How about on a P/J? Best of both worlds (to some extent). I use LaBella Gold Flats on my Wilkins P/J. Not only do they sound and feel fantastic, I think they look simply marvelous!
Flatwound Club
Flatwound Club
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 strings on a Jazz bass
- Thread starter ics1974
- Start date
77s on my Jazz, which makes it my '70s funk machine. I need to experiment on which I like better between felt and foam at the bridge.
I've also got flats on my Ibanez SR1300, purchased used; I like them so much I need to determine the manufacturer. I don't think Ibby puts flats on at the factory, but correct me if I'm wrong.
I've also got flats on my Ibanez SR1300, purchased used; I like them so much I need to determine the manufacturer. I don't think Ibby puts flats on at the factory, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Probably shouldn't have read this thread. 
I have a Suhr Jazz with active EQ that has D'Addario Nickel rounds on it, but lately I've been wanting to tame the zingyness and was considering half-rounds or pressure rounds. Now I'm thinking maybe flats.
After reading thru this, I'll probably try the LaBella low-tension or the Fender 9050L. Based on descriptions, I'll probably try the Fender first; I like an aggressive sounding jazz. But even with rounds on it, I can get this Suhr to sit beautifully in a band mix.
Anyone want to elaborate on tension / feel between those two sets of strings? I actually do like to slap a bit, and string feel can be a factor. I have very dead rounds on another bass that slaps beautifully, but I don't want to wait 3 years for that to happen on this bass, thus the flats.
I have a Suhr Jazz with active EQ that has D'Addario Nickel rounds on it, but lately I've been wanting to tame the zingyness and was considering half-rounds or pressure rounds. Now I'm thinking maybe flats.After reading thru this, I'll probably try the LaBella low-tension or the Fender 9050L. Based on descriptions, I'll probably try the Fender first; I like an aggressive sounding jazz. But even with rounds on it, I can get this Suhr to sit beautifully in a band mix.
Anyone want to elaborate on tension / feel between those two sets of strings? I actually do like to slap a bit, and string feel can be a factor. I have very dead rounds on another bass that slaps beautifully, but I don't want to wait 3 years for that to happen on this bass, thus the flats.
Used to hear them called that long ago (70's), but haven't heard the term used in a long time.
I tried the ernie ball cobalt flats on my thunderbird for my black metal band.... it gets deliciously aggressive without the crazy zingy aspect of rounds. Tension is more than my TI's but not enough to call them "tight". for the price, they definitely have a home in the stable.Probably shouldn't have read this thread.
After reading thru this, I'll probably try the LaBella low-tension or the Fender 9050L. Based on descriptions, I'll probably try the Fender first; I like an aggressive sounding jazz. But even with rounds on it, I can get this Suhr to sit beautifully in a band mix.
Anyone want to elaborate on tension / feel between those two sets of strings? I actually do like to slap a bit, and string feel can be a factor. I have very dead rounds on another bass that slaps beautifully, but I don't want to wait 3 years for that to happen on this bass, thus the flats.
Used to hear them called that long ago (70's), but haven't heard the term used in a long time.
I don’t slap. Flats of every kind on all my basses. Including the Beeeg Girl, (upright) naturally
This isn't going to be the last time I pose Khruangbin on TB, but as an example of jazz bass w flats it qualifies...it Is a vintage 08 SX Jazz copy, (an early SX) but the PU's are Fender...with the original flats into a Fender Bassman 10 tube amp
Go for it, you can put flats on anything, IMHO! It is nice to have another bass with a different sound, unless you are all about the flats.
Sounds great for that set up...but instrumentally its a bit stripped down, and there is nothing else in that sonic space. Now add a B3, bigger guitar, etc and I wonder if that tone would get buried?
This is what my 73’ Jazz sounds like with flats...
Much has been written about these flats, and I'm tempted to try them. How does the tone vary as they age ? Long life, or do you change them out frequently ?
I found them too bright and weird at first... but within an hour or so they chilled out.... then i noticed that as years went by, they just got better and better. I have a set thats about 10 years old around the house and I love em.
