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Flatwound help

#21
I would not put Rotosound 77's on any bass . I had them on a Precision bass a few years ago and they bent the neck quite a bit . Yes it could be overcome with several truss rod adjustments but they don't sound all that great anyway IMHO. I would look at GHS Precision flats or for a brighter lower tension sound Ernie ball Cobalt flats. They have some brightness that wears off after a little while but still bring the thump. I have used Fender Flats and Labella deep talking flats all with much higher tension that I want to have on My bass neck. And The Pro II does not have a standard Precision neck it is thinner and although more comfortable to play any high tension strings would bow it and it would need truss rod adjustments.
 
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#23
michael_t said:
This is why I recommended the 40-100 set to the OP earlier. They're under 180 lbs. in total tension, which is lighter than the GHS Precision Flats 45-105.
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I put the 40-100s on my bass. Seems more than fine to me and honestly the tension doesn't seem as bad as everyone is saying. If these strings are so bad, why would so many pros use them for so many years? (Deacon, Lynott, Sting, Waters and many more). I trust the guys I take my basses to for set-up and they know their stuff - they did some truss rod adjustment to compensate from the slinkys that were on the bass previously. As you rightly say, I did some reading as I don't know much about string tension, but the GHS flats 45-105s are higher than the 40-100 rotos I put on mine.
 
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#25
michael_t said:
I've had the same experience with both D'Addario Chromes and Fender 9050s. That black gunk is just the residue of the compound used in the final polishing process at the factory. All it takes is thorough cleaning with a simple alcohol wipe BEFORE INSTALLATION.
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Wiping didn't clean the black dust off. That is why I boiled them cause they wouldn't come clean
 
#26
Bassclef46 said:
Wiping didn't clean the black dust off. That is why I boiled them cause they wouldn't come clean
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Have you tried one of these? Run it up and down each string a few times before they go on the bass.

Alcohol Wipe.jpeg
 
#28
green3101 said:
Hi everyone,

Was hoping that someone could lend some advice on flatwound strings.

I've mostly been a rounds player since I started playing, but wanted to explore something a bit different.

I'm primarily a rock player, finger style mostly but will use a pick when needed.

I recently acquired a new Fender American Professional II bass and strung it up with some Ernie Ball slinkys (light gauge). They sound fine, but some of my favourite bass tones on classic albums that I love, I realised were actually Flatwounds.

Because I play mostly rock I wanted to ask for people's opinions/advice on what the best strings to try out would be? I'd like that Flatwound sound, but still with some growl and midrange punch.

a good reference point would be one of my favourite bassists; John Deacon. After some research, it appears he used Rotosound 77 Jazz Flats. I'm very close to ordering them and giving them a go, to try and get me closer to what I'm hearing (I realise a lot comes from your own playing, but string/bass/amp sound choices will get you closer to what you desire - the rest is on you). I just had a couple of questions:-

I hear these strings are high tension - which is fine, but do I need to worry about them harming the neck of my new bass at all? I wouldn't want to do that obviously. It feels amazing to play and was quite an investment I saved for. I'd hate to do any lasting damage. I like my action as low as possible - I'm not big on string tension knowledge, but do these strings allow that, without any lasting damage to the neck?

How are the strings on the frets overtime? I know they are flats but thought I'd ask

I've read they have good midrange presence, which is something I'm after. Is this typical of all flats? (I'm not interested in anything with a mid-scoop). Are there any other brands of flats that offer good mids?

if anyone else has any experience with these strings? I'd be very grateful of any info or advice.

finally, if anyone else has any recommendations when it comes to flats and fitting what I'm after?
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I just got a Fender American Pro II Jazz fretless that came with the Fender 9050 flats installed.

My first experience with flats. I have not noticed any tension issues. Feel the same as the slinkies i am used to.

And they do sound good. Think they would do the trick for you
 
#32
Pyramid makes exceptional flat wound bass strings. But, I've found their flats to be susceptible to damage more than others (I observed that my Pyramid flats have developed indentions after just one year). They are, however, very easy on frets...if that is a legit concern.
 
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