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Flatwounds help again - thumpy options

S

skycruiser

Jan 15, 2019
3,767
6,568
#1
I'm looking for thumpy flats for my big band jazz group on my J bass (neck pickup primarily). I have a gig coming up next week so I'm looking at local options.

I like the LaBella DTFs generally, currently installed, but the string-to-string variation in tone is just too severe. Worse than other flats I have tried.

I have some 9050 Fender flats but they have a little bit of a raspy tone that I don't want.

Also have some Cobalt Flats in the drawer but that's the wrong direction for this.

Looking locally, I see Ernie Ball Group II flats available in stock. I haven't tried those and don't know if they'll be in the right direction. Little worried about fatigue on a long gig with heavy strings (these appear to be on the heavy side). But setting that aside, anyone know if these are a good option for thumpy, uniform tone?

Also see Chromes which I have tried and don't like the feel. Others available - EB Pino Palladino and RotoSound Jazz Bass RS77LD.

Any suggestions on these?
TIA!
 
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#2
skycruiser said:
I'm looking for thumpy flats for my big band jazz group on my J bass (neck pickup primarily). I have a gig coming up next week so I'm looking at local options.

I like the LaBella DTFs generally, currently installed, but the string-to-string variation in tone is just too severe. Worse than other flats I have tried.

I have some 9050 Fender flats but they have a little bit of a raspy tone that I don't want.

Also have some Cobalt Flats in the drawer but that's the wrong direction for this.

Looking locally, I see Ernie Ball Group II flats available in stock. I haven't tried those and don't know if they'll be in the right direction. Little worried about fatigue on a long gig with heavy strings (these appear to be on the heavy side). But setting that aside, anyone know if these are a good option for thumpy, uniform tone?
Click to expand...
I use both Fender 9050L and Ernie Ball Group IV Stainless Flats. EB are a little smoother in the mids but I wouldn't consider them to be overly "thumpy".

For what you're looking for, I would suggest the GHS Precision Flats 45-95. A little more old-school than either the Fender or the Ernie Ball with woody warmth and focused punch. The light set in particular is nicely balanced in tone right out of the package, and all four strings tend to age at the same rate.
 
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#5
So considering my locally available options, which is all that will work for me with my upcoming gig in a few days, should I just stick with the La Bella DTF? I try to adjust for the tone difference and maybe it isn't noticeable by anyone but me. But it bugs me, especially when I practice.

The local options:
Fender 9050L (which I already have in my parts drawer but not excited about the sound on the J bass)
Rotosound RS77LD
Chromes (I don't like the feel)
EB Group II Flats
EB Cobalts (I think too bright, I have some in my parts drawer)
EB Pino Palladino (never tried these, on the expensive side and the only ones I see local are Extra Light which might now work well with my setup - don't want a lot of buzzing or have to raise my action a lot)

I kinda think the Group IIs or Rotosounds are the only ones that could work.
 
#9
skycruiser said:
So considering my locally available options, which is all that will work for me with my upcoming gig in a few days, should I just stick with the La Bella DTF? I try to adjust for the tone difference and maybe it isn't noticeable by anyone but me. But it bugs me, especially when I practice.

The local options:
Fender 9050L (which I already have in my parts drawer but not excited about the sound on the J bass)
Rotosound RS77LD
Chromes (I don't like the feel)
EB Group II Flats
EB Cobalts (I think too bright, I have some in my parts drawer)
EB Pino Palladino (never tried these, on the expensive side and the only ones I see local are Extra Light which might now work well with my setup - don't want a lot of buzzing or have to raise my action a lot)

I kinda think the Group IIs or Rotosounds are the only ones that could work.
Click to expand...

At this point, I would just stick a foam under the strings by the bridge

My recipe for great flat sound is now light strings and raise the action.
Short to non time needed to break in --- Only GHS flats can do this and it is not on the list
 
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#11
Although I've never used them on a Jazz, I really like GHS Precision Flats on my P. Not sticky, no breaking in, sound good right out of the box. I would also consider a mute if you are going more for thump. I use the original Fender, under the bridge cover mute, ala James Jamerson.
 
