Flats on a P - need more defined mids

[macmanlou]

Go back to TI Jazz flats. The best way I can describe their range of tone is that they "sing". And they last for years (and years).

 

[Pier_]

I have a 3,5 years old set on my main P-bass. it sings in a way impossible to describe.

 

[hennessybass]

DR Flats are where it's at.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

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!

Just out of curiosity, what exactly is your P bass (Body wood, fingerboard wood, make/model/series etc.)?

 

[jazzsoul]

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!

So stick with the TIs. For me there is nothing better.

 

[G On Bass]

+ a billion to the Sadoswky flats. The Light gauges are my absolute favorite flats ever!

 

[Turock]

Another vote for TI Jazz Flats.

 

[project_c]

Just out of curiosity, what exactly is your P bass (Body wood, fingerboard wood, make/model/series etc.)?

'83 USA Fender Precision, alder body (i'm guessing) with a maple neck. Not the lightest or easiest to play, but it's been my favourite bass for years nevertheless.

Really appreciate all this input everyone, lots of you recommending TI's! Fender & Sadowsky a close second. Also curious about DR's, I'm a fan of their rounds on my Fender Jazz, i'm sure their flats will also sound good.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Doesn't Pino use TI's on his P Basses sometimes? Pretty sure the Fender Custom Shop Pino P Bass comes equipped with them.

 

[Josh Pelican]

Listen to everyone who said Sadowsky Black Label flats. I've went through so many sets of flats to find what worked best on my P-bass. There were a few sets I liked, but these... these are beautiful. They were perfect since I put them on. You can get a really bright/zingy sound when played hard enough. The mids are definitely there.

 

[joebar]

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.

this

 

[SasquatchDude]

Sadowskys!

THIS

 

[Robus]

I've got Sadowsky Black Label lights on my P bass right now. They have thump but are not particularly bassy in my setup. Strong lower mids with a fair amount of upper mid bite when you dig in. I'm happy with them for the time being. I might try TI Jazz flats eventually.

 

[Rayjay]

I use GHS because they're easily accessible (for me) and not that expensive. I was surprised how much I like them and that's all I use now. And I noticed how much they made my midrange notes (about A to A on the G string) come to life. That range tended to thin out with roundwounds. FWIW.

 

[tedsalt]

I'm running the DR Legend Flatwounds and love 'em. I have also swapped out my tone pot for a no-load pot, so I can practically bypass the tone pot ...

 

[DwaynieAD]

Fender flats

 

[hsech]

I don't see DR flats thrown out there for consideration.

 

[hsech]

Spoke too soon. I see someone did mention DR Legends.

 

[ExaltBass]

Another vote for Sadowsky Black Label Flats. I've successfully used both the light and standard gauges. Very articulate.

 

[shrimpflea]

I personally like La Bella flats....but Chromes are very mid-rangy and bright, so they may be for you.

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