Flats on a P - need more defined mids

[project_c]

Looking for suggestions for new flats to try on my p-bass - I've tried LaBella Deep Talkin Flats, they sounded great but they were a little too bass-heavy (I play jazz 90% of the time and the boomy bottom end can be a bit overpowering). I had TI Jazz flats on another bass in the past, they were very nice, but I'd like to try some alternatives to see what else is out there (if no better suggestions come, I'll probably just go back to using TI's). My bass is currently strung with XL Nylons which are awesome, but just a little too 'shy' sounding, and I'm not 100% sold on the slightly plastic-y feel.

So in a nutshell, looking for strings with following criteria:
- similar tension to XL Nylon Tapes
- emphasis on mids with a touch of bite when needed
- works well in a jazz context, woody tone rather than boominess

thanks!

 

[Pier_]

you can try the D'Addario Chromes or the Fender 9050. they are both bright sounding without being shy on the mids.

 

[Levin]

Sadowskys!

 

[One Drop]

Sadowskys!

My thoughts.

Similar tone but slightly less thump, mids a bit more prominent and more growly, overall a bit more articulate.

Then again, if you are fine with the tension, and have not yet tried TIs on a P, go there first, it's an amazing combination and I don't know of another flat with such complex and musical mids.

 

[Linnin]

you can try the D'Addario Chromes or the Fender 9050. they are both bright sounding without being shy on the mids.

+1 with a nod towards the Fender flats. GHS Precision flats are my faves, but I'm sure you'd find them far too dark and powerful.

 

[markjazzbassist]

you are describing TI jazz flats to a T. woody tone with bite and mids. that is exactly them. i've heard DR flats and Sadowsky are similar, but TI really nails what you are talking about. Just get used to the floppy tension and you're good.

 

[bluesblaster]

I prefer the Labella DTF's on a jazz bass to add that mid tone back into the sound, they sound good on a P but its much more bass heavy.

 

[iiipopes]

I disagree on the Chromes suggestion. They have new string zing that fades to thump. No mids. The Fenders do have significant mids, to the point of growling. Ernie Ball flats are tonally in between, with subdued, but still present, mids.

 

[Pier_]

he is describing TI flats, but he also said that he had the TIs and that he wants to try something new

 

[One Drop]

He said he had them on another bass, no?

 

[shawshank72]

I say you should try some Ernie Ball Flats.
Very mid oriented without boom.
These are my favourite flatwound after a month or so of break in.
Sent these to australia once for a fellow tb member who was in kind of the same boat and he loved them as well.

 

[basspraiser]

Sadowskys!

Black labels...
I am not a flats guy but like these...

 

[sissy kathy]

I use Fender Med Lt flats, have had no reason to experiment w/others.

 

[bassbully]

My Chromes have plenty of mids to much sometimes.

 

[pauljude]

Fender Flats...9050 ml...50 to 100...sounds very bright and beautiful....also Daddario XL chromes....smooth....

 

[strictlybass_ic]

Sadowsky Black Label Flats... the be all end all flat (for me at least)

YMMV, IME, IMO, TBD, ASAP, NYSE, CRAP, ETC, ETC

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

you can try the D'Addario Chromes or the Fender 9050. they are both bright sounding without being shy on the mids.

+1 on this. I have a J with D'Addario Chromes. I think they might fit the bill.

 

[overit]

Whatever Lakland used for the Joe Osborn flats - GHS? I have a NOS set on my P and loving them.

 

[Bassic Playing]

Sent these to australia once for a fellow tb member who was in kind of the same boat and he loved them as well.

Can confirm that the Ernie Balls have a really nice mid range presence, but without the harsher growl of chromes

 

[slombovia]

you are describing TI jazz flats to a T. woody tone with bite and mids. that is exactly them. i've heard DR flats and Sadowsky are similar, but TI really nails what you are talking about. Just get used to the floppy tension and you're good.

I'm with markjazzbassist on this. You need TI Jazz Flats. All about mids without being peaky on a particular mid. Wonderful mids. (And they are nowhere near as loose as TI Jazz Rounds but right in the middle on tension).