GHS Precision Flats Super Long question

[cheddar]

I have an American Special Precision Bass (string through bridge) and I would like to try these strings. They are 38" long and I am concerned that is just too much for this bass. I have read that the strings are okay on American Standard basses (string through body), even though they have to be wound quite a bit on the E string and the silk is not long enough. Will I have a problem on the E string of my American Special due the the string through bridge, which means even more winding on the post? Thanks for helping me out here as I am quite new to the world of basses.

 

[michael_t]

I have an American Special Precision Bass (string through bridge) and I would like to try these strings. They are 38" long and I am concerned that is just too much for this bass.

Most people who use the GHS P Flats would tell you they haven't had any issues with the main body of the E-string riding up on the tuner post. These strings seem to be flexible enough not to snap.

As for me, my OCD simply wouldn't allow it.

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[cheddar]

Most people who use the GHS P Flats would tell you they haven't had any issues with the main body of the E-string riding up on the tuner post. These strings seem to be flexible enough not to snap.

As for me, my OCD simply wouldn't allow it.

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Thanks for the reply. I understand OCD all too well...

 

[BigThud]

Most people who use the GHS P Flats would tell you they haven't had any issues with the main body of the E-string riding up on the tuner post. These strings seem to be flexible enough not to snap.

As for me, my OCD simply wouldn't allow it.

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I thought I was the only one not trying GHS Flats for that reason ! I just don't understand why they kept the "38 winding and discontinued the 36.5", since most flatwound users have Fender-style basses and except for pre-1957 P-Basses and pre-2008 US Standard, all have a top-load system.

Sticking to Labella for flats.

 

[ubernator]

I thought I was the only one not trying GHS Flats for that reason ! I just don't understand why they kept the "38 winding and discontinued the 36.5", since most flatwound users have Fender-style basses and except for pre-1957 P-Basses and pre-2008 US Standard, all have a top-load system.

Sticking to Labella for flats.

1995/96 was when fender american standard went to through body. But they did not have the option to top load until sometime in the mid 2000's. 2008 was another round of upgrades, like custom shop pickups and high mass bridges, and the option to top load or go through the body. If I was to change anything on my 98 and 2000, it would be one of the newer bridges, mine are quite corroded anyway.

Note, I don't know the exact years of changes post 2000, but I am all about the post 95 changes!

 

[Jon Moody]

I thought I was the only one not trying GHS Flats for that reason ! I just don't understand why they kept the "38 winding and discontinued the 36.5", since most flatwound users have Fender-style basses and except for pre-1957 P-Basses and pre-2008 US Standard, all have a top-load system.

We discontinued the 36.5" winding length flats around 2013 (when I started here). Prior to that, we hadn't made any for two years. It wasn't until last summer that people started noticing they were out of stock. Whereas we make the 38" winding length ones by the thousands every month.

I keep track of all the requests for the shorter winding length version again, but it's hard to argue the numbers.

 

[BigThud]

1995/96 was when fender american standard went to through body. But they did not have the option to top load until sometime in the mid 2000's. 2008 was another round of upgrades, like custom shop pickups and high mass bridges, and the option to top load or go through the body. If I was to change anything on my 98 and 2000, it would be one of the newer bridges, mine are quite corroded anyway.

Note, I don't know the exact years of changes post 2000, but I am all about the post 95 changes!

The "American Standard" has the High Mass bridge with both "through-body" or "top-load" since 2008. In 2012 Fender gave the American Standard "Custom Shop '60s Pickups" and recently they changed the hard-shell case.

I trust you with mid-90s as introduction of through-body stringing "American Series".

We discontinued the 36.5" winding length flats around 2013 (when I started here). Prior to that, we hadn't made any for two years. It wasn't until last summer that people started noticing they were out of stock. Whereas we make the 38" winding length ones by the thousands every month.

I keep track of all the requests for the shorter winding length version again, but it's hard to argue the numbers.

I understand the fact there was a sale issue with 2 length competing, I just don't see why exactly, since (my guess) most users of Flatwounds have Fender or Fender-style basses, that mostly string through the bridge only.

36.5" to 37" would be ideal. 37" allows both through-body and top-load stringing (I did it with Labella Flats even though it's not recommended, 37" ball-to-taper fits either way, 8 years and counting on a Telecaster bass).
I really do think if there has to be only one length to produce, it would be a 36.75" to 37".

