Help with Flats

[FirewalZ]

I've tried several brands in the past, GHS, Labella 760fl, EB group 3 and a few others. Nearly every brand I've tried seems to have a dull or noticeably different E string, and/or are bridge cable stiff. I have some recording sessions coming up and a few tracks will need a classic P with flats sound and I'd like some options. My only criteria is, nothing real stiff, too floppy, or really light gauge(they just feel weird under my fingers. I've considered the Dunlop's as my next option...but really want the next set to be it...I've spent to much time and $ already

 

[trothwell]

I like the sonic balance of the E string on the Rotosound flatwounds, specifically, the SM77 40-100 set. I find the standard 45-105 set too stiff. Even the SM77 is stiffer than I would like, but reasonable.

 

[DionClassic]

The problem with flats is they usually take minimum a week to settle into their sound and they only get better from there.

based on your requests you might like sadowsky blue label flats. I have the black label ones on one bass and they are a perfect middle of the road tension and they are a bit more alive sounding than labellas (though I think labellas have a nice vintage sound)

people also mention the new labella low tension flats, they would be another option

hope this helps

good luck!

 

[FirewalZ]

The problem with flats is they usually take minimum a week to settle into their sound and they only get better from there.

based on your requests you might like sadowsky blue label flats. I have the black label ones on one bass and they are a perfect middle of the road tension and they are a bit more alive sounding than labellas (though I think labellas have a nice vintage sound)

people also mention the new labella low tension flats, they would be another option

hope this helps

good luck!

Yea, I usually give flats at least a month or two. I really liked the GHS precision flats, but the E was way off tonally from the others and never got better.

 

[uwrossl]

Dunlops fit the criteria you mentioned.

 

[FirewalZ]

Dunlops fit the criteria you mentioned.

If they are lower tension, I was thinking the mediums 45-105?

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'm no expert on flatwounds but I just stuck a set of EB Cobalt Flats on a fiver and have been happy so far. This would be my first choice for a P bass:

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Riis

 

[uwrossl]

If they are lower tension, I was thinking the mediums 45-105?

Definitely. 45-105 Dunlops are very easy to play without being anywhere near floppy...nor would they ever be mistaken for bridge cables. I have this set on my Moollon P currently. If you want a little more girth and thump Dunlop does make a 50-110 set that is excellent. Jamerson gauges without Jamerson tension and stiffness(feels about like the 760fl under the fingers). I own and love all three Long Scale sets and I also run their short scale set on my Serek Midwestern.

I tested somewhere around 15-20 sets of flats during the lockdown. Dunlops and TIs were the only sets that the honeymoon period didn't wear off. They've performed exceptionally well for both recording and live band situations. Based on the fact that you're looking for an E string that sounds like it fits in with the set without waiting 6-8 weeks for the rest of the set to go dead...I recommend the Dunlops for that reason as well as bunch of others. Really a great set of flats that straddles the line between traditional and modern flats. Best of both worlds IMO/IME. It's a bummer that the price has gone up so much. I got all my sets for between $30-$35 each. That said...If I need another set for whatever reason...I wouldn't hesitate at $50. I think you're barking up the right tree.

This was Ed Friedland's description of them for a Flatwound Round Up article he did back in July 2020...
Dunlop's flatwound set is the newest addition to the field in this roundup, and while they exhibit several characteristics of the new breed, the tone is decidedly old school. The string tension is well-balanced across the set, falling on the lighter side of medium, but they exhibit none of the roll-under-the-fingers that some lighter-tension strings have.

The outer wrap is not highly polished, giving the string an earthier feel that says, "go ahead, dig in." The Dunlop Flats produce a clear fundamental with great intonation on the lower strings, with a punchy attack that makes them perfect for old-school tone.

 

[P. Aaron]

If I can somewhat hijack; I currently have Labella DTF's on my Jazz Bass (fretless) and while I like the tone fine, action is pretty low but they take effort to play long term…like a 3 hr gig.

Are there flats that boom like those particular LaBella's but perhaps have a bit more give to them?

 

[tb-player]

+1 for Dunlop flats. Really nice.

 

[michael_t]

Are there flats that boom like those particular LaBella's but perhaps have a bit more give to them?

La Bella Low Tension Flats.

EDIT: I should have asked first which set of the DTF you're using.

 

[P. Aaron]

La Bella Low Tension Flats.

