Flatwounds help again - thumpy options

[Dincrest]

+1 on GHS Precision Flats. Those are thumpy in a most delightful way. Definitely an "old school" flat.

The CM3050 set gauged 45-60-80-105 have decently balanced tension for an off-the-shelf set (per GHS's tension numbers chart) and I found them more pliable/easier to play than D'Addario Chromes 40-100.

I'm not a flats guy at all, but those GHS Precision Flats were a ton of fun! And as an added bonus, they're quite nicely priced for flats as well. If I were a flats guy who didn't slap/pop, these would end my perpetual "gotta try 'em all" string-GAS.

 

[skycruiser]

For me it’s the labella’s still. Maybe you got a bad set. It does happen. Could be a couple dead strings or a pickup height adjustment?

I tried the Group 2 flats. Seems like they would need a lot of break in time get anywhere near the DTFs. So I put them back on.

I crafted a mute snake similar to the one linked above. It did even out the string differences. Might be able to make that work!

I'm toying with a new preamp too. Too many knobs to fiddle with now...

 

[Iristone]

Which model of DTF have you got? IIRC the 760FX or FL should have better string balance than say FS or FM.
Out of the other options. I'd go Ernie Ball Group out of your choice. The Rotosound also thumps very well, but it may be a brighter type of thump that you may not enjoy.

 

[skycruiser]

Which model of DTF have you got? IIRC the 760FX or FL should have better string balance than say FS or FM.
Out of the other options. I'd go Ernie Ball Group out of your choice. The Rotosound also thumps very well, but it may be a brighter type of thump that you may not enjoy.

I have the FL set. The mute I tried today sounds pretty good. I'll adjust it until I'm satisfied (positive attitude).

 

[Paul New]

I have the FL set. The mute I tried today sounds pretty good. I'll adjust it until I'm satisfied (positive attitude).

I have some fancy mutes, but a piece of foam works great to bring out the thimp.

The basses I mostly use for big band are strung with TIJFs, and i get plenty of thump with those and a mute. I used GHS Precision flats for a long time too, and they work well but are kind of dry sounding for my taste.

I think you already have the right strings on the bass though. Maybe you got a bad set? Could it be a setup issue? The muting should help either way.

 

[cjac9]

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!

Your La Bellas plus patience. Not TIs.

 

[iiipopes]

For "thumpy" tone string brand really doesn't matter. Instead, the old trick that Leo himself used, and later utilized by everyone from James Jamerson to Carol Kaye, and everybody else: put foam under the strings at the bridge, and turn the tone knob down a couple of numbers on the bass. I have done this with LaBellas, Fenders, (old and new), Ernie Ball stainless flats, etc. (Well, Leo glued a piece of weatherstripping to the bridge cover, but same thing.)

 

[Casual Bassist]

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!

Have you ever tried these: ETB92 XL (very warm smooth no string noise)