So far, GHS has been very take/leave it for me, but I know people who get great tone out of them, so I'll always check their stuff out. On the hunt list!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I'm coming around to flats..
- Thread starter SixtyCycleHum
- Start date
So far, GHS has been very take/leave it for me, but I know people who get great tone out of them, so I'll always check their stuff out. On the hunt list!
EB Slinky Cobalt Flats are what you are looking for.
Do you just have the one bass? I have one bass with old-school flats (which I may never change), and one bass with rounds.
I initially tried to find one string type, on one bass, that could "do it all", but ended-up with a second bass.
Or, perhaps, you are just a fan of the "new flatwound strings" sound?
I initially tried to find one string type, on one bass, that could "do it all", but ended-up with a second bass.
Or, perhaps, you are just a fan of the "new flatwound strings" sound?
I *like* but I can't afford that tone
TI Jazz Flats? While initially expensive, it is my understanding that they can last for years. Not really the "new flats" sound (like new La Bella flats). More growly mid-range; and a "mushy" feel if you grew-up with "bridge-cable" flats like me. I liked their sound, but ended-up going back to more conventional flats for increased stiffness.
Chromes strike me as something different still. Very popular, but different from new classic flats.
I do really enjoy growly midrange! However, the concept of strings lasting years is still foreign to me..
Very good article! I was thinking of posting this myself.
BTW, "Captain Obvious" here. If you are new to flats, watch the string length: where the silk begins.
On my 5-string, I had to do a lot of shopping to find a set that would not have the main part of the string wrap around my tuning-peg. Had that happen a couple of times, years-back, before I learned that was not good. Most recently (10 years ago), with an Ibanez SR760 6-string, and TI Jazz Flats, if I recall.
On my 5-string, I had to do a lot of shopping to find a set that would not have the main part of the string wrap around my tuning-peg. Had that happen a couple of times, years-back, before I learned that was not good. Most recently (10 years ago), with an Ibanez SR760 6-string, and TI Jazz Flats, if I recall.
Never been a fan of Chromes, but I get the OP's sentiment, for sure.
I haven't yet read through the entire thread, but based on what you describe, you may like EB Cobalt Flats. They're pretty zingy for flats, and the zing tends to last a while, in my limited experience. Otherwise, the words "zing" and "flats" don't typically go in the same sentence.
Regardless, flats are wonderful in the right context (just like rounds, I suppose). Just a matter of finding what feels/sounds right to you.
I haven't yet read through the entire thread, but based on what you describe, you may like EB Cobalt Flats. They're pretty zingy for flats, and the zing tends to last a while, in my limited experience. Otherwise, the words "zing" and "flats" don't typically go in the same sentence.
Regardless, flats are wonderful in the right context (just like rounds, I suppose). Just a matter of finding what feels/sounds right to you.
Yeah, several sources have already stated that they don't wind like rounds do, and things which suit rounds fine are BAD for flats. It's interesting reading all in all!
A couple have mentioned Cobalts and they're on my to watch list! Honestly, I think it's the sound of FRESH flats that I dig so much. I feel that when they "grow", I'll dig them less and less. A fresh flats habit could send me to the homeless shelter, let's face it.
How's THIS idea -
Y'all send me your fresh Flatwounds. Let me record with em for a couple of weeks and I'll send them back well well and truly broken in. I could supply a damn service
Y'all send me your fresh Flatwounds. Let me record with em for a couple of weeks and I'll send them back well well and truly broken in. I could supply a damn service
A couple have mentioned Cobalts and they're on my to watch list! Honestly, I think it's the sound of FRESH flats that I dig so much. I feel that when they "grow", I'll dig them less and less. A fresh flats habit could send me to the homeless shelter, let's face it.
lol Quite possibly. Those flats aren't generally cheap, and to cycle fresh ones in on a regular basis would add up pretty quickly.
I guess it's a matter of finding the ones that last longest, now. And THAT, I couldn't even begin to comment on lol.
I WILL add that, of the flats I've tried, my favorites have been the Labella 1954s. They're supposedly a pretty "traditional", old school flatwound string. Lot's of heft and tension, but they absolutely sing. Not so much ZING, but they sound pretty amazing to my ear. Best of luck in your search
.
I *like* but I can't afford that tone
i love the TIJFs also!
Grab a used set to check them out. There are frequently lightly used sets being sold in the classifieds.
Didn't read the entire thread. I have EB Cobalt Flats on some of my Jazz basses and I like them. For flats, they're bright(er) but don't have the complex mids of the TI's which I use on most of my flats equipped basses.
I'm using Chromes on my passive j bass, but they've begun to feel a little ordinary as time has gone on. They do sound great through the effects I'm using. I'm looking to try the LaBella Low Tension Flats next fwiw.
Took me a long time to come to flats. Not for everything, but for what I do now (pop/rock/country cover band) they are perfect. TI flats on a passive P for me. When I was playing funk/soul/fusion it was nickel rounds on an active 5 with soap bars.
You only have to buy them once.I *like* but I can't afford that tone
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
- 14,723
- 20,970
- Disclosures
- I suck, but nobody really notices
Cobalts. But, they don't really sound like flats. I think that they might be right up your alley though.Hey gang!
Look. I'm 35 years old now. I've been playing since I was a young teen and gigging since not long after. It took me literal decades of loving and insisting on the brightest stainless rounds I could get my hands on (and there's nothing wrong with that, it sounds COOL
I am intrigued enough to give something a go on my Yamaha BB5000. Yet I'm chasing something that is going to both have, and maintain, some zing for as long as possible. Fresh flatwound zing makes me giddy, but I wanna keep it. Can you guys point me in several awesome directions like I know you will?
Yes Cobalt flats! Like you I am SS Dunlop SUPER BRITES user. Love the zing. Tried a fellow TBer basses strung with different brands of flats. The Cobalt flats are a very nice compromise between rounds and flats. WHEN I convert ONE of my basses to flats IT WILL BE WITH Cobalt flats.