Having said that, I bought a set of GHS Flats 45-105, that I will soon put on a "through-body strung" P-Bass, to replace Roto flats (which have the correct length but are simply not what I expect from flats).
BTW, I will miss the Tapewounds, got them on a J-Bass.

 

[Jon Moody]

36.5" to 37" would be ideal. 37" allows both through-body and top-load stringing (I did it with Labella Flats even though it's not recommended, 37" ball-to-taper fits either way, 8 years and counting on a Telecaster bass).
I really do think if there has to be only one length to produce, it would be a 36.75" to 37".

Actually, it would be 37.25" because that's going to allow the guys with 35" scale basses AND a zero fret to clear the nut while still allowing the 34" scale players to string them up without worrying about any of the string on the tuning post.

 

[Batmensch]

I've had no problems at all.

 

[ubernator]

The "American Standard" has the High Mass bridge with both "through-body" or "top-load" since 2008. In 2012 Fender gave the American Standard "Custom Shop '60s Pickups" and recently they changed the hard-shell case.

I trust you with mid-90s as introduction of through-body stringing "American Series".

Thanks for the clarification of the 2008 and 2012 upgrades. Mid 90s was american standard not american series. they changed to american series then back again long after that period (again I don't have the date handy) The change didn't last long, but apparently they are changing it again. Give it a few years, and it will probably be back to american standard again

Edit, also, it is an easy thing to get confused about, since the bass won't say anything on it to identify the current series name, once you take that sticker off the pickguard. It becomes just knowing the features etc... I'm sure there are uninformed buyers paying american standard/american series prices for highway one/american special basses simply because they are advertised as american made fenders on the used market. Also, there is a huge difference between a pre 95 american standard and post 95. It wasn't only string through bridge, but also posiflex reinforcement rods in the neck were added. Before that, everyone raved about how the MIM (which only appeared in 1990/91) was as good as MIA except for the electronics and hardware. I personally would rather have a 1998 american standard bass, than a 1988. Others might disagree, but the post 95 is a much more solid instrument. Sorry to digress a string post into a fender period post.

 

[BigThud]

Thanks for the clarification of the 2008 and 2012 upgrades. Mid 90s was american standard not american series. they changed to american series then back again long after that period (again I don't have the date handy) The change didn't last long, but apparently they are changing it again. Give it a few years, and it will probably be back to american standard again

Edit, also, it is an easy thing to get confused about, since the bass won't say anything on it to identify the current series name, once you take that sticker off the pickguard. It becomes just knowing the features etc... I'm sure there are uninformed buyers paying american standard/american series prices for highway one/american special basses simply because they are advertised as american made fenders on the used market. Also, there is a huge difference between a pre 95 american standard and post 95. It wasn't only string through bridge, but also posiflex reinforcement rods in the neck were added. Before that, everyone raved about how the MIM (which only appeared in 1990/91) was as good as MIA except for the electronics and hardware. I personally would rather have a 1998 american standard bass, than a 1988. Others might disagree, but the post 95 is a much more solid instrument. Sorry to digress a string post into a fender period post.

I confuse American Standard and American Series, I thought they were still called that until 2008. I'm no expert in Fender history and had really few "vintage" basses in hand, so I can't even compare.
I've heard som pretty good MIM P-Basses, it's really when you have them in your hand that you "feel" something different. The US Std are built like tanks. Mine's a 2011 in OW, maybe the only flaw is the pickup that might have a lack of personality (I like the overwound kind, even the Mex pup have a "raunchier" voice), but not sure I want to switch to some CS 60s pups... Could be the Rotosound 77 strings.

American Special are nice, the Highway One were cool, though. Guitar prices have risen madly in Europe since 2014. I bought mine new in 2011 for less than 1300€, they rose 100€ in 2012 with the Custom Shop pups, but with the bad currency rate... I would need 1600€ now.
MIM went up from 580€ to 750€ ($830 at current rate) !
So "used" prices have risen also. Recent MIM P-Bass ? 450-550€ Highway 1 ? 600€ at least.
But you're right, get back to strings. LOL

 

[BigThud]

Actually, it would be 37.25" because that's going to allow the guys with 35" scale basses AND a zero fret to clear the nut while still allowing the 34" scale players to string them up without worrying about any of the string on the tuning post.