EDIT: I should have asked first which set of the DTF you're using.

Thank you.

 

[FirewalZ]

I did end up getting a set of Dunlop Mediums...so far so good. I know I'll need to give them at least 30 days, but I like them so far. The E is more balanced than others I've tried and for medium gauge flats, they feel similar to the 760FL's tension wise, but maybe a tad more flexible.

 

[FirewalZ]

Definitely. 45-105 Dunlops are very easy to play without being anywhere near floppy...nor would they ever be mistaken for bridge cables. I have this set on my Moollon P currently. If you want a little more girth and thump Dunlop does make a 50-110 set that is excellent. Jamerson gauges without Jamerson tension and stiffness(feels about like the 760fl under the fingers). I own and love all three Long Scale sets and I also run their short scale set on my Serek Midwestern.

I tested somewhere around 15-20 sets of flats during the lockdown. Dunlops and TIs were the only sets that the honeymoon period didn't wear off. They've performed exceptionally well for both recording and live band situations. Based on the fact that you're looking for an E string that sounds like it fits in with the set without waiting 6-8 weeks for the rest of the set to go dead...I recommend the Dunlops for that reason as well as bunch of others. Really a great set of flats that straddles the line between traditional and modern flats. Best of both worlds IMO/IME. It's a bummer that the price has gone up so much. I got all my sets for between $30-$35 each. That said...If I need another set for whatever reason...I wouldn't hesitate at $50. I think you're barking up the right tree.

This was Ed Friedland's description of them for a Flatwound Round Up article he did back in July 2020...
Dunlop's flatwound set is the newest addition to the field in this roundup, and while they exhibit several characteristics of the new breed, the tone is decidedly old school. The string tension is well-balanced across the set, falling on the lighter side of medium, but they exhibit none of the roll-under-the-fingers that some lighter-tension strings have.

The outer wrap is not highly polished, giving the string an earthier feel that says, "go ahead, dig in." The Dunlop Flats produce a clear fundamental with great intonation on the lower strings, with a punchy attack that makes them perfect for old-school tone.

thanks, I put these on my P bass this afternoon and played on them for a while, I'd say your review is pretty accurate. However I know flats need a lot more time to settle in, but so far I'd agree with your post....thx again.

 

[Killing Floor]

TI Jazz Flats. Solved.

 

[bolophonic]

Thank you.

The LTFs are really cool, interesting strings. I bought a used set from the classifieds and really enjoyed them, but I gave that bass to two of my bandmates as a wedding gift and I really miss the strings.

 

[bolophonic]

TI Jazz Flats. Solved.

Also great strings.

 

[uwrossl]

thanks, I put these on my P bass this afternoon and played on them for a while, I'd say your review is pretty accurate. However I know flats need a lot more time to settle in, but so far I'd agree with your post....thx again.

Glad to hear it. I went through a lot of the same struggle you mentioned in this post. TIs would fit the bill for you tonally and in terms of tonal balance but based on the info you gave felt they'd be to loose for your taste.
Should you end up thinking the 45-105s are a bit stiffer than you'd like the 40-100 would provide that sweet spot in between without losing any of the tone.

If they haven't changed their formula...I think that you'll find the Dunlops settling in and fully evened out within a couple of weeks(with regular play) simply because they start off so balanced. From there they'll start to get a little more of the traditional thump but they'll stay nice and open sounding with mids that sing clearly. They respond nicely to the tone control too. They don't really get growly when you open the tone up. Stay pretty smooth and glassy and then get that nice midrange burp with the tone rolled off. The 45-105 set on my P that's several years old still sound great. While they sound different than Tis...They similarly never go full on dead/dull thump which is something I love about both sets. IME Once they hit their sweet spot they stay there for a very long time and only change very slowly over time.

Hope you end up loving them and that they treat you as well as they have me.

 

[J-Mags]

I'll add to the chorus. There are lots of flats that I like, but if what you want is flats that are uniform in string-to-string in sound and feel, Dunlops are the way to go.

 

[FirewalZ]

I'll add to the chorus. There are lots of flats that I like, but if what you want is flats that are uniform in string-to-string in sound and feel, Dunlops are the way to go.

yep, so far so good, they are fairly even tonally and tension wise. Uneven response, usually a noticeably dull E, is a BIG pet peeve of mine when it comes to flats.