• 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.

Flatwound differences

#21
The differences are there but they are subtle. I personally have La Bella DTFs on two basses, Chromes on one and Rotosound 77s on one. I like higher tension and these all suit me well. The Rotosound feel very different - a rougher texture under the fingers and are a bit brighter than the other two but they definitely have the best sounding B string out of the three brands to my ears.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JumboJett35
#22
Mr_BK said:
I have d'Addario Chromes on my 5-string Moollon Preci. They do sound very nice ... but ... they seem to have a high tension and are quite difficult to play when compared to my usual d'Addario Rounds. Also, I had to adjust the trussrod considerably to adapt to the Chromes.

To the experts: what would be similar strings soundwise with less tension?
Click to expand...
The same strings but in lighter gauges. For example, the D'A Chromes 40-60-80-100 would have roughly the same tension as XL Nickels 45-65-85-105.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kyle_S and Mr_BK
#24
Mr_BK said:
I have d'Addario Chromes on my 5-string Moollon Preci. They do sound very nice ... but ... they seem to have a high tension and are quite difficult to play when compared to my usual d'Addario Rounds. Also, I had to adjust the trussrod considerably to adapt to the Chromes.

To the experts: what would be similar strings soundwise with less tension?
Click to expand...
What gauge Chromes are you using? For many years I bought their Super Soft set (40-60-75-95) but I'd replace the .060 D with a .055; this produced a well balanced feel and they are quite supple, just a bit higher in tension than TI Jazz Flats (which I have on a couple of basses).

I still have a set I bought in '03 that has been on a few basses since. Currently, they are on my '78 Guild B-301. They still sound great to me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr_BK
#26
michael_t said:
The same strings but in lighter gauges. For example, the D'A Chromes 40-60-80-100 would have roughly the same tension as XL Nickels 45-65-85-105.
Click to expand...

Jeff Scott said:
What gauge Chromes are you using? For many years I bought their Super Soft set (40-60-75-95) but I'd replace the .060 D with a .055; this produced a well balanced feel and they are quite supple, just a bit higher in tension than TI Jazz Flats (which I have on a couple of basses).

I still have a set I bought in '03 that has been on a few basses since. Currently, they are on my '78 Guild B-301. They still sound great to me.
Click to expand...

Thanx for the advice !

I am using 45-65-80-100-132 Chromes, the ECB81-5 set.
Will look for lighter :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott
#27
I actually forgot 2 more flats that i have tried, standard LaBella flats and Cobalt flats. LaBella sound like Motown straight out of the package and not much break in period. The cobalts were totally different , sounded almost like roundwounds for a fortnight and then sounded more thuddier than LaBella.
 
#28
michael_t said:
I do see your point...
Click to expand...
I do too, but that’s not my experience. Back in the day I moved flats (all Fender-cut) from one bass to another without noticeable differences, at least while young, and even some older. The exception IMO would be from string through body to top-load, though I’ve gotten away with that as well. No harm in trying.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Geddaric and michael_t
#29
I’m going to agree and disagree. Yes, there is a wide variety of textures and tensions. My personal preference is for the smoother more polished flats, but everyone is different. That tactile bit is true of all string types. I just took a set of rounds off because they felt like they were covered in sand to me. Others may like them, I passed. I also don’t want bridge cables or floppy noodles. I want them just right and my just right is probably different than yours.

I do not believe that all flats sound similar. To me, there is a big variety to the tones available. I don’t trust YouTube videos for “sound” samples because there are just too many variables and chances for alteration. I do think most flats get darker with age, but each one is different. JJ said the funk is in the junk and for him that was very true. Nothing sounded better than Motown at that time. For me, I either avoid flats that are that dark or replace them more often. Some folks like dead rounds… some folks like dead flats… some folks like neither.

Anyway… I hope you find the perfect set of strings for your #1. I do. I wish it was an easier journey, but that hasn’t been experience. I will say that the opinions found on this site can be a divining rod for your journey.

Rock on!🤘🏻
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eikari and JumboJett35
#30
I go by feel and tension with strings, and sound is the secondary consideration. I've found I like highly polished strings with lower tension. Dunlop flats were good tension but not highly polished. D'Addario Chromes were highly polished but too high tension. LaBella DTFs felt amazing, but did that thing where the E sounds different than the others. LaBella LTFs are perfect.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GniQQ, Eikari and Mr_BK
#32
Tried Dunlops, D'Addario Chromes (just terrible) and La Bella Deep Talkin' Flats. La Bellas all the way. Super smooth, awesome low end, proper tension.

Someone said to me that they don't like them as they feel like rubber bands. I wonder if trying some TIs would change their opinion 🤣

Edit: forgot to add instruments. I've tried them on jazz, P, a Bronco and even La Bella flats on a Harley Benton Beatbass fretless (violin bass specific set).
 
#35
GniQQ said:
Proper *for my subjective taste.

Since we are all providing personal opinions and experiences, I thought it's obvious.
Click to expand...
That seems fair. I'm finding I like the stiffer response I have on my flats, which may be just a chance result of the set I bought, and the bass I put them on. Now when I switch to another bass with rounds, they seem kinda floppy -- maybe a lighter scale, I don't know. Evidently I'm not much of one to pay such attention to gauge and type ... possibly because, by the time my strings need changing, I no longer remember what I have ... so I just buy something that has a nice-looking package and deal with the results ...
 
  • Like
Reactions: GniQQ and bassboysam

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back