Thanks. In my experience, EB stainless flats are similar to Fender flats, but with less grind. When I kill a set of Fender flats, instead of replacing the entire set, I change out the E string for an EB stainless flat of the same gauge, and as a fresh string the EB E string coordinates well with a set of well-seated Fender flats.
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Flatwound strings - Fender P bass
- Thread starter DomTurco
- Start date
Hi all
Question is easy - I ve got a classic 4 string P-bass 20 frets long scale 34''
would like to try some flatwounds on it and I narrowed it down to
- D'addario chromes 45-100
- Ernie Ball group III 45-100
Any advice?
Thank you
I've got 5 year old D'Addario Chromes 45-100 on a '64 P-bass and an older set on a '74 that were on the bass when I bought it. Old Chromes do the flat-thing just fine once they break in so just give them time. Haven't tried the EB flats but I'm sure the same goes for them.
Either will work; I’ve used both extensively. Chromes are a little stiffer, maybe you like that. They have a big hi-mid focus. I find EB Groups have a very balanced sound, a bit like a broken-in TI. They’re also a bit softer than Chromes, though not nearly as soft as TI’s in that department. Both are reasonably rich in harmonics, but I think EB has a slight edge here. Both will last a really long time if you wish. I voted EB’s but don’t think you can lose. And, just to be unnecessarily clear, I’m not talking about Cobalts here at all - haven’t tried ‘em.
Hi all
Question is ea!
Well, I've not tried the ones you've mentioned, but I really like the Pyramid Gold flats I put on my short scale P-bass. Buttery smooth, great tone, have been on there for nearly 20 years, and still sounds great - maybe even better than the first 5 years.Hi all
Question is easy - I ve got a classic 4 string P-bass 20 frets long scale 34''
would like to try some flatwounds on it and I narrowed it down to
- D'addario chromes 45-100
- Ernie Ball group III 45-100
Any advice?
Thank you
I'm curious which way you end up going, and what you think of them afterward.
Happy playing!
Neither
La Bella
TI flats
Rotosound Jazz flats
La Bella
TI flats
Rotosound Jazz flats
The Chromes on my P bass are over 3 years old (maybe 5) and they sound better to me every day.
I'm really liking Rotosound SM77 Monel Flatwounds on my P (40-100). They are pretty much the Steve Harris strings in a lighter gauge.
I tried Group IIIs thinking they'd be an upgrade to Fender Flats but ended up putting the Fenders back on. Nice and versatile flatwound string, not as thumpy as a LaBella DTF or GHS but with your fingers, muting technique and/or foam you can still get quite thumpy. As mentioned, they can get a nice growl as well.
This is what I have on my EBMM Sterling, and recommend for 4-string bass. I do, however, have Boomers on my precision because-
Cause I'm a fool for the Boomers, I'm a fool for the Boomers,
Fool for the Boomers, I'm a fool for the Boomers.
I'd say Chromes are 7/8 of the way between flats and rounds, but yes, they are a bit bright compared to other flats brands. Pretty versatile strings, though. Great video by JMJ on why he uses them:
Good to know. I put the same gauge Chromes on my 63 p bass and think they sound great. I’m a little concerned that there’s a lot of tension on the neck though. Seems like the action is a bit higher than it was with roundwounds and the string tension when playing is a bit snappier than with roundwounds.
Ive been meaning to take it to my local luthier to make sure, but should I be concerned about over tensioning the neck with flats?
