I'm glad I saw this post to show my grandson, because when I said it he looked at me like I was going crazy.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Flats - Do I need to man-up?
- Thread starter 4StringDave
- Start date
-
- Tags
- flats
No no you must use the flats!
JK.
Actually, sounds like you know what you're doing.
There are certain sounds you can get with flats that are worth pursuing though. I really like the bass on the "in a gadda da vida" album. Also Hendrix's bass solo about 10 minutes in on "1983".
And try La Bella low tension flexible flats. ....Oh I already said that.
If you don't like it, you don't like it.
The past six months I use GHS flatwound precision on my Jazz bass. I bought it to give it a try cause I read good things about flats here
I liked it, when I only play my jazz bass. But after I bought an Ibanez SR which has roundwound strings, and play the basses in turn... I started to dislike the flats tone.
When I play the jazz bass, I found myself tinkering a lot with the EQ on my amp and on the effect... cause I want to have that roundwound tone. Even then, I still couldn't find the tone that I like.
So, last week I removed the flats and replace it with roundwound. Been playing with the new (old) string and I find that I prefer the roundwounds to flats.
One good thing about flats is that it doesn't make any string noise. Slide my fingers on it, there's no string noise. Which is also a bad thing to me, cause when I play my Ibanez which has rounds, I made a lot of string noise. So, I have to rework my finering technique. Happened every time I switch bass.
The past six months I use GHS flatwound precision on my Jazz bass. I bought it to give it a try cause I read good things about flats here
I liked it, when I only play my jazz bass. But after I bought an Ibanez SR which has roundwound strings, and play the basses in turn... I started to dislike the flats tone.
When I play the jazz bass, I found myself tinkering a lot with the EQ on my amp and on the effect... cause I want to have that roundwound tone. Even then, I still couldn't find the tone that I like.
So, last week I removed the flats and replace it with roundwound. Been playing with the new (old) string and I find that I prefer the roundwounds to flats.
One good thing about flats is that it doesn't make any string noise. Slide my fingers on it, there's no string noise. Which is also a bad thing to me, cause when I play my Ibanez which has rounds, I made a lot of string noise. So, I have to rework my finering technique. Happened every time I switch bass.
I can honestly say I've never noticed any finger/string noise on rounds, especially in a live situation.
Update - persevering with the Fender flats on bass #2, but although I like the tone, especially of the midrange, I'm really not getting into the feel, especially the tightness. I can't seem to locate Pressurewounds anywhere here in France, so I've decided, in one last attempt to catch the flats bug, to obtain a set of looser feeling flats. Ideally I'd want something closest to my current rounds (D'Addario XL 45-105), or looser. Ideally need to be non-grabby too. Any suggestions?
If you haven't already, maybe just drop the action a touch..?
I usually play 50-105 or 45-105 rounds on my 4 string basses. When I first tried flats, I did no research and just bought a set of 50-105 Chromes. They were an easy choice as they were available in the shop and the closest to my usual gauge.
First thing I noticed was that they are much higher tension than a same diameter round wound! The G&D in particular are really tight relative to the E&A. I tried to muscle it for a little while, but ended up dropping the action a touch since the higher tension kept the strings from clanking or fretting out with my hard attack. Even with the lower action, the bass played and sounded great.
I got the 45-105 Cobalt Slinkys for another bass, the tension is more balanced from string to string, but the feel is not as smooth, there is a slight friction/grab there.
The D'addario Chromes are really smooth feeling and sound very similar to the Fenders. (I think D'addario took over as the OEM manufacturer of strings for Fender). If you get the ECB84 set (40-100), they will be very close to the tension you have on your EXL165 set.
Check out the tension chart for the Chromes here: [This invalid link has been removed]
And the rounds here: [This invalid link has been removed]
I’m the opposite, I promised myself I would try out roundwounds on my new bass...
I had a $20 set in my hands,and then I saw the Ernie ball cobalt flats and spent almost twice as much...
I have rotos, labellas, pyramids, and now I get to try the ernies..
I like them. They didn’t feel like the needed a break in and no stickyness.
The pyramids needed the most break in, but damn once they broke in...
I had a $20 set in my hands,and then I saw the Ernie ball cobalt flats and spent almost twice as much...
I have rotos, labellas, pyramids, and now I get to try the ernies..
I like them. They didn’t feel like the needed a break in and no stickyness.
The pyramids needed the most break in, but damn once they broke in...
Dave, even though they're expensive and a little weird, TI Jazz Flats sound like they'd be more what you're into. They sound so much like rounds that I couldn't shake the roundwound tone. Even after 4 months of steady usage, they didn't go dead even a little. Plus they're quite low tension. I didn't care for them but I think you'll like them. Could be wrong, though, so if I am, don't try hitting me up for a refund
If you haven't already, maybe just drop the action a touch..?
