes long-term I can't say. For me the tone - if I choose it - overrides that.

... EB Cobalt Flats are one of the more flexible flats in the market...

Michael_t is an expert and I'm not, but I suspect that is an understatement. Speaking of the construction, unmounted (not the extra stiffness caused by tension when mounted), I believe Cobalt flats are *radically* flexible, even compared to some very popular round core rounds.

My early impressions:
Cobalt flats are spectacularly clear through-and-through, top to bottom; so far, they're in a different sonic category from other flats I've tried.
This is something I'll have to get used to: while e.g. La Bella DTF and Roto 66 have a comfortable familiarity in the tone, the Cobalts are something new to my ear. No doubt will record beautifully. Love clarity but also love comfortable familiarity, so we'll give it some time.

Chromes, for example, are like a traditional flat with some extra highs, but Cobalts are something else, it seems to me.

 

[74hc]

Two years, and none on my frets.

 

[Chris Wilke]

The more I play these, the more I get TI flat vibes...

Has anyone compared TIs and Extra Slinky Cobalt Flats?

Yes! As I just posted on another thread, I think Cobalts have a bit more bite/edge/growl. TIJFs are smoother, but still rich in midrange + some harmonics. I recently swapped these two sets and liked the results. The Cobalts sound best on the Jazz Bass V (passive) and TIJFs sound best on a Mike Lull M5 35" Fretless J (originally they were reversed). First time in 40 years that I have swapped strings between 2 basses and liked the results both ways.

 

[Marko 1]

I came across the Cobalt Flats by watching this video when I was starting out. Of all the strings played, the Cobalt Flats sounded best to my ear (although I’m a finger-style player)

I agree with your assessment-- just ordered a set for the Sterling 5 Sub series I just got. I have four others all where I want them (all with DR Nickle Lowriders), so imma kinda experiment with this one and finally try some flatwounds.

 

[Mike Vee]

I tried the 2814 set on my maple neck P-bass yesterday and thought these strings were awful. They are absolutely nothing like rounds, not even a little bit. They are just average to below average flats. They feel lifeless and I hate the (lack of much) tone. I;ve heard some people here say they have bite and growl....whattttt?? I hear none of that. The E&A strings sound like average flats, while the D&G are brighter - they feel unbalanced. I didn't like the texture, sort of like GHS Precision flats but just not as good.

GHS Pressurewounds are going back on this bass. I would definitely go with TIs over these any day if I wanted a "brighter" flat.

 

[Yahboy]

I tried the 2814 set on my maple neck P-bass yesterday and thought these strings were awful. They are absolutely nothing like rounds, not even a little bit. They are just average to below average flats. They feel lifeless and I hate the (lack of much) tone. I;ve heard some people here say they have bite and growl....whattttt?? I hear none of that. The E&A strings sound like average flats, while the D&G are brighter - they feel unbalanced. I didn't like the texture, sort of like GHS Precision flats but just not as good.

GHS Pressurewounds are going back on this bass. I would definitely go with TIs over these any day if I wanted a "brighter" flat.

My personal experience about relation ship between Split coil P and EB 2814 is, uneven EA vs DG tonal and missing some bottom.

But, she work well on my CV50P (Fralin split 51) to bringing out the crunch and low end attack, meanwhile, she is the only flatwound i prefer use on my jazz bass (VTB-ST hum cancelling ). And the 55-110 EB flat sound great on classic 2 band EQ stringray.

 

[Mike Vee]

My personal experience about relation ship between Split coil P and EB 2814 is, uneven EA vs DG tonal and missing some bottom.

But, she work well on my CV50P (Fralin split 51) to bringing out the crunch and low end attack, meanwhile, she is the only flatwound i prefer use on my jazz bass (VTB-ST hum cancelling ). And the 55-110 EB flat sound great on classic 2 band EQ stringray.

try TIs on the stingray, heaven if you like that mid-focused funk type sound

 

[Yahboy]

try TIs on the stingray, heaven if you like that mid-focused funk type sound

Agree. Several years ago, I move the 4 years old Ti JF344 from CV60P to SUB ray4 , the Ray4 just sound like what you describe. Maybe that set already well broken in, sound a bit shy and dry to my ear, but still well in band mix.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Agree. Several years ago, I move the 4 years old Ti JF344 from CV60P to SUB ray4 , the Ray4 just sound like what you describe. Maybe that set already well broken in, sound a bit shy and dry to my ear, but still well in band mix.

I am shocked how good EB Group Flats sound on my 79 StingRay.

 

[ElectricBass72]

I have EB Cobalt flats on my Fender Player P, Sire MM V5 Fretless and recently... Ibanez ATK 305. Can't say enough good things about Cobalt flats. If I had to choose from only 2 brands of strings to use for the rest of my life.... it would be the EB Cobalt Flats and Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steel rounds.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

I've been an Elixir player for years.

just today, i put a set of EB Slinky Flats (not Cobalt) on my fretless jazz.

WOW, i was FINALLY able to get the action down low to that magical fretless setup.

these things sound a feel AMAZING! 45-65-85-105 - i feel like i can finally say i play fretless again!

wondering if the Cobalts would be even better.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I've been an Elixir player for years.

just today, i put a set of EB Slinky Flats (not Cobalt) on my fretless jazz.

WOW, i was FINALLY able to get the action down low to that magical fretless setup.

these things sound a feel AMAZING! 45-65-85-105 - i feel like i can finally say i play fretless again!

wondering if the Cobalts would be even better.

If you want a bit more clarity (than standard flats), with some serious bite and subtle harmonic overtones, you would love the Cobalts. I have then on 5 of my 6 basses and #6 will be wearing them soon. Give them a try. I think you'll be very satisfied.