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Jazzy Flats?

Lanzy

Guest
Dec 5, 2014
242
32
Hi all, first post here

I was wondering, as I just put a set of d'addario chromes (Flatwounds) on my P-bass, how to break them in quick so they sound more Jazzy? I am in Jazz band and can not afford to buy a Jazz bass (As badly as I want one).

Thanks....
 
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Hi all, first post here

I was wondering, as I just put a set of d'addario chromes (Flatwounds) on my P-bass, how to break them in quick so they sound more Jazzy? I am in Jazz band and can not afford to buy a Jazz bass (As badly as I want one).

Thanks....
Welcome to TalkBass, Lanzy. Great first post and question. Sadly there is no quick break in for flatwound strings. You simply have to play them in over a period of weeks and usually months. Wipe them down with alcohol and get them good and clean to start. Just play a lot of single string chromatic runs up and down on each string for an even break in. Plus play your tunes as you normally would. Everything will be alright.
 
Welcome to TalkBass, Lanzy. Great first post and question. Sadly there is no quick break in for flatwound strings. You simply have to play them in over a period of weeks and usually months. Wipe them down with alcohol and get them good and clean to start. Just play a lot of single string chromatic runs up and down on each string for an even break in. Plus play your tunes as you normally would. Everything will be alright.

Haha thanks, I only have jazz band once this month due to vacations and breaks and conferences and such, and also i don't have access to alcohol.... but even after 3 days they sound more thump and warm and kind of dead, which is what I'm going for...

Also, I'm on a super budget because I'm still a student and a minor xD
 
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I am in Jazz band and can not afford to buy a Jazz bass (As badly as I want one).

Being in a jazz band doesn't necessarily mean you need a jazz bass; in fact, I personally prefer the P bass tone for the jazz band.

My son played a basic Fender MIM Precision with the same set of Chromes for three years for the high school jazz band and it sounded amazing with a full, warm tone to lay down solid grooves to carry the whole band.
 
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Haha thanks, I only have jazz band once this month due to vacations and breaks and conferences and such, and also i don't have access to alcohol.... but even after 3 days they sound more thump and warm and kind of dead, which is what I'm going for...

Also, I'm on a super budget because I'm still a student and a minor xD
OK, see if you can get yourself some Music Nomad String Fuel. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acce...ing-fuel--all-in-one-string-cleaner-lubricant
 
everything is kinda the opposite from normal ... to make our strings last and stay sounding new ... we should wash our hands and clean our strings all the time ... with my bass with flats , that just doesn't happen ..! I think more crud means more thump ..! ha ... but my Ti flats on that bass are 3 yrs old now ...
 
If you want some lovely thumpy yet cutting flats, you should try Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats, I'm using them on my MIM Maple P and the tone cuts and is very articulate, but it's emminently warm and thumpy. Thoroughly recommend them! Give them a month to settle in properly and you'll be happy as can be!
 
TI's are, of course, great. If we are talking buying strings though and not the chromes he currently has, might want to check out tape wound strings. They sound and feel awesome, and although no electric will sound like an upright, they seem to respond more similarly and have a bit more life in them than the TI flats.
 
TI's are, of course, great. If we are talking buying strings though and not the chromes he currently has, might want to check out tape wound strings. They sound and feel awesome, and although no electric will sound like an upright, they seem to respond more similarly and have a bit more life in them than the TI flats.

Thank you, Yes i just spent $40 on chromes, i love how they feel, I'm talking about those, not buying new strings. Thanks for the suggestions though ^