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Flatwound gauge question

Ljorges

Ljorges

May 26, 2013
71
5
#1
So, I'd like to put flatwounds on my 60th p bass. I'm thinking about La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass Flat Wounds but I am a beginner bass player and am worried about which gauge I should pick. What gauge would you guys recommend for a beginner? This is what I found:

760FX Deep Talkin’ Flats Extra Light Gauge 039 056 077 096
760FL Deep Talkin’ Flats Light Gauge 043, 060, 082, 104
760FM Deep Talkin’ Flats Medium Gauge 049 069 089 109
0760M Jamerson Flats Medium Gauge 52, 73, 95, 110

Also, are the La Bella's a solid choice?



Thanks,

Les
 
#10
Have the 104's and the 109's here. I have them on jazz basses. Prefer the 104's. The 109's sound bigger naturally, but there's a little more "work" involved to playing them.

Definitely a solid choice, some of the finest flat wound strings available. Good note definition and very consistant tone across the board.
 
#11
I recommend....

760FL Deep Talkin’ Flats Light Gauge 043, 060, 082, 104.

I don't know that lighter gauges are that beneficial to a beginner, only that you perhaps develop a lighter touch. I've never used light gauges and I find that it doesn't inhibit my dexterity, infact I groove harder with heavier strings.

YMMV, of course....
 
#12
not sure which P you have, as the term '60th' is often misused ... but you cant go wrong with either the lights or XL's ... not a real major difference in them two, much bigger difference in the jump to the Med and the Jamersons ... with that said, you planning on top loading or STB, as there are other things to consider along with gauge? ... JMHO
 
#13
Duckwater said:
Those strings are among the most stiff and hard to play, if you're a beginner and learning new techniques you don't want something like that to hinder you.
Click to expand...

tjh said:
not sure which P you have, as the term '60th' is often misused ... but you cant go wrong with either the lights or XL's ... not a real major difference in them two, much bigger difference in the jump to the Med and the Jamersons ... with that said, you planning on top loading or STB, as there are other things to consider along with gauge? ... JMHO
Click to expand...

I have the blond 60th anniversary pbass. Not just one made in that year.
I'm not sure what the terms stb or top loading are or how they affect me as a beginning player. I'm fairly new to the bass world ( not the world though - I'm 51).

Les

Les
 
#14
Spaldo said:
I recommend....

760FL Deep Talkin’ Flats Light Gauge 043, 060, 082, 104.

I don't know that lighter gauges are that beneficial to a beginner, only that you perhaps develop a lighter touch. I've never used light gauges and I find that it doesn't inhibit my dexterity, infact I groove harder with heavier strings.

YMMV, of course....
Click to expand...

Yes. Depending on the groove, the "bounce" off heavier strings can actually help keep it going better.
 
#15
If you like the flexibility of the rounds, then I'd go with the extra lights, or the lights at most. In my experience, flats are relatively stiff. I like a flexy string, but that's me. The heavier gauges will put more pull on the neck, though I'm sure an Amer P can handle it with a small tightening or the truss. The heavier ones will be thuddier since their excursion will be less, so if that's what you're going for that may be better.
 
#16
Ljorges said:
I have the blond 60th anniversary pbass. Not just one made in that year.
I'm not sure what the terms stb or top loading are or how they affect me as a beginning player. I'm fairly new to the bass world ( not the world though - I'm 51).

Les

Les
Click to expand...

Les, you are still a youngster :) ... both are methods of how the strings are attached at the bridge .. STB is string thru body, via the ferrules on the back of the bass, top load is through the back of the bridge ... Labella flats are generally not recommended for STB application, as the transition angle can be too sharp for the winding ... top load is recommended for Labella flats, unless you get the newer design winding specifically for STB ... you can do both on your bass, STB and topload ...
 
#17
As a beginner I don't want to throw any unnecessary obstacles in my path of fun and learning. So, you more experienced players don't see any issues with these (I'm gonna assume they will top load these strings):

760FL Deep Talkin’ Flats Light Gauge 043, 060, 082, 104

and the fact that I'm a beginner?

Les
 
#18
tjh. You said: "with that said, you planning on top loading or STB, as there are other things to consider along with gauge? ... JMHO"

When selecting strings, I could see the length of the winding may be a factor depending on whether you are stringing through the bass, or top loading.

Are there any other factors to consider depending on string-through, vs top-load installation?
 
#19
Dude, you're thinking too much. The only obstacle here is your brain....get some strings, grab your damn axe and play! And be prepared to bleed and blister a little. :D

And for god's sake, enjoy yourself!

P.S. this isn't meant to sound coarse, in fact i typed this with a smile on my face. My philosophy on practice is 'how often aren't you practicing?' Less talk, more jammin'!
 

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