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#13
Of the strings on your Locally Available list, here is my $0.02 based on my experiences:
  • I also dislike Chromes, tried them a couple times back in the day, just not a fan
  • Cobalt Flats are bright and have an edge, they really are sort of 'round wound without the buzz' type of tone. I have them on my G&L L-2500 fretless. I would not pick them if I was going for Thump.
  • I have EB Group 2.5 flats on one bass (.45-.105) that I just recently switched to, because I wanted a bit more definition than the DR Legends I had on that bass for years. I've only played them a bit, but they seem to be just that; still thumpy, but with more articulation and sound a bit brighter with the tone rolled up. But, they also haven't really broken in.
If I was in yours shoes, with what I know stated above, I'd likely get the EB Group 2 and roll the tone off as far as I need to get the amount of thump I wanted. If you had more time, I'd go with DR Legends for Thump.
 
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#16
Given your timeframe, I would wait and use foam. I use flats exclusively, Pyramid are my favorites, for jazz black nylons are good too. But with no break-in period, you might not be happy with the short-term results. Where are you located? I have a set of black nylon tapewound I'm not using, just sure if they'd get to you in time....
 
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#17
skycruiser said:
I'm looking for thumpy flats for my big band jazz group on my J bass (neck pickup primarily). I have a gig coming up next week so I'm looking at local options.

I like the LaBella DTFs generally, currently installed, but the string-to-string variation in tone is just too severe. Worse than other flats I have tried.

I have some 9050 Fender flats but they have a little bit of a raspy tone that I don't want.

Also have some Cobalt Flats in the drawer but that's the wrong direction for this.

Looking locally, I see Ernie Ball Group II flats available in stock. I haven't tried those and don't know if they'll be in the right direction. Little worried about fatigue on a long gig with heavy strings (these appear to be on the heavy side). But setting that aside, anyone know if these are a good option for thumpy, uniform tone?

Also see Chromes which I have tried and don't like the feel. Others available - EB Pino Palladino and RotoSound Jazz Bass RS77LD.

Any suggestions on these?
TIA!
Click to expand...

I use Cobalt Flats, Two different Fender 9050 guages, Rotosound RS77's, LaBella Gold Flats, and S.I.T. flats. I love all of those sets.
Instead of dropping a lot of money trying to find a flat wound string set to fit a specific need in terms of dampening- here's what I did. These are SO GOOD, I bought one for every bass I have. I own 24 basses. When you need a thumpier sound, they work great on rounds too! I think it'll get you what you are looking for. FIVE bucks each! I have no idea why these are not as popular as other mutes that cost a lot more. I keep one on handy my desk for occasional practicing.

 
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#18
LHbassist said:
I use Cobalt Flats, Two different Fender 9050 guages, Rotosound RS77's, LaBella Gold Flats, and S.I.T. flats. I love all of those sets.
Instead of dropping a lot of money trying to find a flat wound string set to fit a specific need in terms of dampening- here's what I did. These are SO GOOD, I bought one for every bass I have. I own 24 basses. When you need a thumpier sound, they work great on rounds too! I think it'll get you what you are looking for. FIVE bucks each! I have no idea why these are not as popular as other mutes that cost a lot more. I keep one on handy my desk for occasional practicing.

Click to expand...
That's a new one for me! Looks like my local GC has them. I'll check it out. I also picked up the group 2 flats on my way home from work today. Running out of time so I had to make a quick decision. I like having various sets so even if I don't stick with them might work on another bass. (I currently only have one fully assembled bass)
 
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#19
bherman said:
Given your timeframe, I would wait and use foam. I use flats exclusively, Pyramid are my favorites, for jazz black nylons are good too. But with no break-in period, you might not be happy with the short-term results. Where are you located? I have a set of black nylon tapewound I'm not using, just sure if they'd get to you in time....
Click to expand...
That's a very nice offer! Ill give my options in hand a try and a mute as well.
 

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