Yeah, that's the way my first set was. It was dead compared to the rest of the strings. If I were not comparing it to the others, it might not have been considered dead--maybe more like a typical flatwound. But for the full set, it had to be considered DOA in comparison.
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New EB Cobalt Flats?
- Thread starter king_biscuit
- Start date
Yeah, that's the way my first set was. It was dead compared to the rest of the strings. If I were not comparing it to the others, it might not have been considered dead--maybe more like a typical flatwound. But for the full set, it had to be considered DOA in comparison.
I know that with GHS precision flats it takes a bit for the set to settle in. The D & the G come out bright & sound like a completely different set from the E & A. That worked its way out in a week or 2 for me. Is this the same phenomenon or a legit dead string?
These strings feel really similar to GHS Brite Flats, which sounded mismatched straight out of the pack. After about one month, they balanced out and all was fine. I wonder if it's not a similar issue, perhaps even due to construction similarities... Although EB calls them "flats", I'm wondering if the Cobalts are not really half-rounds...
Does anyone have any tension numbers on these strings? I've got balanced XL nickels on them, and I'd like to get as clost to them as I can. I'm not expecting these sets to be balanced, but I'd like to stay in the 42 lb. ballpark that I'm in now.
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According to Ernie Ball president Brian Ball, the new strings are another symbol of the innovative products the company has been creating for over fifty years. “Developed with Ernie Ball’s patented cobalt/steel alloy,” says Mr. Ball, “our new Slinky Flatwound electric bass strings provide significantly more tonal versatility than any other bass string ever produced." That's quite a claim. As reported by Invalid Link Removed For Bass Players Only
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Speaking of Brian Ball, in case you haven't noticed, it looks like he's a brand new TB member as of May 7, 2015.
See posts #199 & 200 of this thread, by "BrianBallErnieBall".
Got a 45-105 set today and recorded a quick demo on my 2008 Am Std P Bass:
My quick take after about 5 seconds of playing is that they don't sound anything like rounds. Right now they are in that 'brand new flats' zone that sounds scoopy/klacky. Will need to let them settle in a bit.
For tension, I have the 45/65/85/105 set. They feel somewhat comparable to the 45/65/80/100 gauge chromes
My A also felt slightly duller at first, but I think that was just in my head due to reading this thread. Upon plugging in they sound/feel balanced to me
My quick take after about 5 seconds of playing is that they don't sound anything like rounds. Right now they are in that 'brand new flats' zone that sounds scoopy/klacky. Will need to let them settle in a bit.
For tension, I have the 45/65/85/105 set. They feel somewhat comparable to the 45/65/80/100 gauge chromes
My A also felt slightly duller at first, but I think that was just in my head due to reading this thread. Upon plugging in they sound/feel balanced to me
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Great tone and playing! Thanks for posting.
So far, i am loving the "bite" I am getting from mine. Very happy with the tone and playability so far, but I realize i am in the honeymoon period...
So far, the added zing is still there after a couple band practices and quite a bit of solo practice. And these are the only flatwounds I have even been close to considering for "general playing situations." My other bass that has flatwounds (Chromes) seldom gets touched except for really early rock, older Motown, old Soul, older country, etc, kind of stuff. Although I still prefer a bit more zip, I could actually survive a full gig using the Slinky Flats without hating the way I sound (at least so far; we'll see if they lose their character and definition too quickly). In fact, I plan to do just that this Thursday. We'll see how it goes. My backup bass with rounds will be right behind me. Not taking any chances!
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FYI, I'm gonna sell my 45/65/85/105 set to get the Super Slinky set. For Sale - EBMM Slinky Flatwounds: 45/65/85/105 | TalkBass.com
Do these things growl like roundwounds or not? I don't care about the zing. At all. Growl, baby, growl. Yes or no?
But this is a new flat ribbon covered roundwound, and not your typical flat. Yes, if you want super growl, go roundwound every time. If I can get good growl ( a first for a flatwound) and smooth glissandos with no string screech with longevity, then and only then will a flat command prominence and put roundwounds into the grave. I would never play rounds again if I could get the very same growl with no screech that lasts for many years. Send me a set Brian Ball! I'll write the truth about your strings.
