Flats with some texture and brightness?

[Hillbilly Sam]

D'Addario Chrome XL's.

Chromes, while certainly on the "brighter/modern" side of flats, are one of the smoothest (in texture). Almost like LaBellas, although they don't feel as polished/soft.

So I think the OP would dislike that.

 

[johnh89]

Rotosound Jazz 77. Has everything you want.

I second that opinion . Definately a bit of texture to them and a fair bit brighter than most flats when new .

 

[GIBrat51]

The answer to any string question is TI Jazz Flats.

Well... maybe not any string question, but they're certainly in the running. They definitely are in this case...

 

[HHudson]

I second that opinion . Definately a bit of texture to them and a fair bit brighter than most flats when new .

While I personally certainly do like the feel & sound of Roto77s and used them exclusively for years, I suspect from CoughSyrup's [OP] posts, that they will also be too smooth and possibly too stiff.

@CoughSyrup , I believe michael_t's guess

> If the OP wants "less texture than [GHS] Pressurewounds" and "more texture than flats", then half-rounds/groundwound may be worth trying. GHS Brite Flats use the same Alloy 52 [as the GHS Pressure Wounds] as the outer cover but "ground down" instead of "rollerwound".

may be spot on for you..... he usually always is in my experience.

His and others tip with the EB Cobolt flats may be the other option, should you find the Brite Flats still too rough. For me the EB Cobolt Flats feel like flats with a slight bit of texture due to the larger gaps between the windings. They certainly are bright for flats. I find the often mentioned "grabbyness" can be dealt with by cleaning them with a dampened cloth with 99% alcohol and then with normal playing. For me they feel like flats albeit with slightly more texture (I also use Pyramid/Dunlop/Fender flats as well). I'm not sure if you would find the difference to the DRs large enough.

I have tried D'Addario Half Rounds and they were not my personal cuppa, feel or tone wise, others love them. They did not feel like flats. More texture and resistance up & down. At some point due to michael_t's suggestions elsewhere I will try the GHS Brite Flats. I currently own many more different sets of strings than basses and those decisions are enough to keep me busy right now, so it won't be for a while . If you do try them report back here, would be interesting to hear how they compare for you to your GHS PWs.

-Henry

 

[4StringDave]

Rotosounds 77s

Not the smoothest flat and quite bright

 

[CoughSyrup]

For what it's worth, I bought a set of 43-100 TI jazz flats from another TBer and they are exactly what I wanted. Bright enough with the tone wide open that I don't miss rounds, and still plenty of vintage thump when I roll the tone off. I like the lower tension, too.

Probably not the texture I was originally asking for, but the tension makes up for that. They play like butter.

I did try the Rotosounds, and they were definitely a step in the right direction but I am thrilled with the TIs.