• 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 like GHS Precision Flats but with stronger midrange?

e-flat

e-flat

Jun 15, 2009
887
1,331
Washington State
#1
I couldn't be happier with the GHS P Flats on my P Bass (100/85/63/45)

....but for my Jazz Bass (fretted parts bass, rosewood fretboard, Dimarzio Model Js) I am looking for some flatwounds that meet the following criteria:

- Strong midrange presence
- Very smooth to the touch (like my GHS P Flats)
- Medium or medium-low tension
- Subdued highs (I'd like to stay away from the "clank" of Chromes, for example)
- Medium gauge (somewhere around a .095 to .100 E String)

So, basically I'm just looking for a set of strings like a lighter GHS P Flat with a more pronounced midrange.

I have a couple of different sets on order to try, but I'd like to get unbiased input on what strings YOU guys suggest for these qualities.

I love to try new strings, so help me waste some money! :)
 
#3
For that description I would get light Sadowsky flats, or for a more, let's say grindy, a bit brighter at first string, the light Fender flats.
The Sadowsky would definitely fit the bill better for what you are looking for I think, as the Fenders are a lot like chromes in many ways, except IMO better and the Fenders don't sound completely different when older like Chromes does.
LaBellas would be too similiar I think, regardless of what gauge you want.
Why don't you put a really light set of GHS on the jazz and tweak the amp? I did that for a long time on mine, and then gave those light GHS strings to a guy who plays a p-bass. I think that's what you are really after, but it's fun to test something new too of course.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Freekmagnet, BrBss, SasquatchDude and 1 other person
#4
Levin said:
For that description I would get light Sadowsky flats, or for a more, let's say grindy, a bit brighter at first string, the light Fender flats.
The Sadowsky would definitely fit the bill better for what you are looking for I think, as the Fenders are a lot like chromes in many ways, except IMO better and the Fenders don't sound completely different when older like Chromes does.
LaBellas would be too similiar I think, regardless of what gauge you want.
Why don't you put a really light set of GHS on the jazz and tweak the amp? I did that for a long time on mine, and then gave those light GHS strings to a guy who plays a p-bass. I think that's what you are really after, but it's fun to test something new too of course.
Click to expand...
Well you just guessed the two sets that I have on order, Levin!

- Sadowsky Flats 40-100
- GHS P Flats (3025) 45-95

Looks like I might be on the right track :thumbsup:

The Fender flats have been on my radar for a while as well.... Might have to try those soon.

And yes, I have a set of La Bella 760FL on another bass... Great strings, but not the right midrange for what I'm after.

Anyone else have suggestions?
 
  • Like
Reactions: JulienP. and Levin
#6
fjadams said:
Maybe the La Bella Gold White Nylon or the Copper White Nylon. I haven't used the Gold yet but I do have some of the Copper on a bass and you still get the lows but more of the mids and highs than the black tapes and the Golds are supposed to give even more mids & highs.
Click to expand...
fjadams-
Great sugestions.... Whats funny is that the two sets that have been on this bass so far are the La Bella White tapes and the La Bella Black Tapes! I love both, and will definitely keep them handy because I think they are wonderful strings ---- But for this bass I'm looking for less treble, and a bit more of a bump in the low mids / mids.

The White Copper tapes are some that I intend to try eventually, though.... The description sounds like I would really dig them.
 
#8
I like the Copper White. More mids & highs than the blacks, but nothing like Chromes. My favorite tapes are the GHS 3060s, but since I only have shortscales I only have one bass they fit on currently.
I like the GHS Brite Flats, but they might give you too much in the high end for what it sounds like you're looking for. I use them on one of my ABGs and they are pretty clanky. If I played it as often as the other one I'd probably change them to something a little mellower.
 
  • Like
Reactions: e-flat
#9
fjadams said:
I like the Copper White. More mids & highs than the blacks, but nothing like Chromes. My favorite tapes are the GHS 3060s, but since I only have shortscales I only have one bass they fit on currently.
I like the GHS Brite Flats, but they might give you too much in the high end for what it sounds like you're looking for. I use them on one of my ABGs and they are pretty clanky. If I played it as often as the other one I'd probably change them to something a little mellower.
Click to expand...
I would welcome the increased mids of the Coppers, but really wish I could find something that combines the nice lows of the Black or White tapes, the Mids you describe in the Coppers, and a subdued treble response like GHS P Flats.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JulienP.
#12
Levin said:
For that description I would get light Sadowsky flats, or for a more, let's say grindy, a bit brighter at first string, the light Fender flats.
The Sadowsky would definitely fit the bill better for what you are looking for I think, as the Fenders are a lot like chromes in many ways, except IMO better and the Fenders don't sound completely different when older like Chromes does.
LaBellas would be too similiar I think, regardless of what gauge you want.
Why don't you put a really light set of GHS on the jazz and tweak the amp? I did that for a long time on mine, and then gave those light GHS strings to a guy who plays a p-bass. I think that's what you are really after, but it's fun to test something new too of course.
Click to expand...

Sadowsky flats are made by LaBella. They don't feel like GHS. They are like the brighter version of LaBella.
 
#15
+1 TI Jazz Flats. I wasn't crazy about them when I first put them on...2 months later and a few swaps I have them back on and I'm getting to really love them.

I am a big GHS P Flats fan. They were the first flat I tried, and everything else I've tried since (except the TIs) have fallen just a bit short of the GHS.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TrevorOfDoom and e-flat

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back