Flatwounds Help

[ebeach14]

Hi I recently purchased a Squier affinity Jazz bass. It came with .45-.105 strings installed and is 34 inch scale length. It was setup perfectly for me. I want to switch to Flats but I have no idea which to get. I’d prefer to not mess with the set up too much but I know tensions can be different. Any recommendations or tips?

 

[fjbolebruch]

I’ve had light chromes on my jazz bass for about 4 or 5 years now and they still sound great. I don’t think I had to do much setup wise when I switched from rounds.

 

[Oldbasslover]

D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings - ECB81 - Long Scale - Regular Light, 45-100​

Very likely you won’t have to touch your setup at all, unless your action and string height are already super low.

An aside, as many people have mentioned, learning to do your own setup is a worthwhile endeavor. But, throw on the Chromes and enjoy the bass and worry about learning setups when you have time or desire

 

[andare]

I suggest Fender 9050s. They will be super zingy at first but then they'll mellow out and become mid-heavy, perfectly filling in the midrange scoop of a Jazz bass. They are muddy on a P bass.

They have some texture to them so they're not sticky. I like that.
I use the ML gauge but you can go lighter.
They are quite cheap and well made.
They are different from Chromes, which retain the high end and are scooped.

 

[michael_t]

I suggest Fender 9050s. They will be super zingy at first but then they'll mellow out and become mid-heavy, perfectly filling in the midrange scoop of a Jazz bass. They are muddy on a P bass.

This has been my experience as well. The mid-forward character of the Fender 9050 seems to match a J better than a P. The 9050L on my Highway One Jazz are 27 mths old now and still going strong. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the Ernie Ball Group 4 stainless steel flats on my newly-acquired Squier Classic Vibe 60's P bass.