I usually play 50-105 or 45-105 rounds on my 4 string basses. When I first tried flats, I did no research and just bought a set of 50-105 Chromes. They were an easy choice as they were available in the shop and the closest to my usual gauge.
First thing I noticed was that they are much higher tension than a same diameter round wound! The G&D in particular are really tight relative to the E&A. I tried to muscle it for a little while, but ended up dropping the action a touch since the higher tension kept the strings from clanking or fretting out with my hard attack. Even with the lower action, the bass played and sounded great.
I got the 45-105 Cobalt Slinkys for another bass, the tension is more balanced from string to string, but the feel is not as smooth, there is a slight friction/grab there.
The D'addario Chromes are really smooth feeling and sound very similar to the Fenders. (I think D'addario took over as the OEM manufacturer of strings for Fender). If you get the ECB84 set (40-100), they will be very close to the tension you have on your EXL165 set.
Check out the tension chart for the Chromes here: [This invalid link has been removed]
And the rounds here: [This invalid link has been removed]
Dave, even though they're expensive and a little weird, TI Jazz Flats sound like they'd be more what you're into. They sound so much like rounds that I couldn't shake the roundwound tone. Even after 4 months of steady usage, they didn't go dead even a little. Plus they're quite low tension. I didn't care for them but I think you'll like them. Could be wrong, though, so if I am, don't try hitting me up for a refund
Thanks guys - much to consider!
The DR’s are not like the Fenders at all to me. The DR’s feel much smoother and “feel” like they are lower tension.
I have three basses with Fenders, two with DR Legends, and two with Chromes. As my flats need replaced, I will be going all Legends. But, that’s just my preference. YMMV.
Thanks everybody I'm ,gonna put some 105 flats on me PJ and see how they go. It's been about 25 years since I tinkered with the flatties. Cheers
Hi guys - quick update
I decided to persevere with the flats, but changed them onto my main Jazz Bass, mainly to play in my 60s band. I've been practicing with them and getting used to the feel.
Played the bass at practice before our big Christmas show and everyone in the band loved the sound and how it helped fatten out the bottom of the band whilst simultaneously giving more space to the treble instruments. Decided to play it at the gig and here's my observations:
- during soundcheck the sound was fantastic - rich, deep and defined.
- Once we started playing and the hall was full of people who were making a noise of their own the sound was still good but less defined
- By the second set it had deteriorated a bit again, but then I suppose this is normal rounds or flats with the increased crowd noise and the band playing that little bit harder.
- I don't sweat much, but the heat made my fingers a little moist which made the strings begin to feel a little grabby. I managed
I think I'll keep these strings on this bass as I actually enjoyed it, and ironically I've since been giving it a lot of thought and my favourite all time bass sounds seem to be always a jazz with flats.....
I might try some other brands of strings, perhaps something a bit looser, to see if I can improve the feel. Cobalts, TIs ans LaBella Flex Flats are on the radar.
I decided to persevere with the flats, but changed them onto my main Jazz Bass, mainly to play in my 60s band. I've been practicing with them and getting used to the feel.
Played the bass at practice before our big Christmas show and everyone in the band loved the sound and how it helped fatten out the bottom of the band whilst simultaneously giving more space to the treble instruments. Decided to play it at the gig and here's my observations:
- during soundcheck the sound was fantastic - rich, deep and defined.
- Once we started playing and the hall was full of people who were making a noise of their own the sound was still good but less defined
- By the second set it had deteriorated a bit again, but then I suppose this is normal rounds or flats with the increased crowd noise and the band playing that little bit harder.
- I don't sweat much, but the heat made my fingers a little moist which made the strings begin to feel a little grabby. I managed
I think I'll keep these strings on this bass as I actually enjoyed it, and ironically I've since been giving it a lot of thought and my favourite all time bass sounds seem to be always a jazz with flats.....
I might try some other brands of strings, perhaps something a bit looser, to see if I can improve the feel. Cobalts, TIs ans LaBella Flex Flats are on the radar.
Indeed jazz with flats sound awesome.
Now go forth and play!!!!
Don't forget to kill those flats with eucerine cream.
Flats + HPF = tonal nirvana. Eliminates any mud or boom.
Flats + pick = more clarity & definition.
Flats + Pick + HPF + OD = best live
loud rock tone ever!!
Gotta find flats with the tension/feel you like. Lighter gauge roundcore flats are my choice - the hexcores are a bit stiff for me.
Flats + pick = more clarity & definition.
Flats + Pick + HPF + OD = best live
loud rock tone ever!!
Gotta find flats with the tension/feel you like. Lighter gauge roundcore flats are my choice - the hexcores are a bit stiff for me.
In the right context, flats sound awesome. Cut the lows a tiny bit (11 o’clock) for less boom.