Are you sure your target for Flatwound strings use 35" scale-zero nut, etc. ? Especially since GHS Flats are vintage thumpers...While more and more manufacturers try the "versatile/modern" argument, only GHS, Labella and Pyramid do "real" flatwound. (Maybe DR also but I've never tried them).

IMHO 90% of flatwound strings users are using Precision or Jazz basses, passive 34" scale and are looking for vintage tones. (from classic Motown-Stax Soul, to 60s-70s rock, to Jazz and Blues or country)... Gotta know who's buying.

I really don't know how many use active 5-6 strings with 35" and play metal or fusion...
Boomers are excellent for all that.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

We discontinued the 36.5" winding length flats around 2013 (when I started here). Prior to that, we hadn't made any for two years. It wasn't until last summer that people started noticing they were out of stock. Whereas we make the 38" winding length ones by the thousands every month.

I keep track of all the requests for the shorter winding length version again, but it's hard to argue the numbers.

Sorry

 

[ubernator]

I confuse American Standard and American Series, I thought they were still called that until 2008. I'm no expert in Fender history and had really few "vintage" basses in hand, so I can't even compare.
I've heard som pretty good MIM P-Basses, it's really when you have them in your hand that you "feel" something different. The US Std are built like tanks. Mine's a 2011 in OW, maybe the only flaw is the pickup that might have a lack of personality (I like the overwound kind, even the Mex pup have a "raunchier" voice), but not sure I want to switch to some CS 60s pups... Could be the Rotosound 77 strings.

American Special are nice, the Highway One were cool, though. Guitar prices have risen madly in Europe since 2014. I bought mine new in 2011 for less than 1300€, they rose 100€ in 2012 with the Custom Shop pups, but with the bad currency rate... I would need 1600€ now.
MIM went up from 580€ to 750€ ($830 at current rate) !
So "used" prices have risen also. Recent MIM P-Bass ? 450-550€ Highway 1 ? 600€ at least.
But you're right, get back to strings. LOL

Yeah well American standard and american series is the same, only the names had changed (oh no, reminds me of bon jovi dead or alive)

 

[Jon Moody]

Sorry

Ha! I wish every dealer was as amazing as you, sir.

 

[Linnin]

Through the bridge as there was no such thing as through the body in 1976.

 

[Jon Moody]

Are you sure your target for Flatwound strings use 35" scale-zero nut, etc. ?

Given the number of players I've talked to in person and online over the years, there is a larger group using flatwounds on 35" scale basses, with/without the zero nut. And since we talked about making the string as versatile as possible...

Especially since GHS Flats are vintage thumpers...While more and more manufacturers try the "versatile/modern" argument, only GHS, Labella and Pyramid do "real" flatwound. (Maybe DR also but I've never tried them).

IMHO 90% of flatwound strings users are using Precision or Jazz basses, passive 34" scale and are looking for vintage tones. (from classic Motown-Stax Soul, to 60s-70s rock, to Jazz and Blues or country)... Gotta know who's buying.

I appreciate your input, however you're stereotyping players. There's a number of our players using our flats on 5-string active Laklands, in other genres than just what you mentioned, and they love the sound/feel.

 

[petrus61]

Didn't a number of flats come with no silks at the peg end some years ago? It's rare, but I'll occasionally see them on some vintage basses. Perhaps the silk has just worn off? In any case, it's probably important for some of the more knowledgeable string folks to establish just what role, if any, the silks play at the peg head beyond aesthetics.

 

[michael_t]

@Jon Moody, does this mean we're stuck with the 38" winding length on these for a while yet, vs. moving to 37.25" "universal" winding length?

 

[michael_t]

Didn't a number of flats come with no silks at the peg end some years ago? It's rare, but I'll occasionally see them on some vintage basses. Perhaps the silk has just worn off? In any case, it's probably important for some of the more knowledgeable string folks to establish just what role, if any, the silks play at the peg head beyond aesthetics.

The silk itself is not the issue here. It's the fact that 38" winding length means a full inch of the main body ends up riding on the tuner post on a typical Fender-style bass.