Flats on Alembic

[sanderic]

Anyone using flats on an Alembic? No, I don't currently own an Alembic, but have ordered a Boogieman Alembic-clone preamp/filter for my AmStan Fender P which is strung with Chromes.
I love flats, but am looking for a cleaner, more articulate tone. Using Markbass for amplification BTW.

 

[UpperBout]

I had Rotosound RS77LD Jazz Bass Monel Flat Wound Strings on my Essence 6-string for a while. It was a nice combination, very articulate with that fundamental thump that you get with flats.

I was talking to Mica at Alembic and she was strongly recommending trying flats on my Series I. She plays one of hers that way. I haven't done it yet.

According to Alembic lore, the original strings that the Alembics were "designed" for are the Pyramid Gold Flats.

I think your config will sound great, but it likely won't sound exactly like an Alembic - This is just my opinion, but I think the super-rigid, neck-through construction is a significant factor in the Alembic sound. Bolt-ons do something different. Subtle, but definitely a different attack and timbre.

Post up some recordings if you do this - I'd love to hear it. I don't think I have any of my bass with flats...

 

[elgecko]

A guitar shop I used to around at back in the day had a new Series I for sale that was strung with flats. I always thought it was an odd choice.

 

[Jeff Lee]

Andy West from the Dixie Dregs use to use GHS Bright Flats on his Alembic Series l. He used a pick and slapped. Check out Dixie Dregs Live @ Montreux Jazz Fest '78 on YouTube.

 

[UpperBout]

...
I was talking to Mica at Alembic and she was strongly recommending trying flats on my Series I. She plays one of hers that way. I haven't done it yet.

...

Probably breaking a few etiquette rules by a) quoting myself and b) reviving a dormant thread -- but

I recently played out with D'Addario Chrome Flats 45-100. I love the tone. The balance string to string is a bit different, which as I understand it has to do with the physically different masses between round-wounds and flat-wounds of similar gauges. It's a subtle difference, but noticeable. But like I said, I loved the tone. The recordings I've heard of myself back up what I noticed on-stage. I am glad I did it, and my Series I will be wearing flats for a while.