Flatwound Strings for 5-string bass

[5stringDNA]

Originally posted by KeiBau
I have used both D'Addario Chrome Flats and TI Jazz Flats. I don't have a complaint against either. Although the TI's have a lower rated tension, the B is not floppy. The TI's are my string of choice and haven't used anything else for over six months now.

Sorry if it sounded like I was calling teh TI's floppy- they are great strings. I justmeant that they didn't have that really "tight" feel next to a high tension string, and teh that if the bass normally has a floppy B a high tension string could improve it a bit.

 

[LHbassist]

Since this thread- there's a new flat on the market- well, relatively new- Ernie Ball Slinky Faltwounds. I LOVE these strings. I currently have Rotosound standard (not the original stiff gauge) 'Jazz Bass' super long scale flats on my fretless- but only because the bass is an Ampeg style AUB-1 that requires that length. Otherwise, The EB's would be on that, too.

 

[michael_t]

Ken Smith Compression Wound (dunno if these are flat or not)

Ken Smith Compressors are what they call "rollerwound". They're the same Alloy 52 rollerwound as the GHS Pressurewound, also made by GHS.

Their tonal character is more "roundwound" than "flatwound"; they're more like a slightly mellowed down roundwound with a smoother feel.

Ken Smith also has what's called Slick Rounds, which are Alloy 52 half-rounds/groundwound and an equivalent to the GHS Brite Flats. They would take you one step closer to the flatwound territory both in tone and feel.

 

[iiipopes]

To keep good definition, but not get too growly, and avoid zing or thump, I would purchase Ernie Ball Stainless Flats in singles 45-60-80-105-130 to get good feel as well as good tone.

 

[GIBrat51]

Well, the original post is 20 years old, so I imagine he found the flats he liked quite a while ago...
In any case; for me? I have never had a desire - or a use - for a 5-string bass; I have had a few 4-string basses that were strung BEAD, though. Didn't have much use for those, either, but that's neither here nor there... The one that worked the best for me? A Carvin LB-20 with the 65-130 strings from a set of Roto RS775LD's. From reading all the stuff here, about the apparent... individualistic... tendencies of 5 string basses, I'd be prepared for mine to hate the Rotos. But, I would definitely try the Roto 775's first...