Ha... Really turned it into a new bass. Great trunk backup that will get me by if needed.Now that’s what I like to hear
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.
Praise Report: GHS Precision Flats
- Thread starter Linnin
- Start date
For about a year I tried the GHS Precision Flats, Short Scale, on my Ibanez Mikro before I decided I didn't like them. They felt alright on my fingers, but I eventually found their sound to be a bit lifeless and dull. Replaced them with D'Addario Short Scale Half Rounds, which also feel good like flats, but have a much livelier affect...
Greywoulf
Greywoulf
I have an Ibanez AGB-205 five-string semi-hollow that's currently wearing Chromes, which I really like a lot. To be honest, they're currently my overall favorite flats. However, I do like trying other strings to see what's out there and maybe learn something so ....
The Chromes sound good on it, but I think I'd like to try getting a more "traditional" flatwound sound out of that bass and the PFs seem like a good choice. I'm already familiar with Labella Deep Talkin' Flats and know what to expect out of them, but, rather than go with a known this time, I wanted to experiment this time if I can find a string that suits me. Based on what I've been reading here about the Precision Flats, I think they'd give me the kind of sounds I want. I admit to not reading all 105 pages of this thread, but I went back a ways and didn't see anything that gave me a good sense of the feel. I love Chromes, Labella DTFs, and (for rounds) nickel Lo Riders for their pretty stiff feel under my plucking hand. On the other hand, I've had TI Jazz Flats on two basses and hated the floppy feel. My Stingray currently has a set of one year old Pressurewounds on it and I REALLY like how they sound now but they're about a loose a feel as I'd want to have.
So what kind of feel can I expect from the Precision Flats? If they really are pretty stiff feeling then I'll give them a shot with this time.
Just to clarify, yes, that bass is technically a short scale but the design of the bridge and stop tailpiece is such that the bass takes regular long scale strings (one of the many things I like about it). The gratuitous bass pic below shows what I mean.
The Chromes sound good on it, but I think I'd like to try getting a more "traditional" flatwound sound out of that bass and the PFs seem like a good choice. I'm already familiar with Labella Deep Talkin' Flats and know what to expect out of them, but, rather than go with a known this time, I wanted to experiment this time if I can find a string that suits me. Based on what I've been reading here about the Precision Flats, I think they'd give me the kind of sounds I want. I admit to not reading all 105 pages of this thread, but I went back a ways and didn't see anything that gave me a good sense of the feel. I love Chromes, Labella DTFs, and (for rounds) nickel Lo Riders for their pretty stiff feel under my plucking hand. On the other hand, I've had TI Jazz Flats on two basses and hated the floppy feel. My Stingray currently has a set of one year old Pressurewounds on it and I REALLY like how they sound now but they're about a loose a feel as I'd want to have.
So what kind of feel can I expect from the Precision Flats? If they really are pretty stiff feeling then I'll give them a shot with this time.
Just to clarify, yes, that bass is technically a short scale but the design of the bridge and stop tailpiece is such that the bass takes regular long scale strings (one of the many things I like about it). The gratuitous bass pic below shows what I mean.
Precision Flats are not quite as stiff as either the La Bella DTFs or the D'A Chromes when comparing the same gauges. P Flats 45-65-85-105 would probably feel more like the 760FL (43-60-82-104) rather than the 760FS (45-65-85-105).
One thing to keep in mind is the P Flats come in "long plus" with 38" winding length (ball end to silk), except the B at 37.25".
Hmm, maybe it would be worth trying the 4-string 55-105 set and get a single B-string, although the only one I saw on StringsByMail is I think a .126.
I looked at the headstock and there's currently a minimum of about 1.75" of string on the B and G before the silk starts, and even more on the E, A, and D. If I'm thinking about this correctly, then if the PFs have about the same amount of silk on the end as the Chromes, then I shouldn't have to worry about the silk extending down past the nut.
There's also Brite Flats, but I'm wondering if their sound might be closer to the Chromes rather than closer to the Precision Flats. Even if not, I still think I'd prefer the sound of the Precision Flats in this case so maybe I should consider trying the 4-string 55-105 set plus a B-string idea.
Thanks for the info, Michael.
The Brite Flats (Alloy 52 half-rounds) are definitely closer in their tonal character to the D'A Chromes or the Fender 9050s than to the Precision Flats or La Bella DTFs.
Yeah, sounds like the Precision Flats are the better bet in this case. I just ordered a 4-string 55-105 set with a .126 B string. We'll see what happens....
Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the help.
I've made a couple of changes to my P bass lineup....
For a while, I ran Precision Flats in the medium gauge on my '60 P, but have recently been getting nervous about the amount of tension I'm putting on a neck that is going to be 60 yrs old in 3 months. So I switched it to the Fender rounds that I had on my 50s Classic, and decided to try some variety and throw D'Addario Chrome flats on that bass.
Those actually aren't terrible, but... eh. I'm shifting gears.
Now: a set of Precision Flats, light gauge, coming for the 50s Classic, and a set of Pressurewounds, light gauge, on order for the '60. I've got a set on a Mustang PJ already and have come to really like them.
My thinking is that if I decide to go flats on the '60 again, I can switch those sets, and their combined tension totals, according to GHS's string tension guide, is close enough that only small adjustments are needed, if any. And the Precision Flat light gauge strings are significantly less tense than the mediums, so I'd feel better about putting them on the old neck.
The D'Addarios, again, aren't bad, but do pull a lot for their size, and even accounting for them being new, they have an awful lot of brightness to them. They'll either go on the market or stick around as spares, we'll see.
Also: the medium Precision Flats are still hanging around, so I can keep those as an option for the 50s Classic P. Esp if I decide I want flats on both! Somewhere in this nest of strings I've got happiness waiting for me.
For a while, I ran Precision Flats in the medium gauge on my '60 P, but have recently been getting nervous about the amount of tension I'm putting on a neck that is going to be 60 yrs old in 3 months. So I switched it to the Fender rounds that I had on my 50s Classic, and decided to try some variety and throw D'Addario Chrome flats on that bass.
Those actually aren't terrible, but... eh. I'm shifting gears.
Now: a set of Precision Flats, light gauge, coming for the 50s Classic, and a set of Pressurewounds, light gauge, on order for the '60. I've got a set on a Mustang PJ already and have come to really like them.
My thinking is that if I decide to go flats on the '60 again, I can switch those sets, and their combined tension totals, according to GHS's string tension guide, is close enough that only small adjustments are needed, if any. And the Precision Flat light gauge strings are significantly less tense than the mediums, so I'd feel better about putting them on the old neck.
The D'Addarios, again, aren't bad, but do pull a lot for their size, and even accounting for them being new, they have an awful lot of brightness to them. They'll either go on the market or stick around as spares, we'll see.
Also: the medium Precision Flats are still hanging around, so I can keep those as an option for the 50s Classic P. Esp if I decide I want flats on both! Somewhere in this nest of strings I've got happiness waiting for me.
Last edited:
If you want a more warm, full and punchy sound, you'll like these after enough playing time to settle in and develop that rich sound. The feel will be equally wonderful. I hope you've found a new string.
I have had the 40-95 P Flats on my Squier CV 60's P for about a week now. I am really liking these strings. They are full and thumpy sounding, not thuddy. To my ears there is a difference. And as the strings have been breaking in, the E has opened up and has a natural presence to it that I have not, to my recollection, heard on other flats. The highs are bright, but not twangy or glassy sounding. I have been jamming to some 70's music since I put them on, and that tone is all there. And that is at low volume! I can wait to hear them when they are cranked up in a live band setting! They are very responsive to tweaks on the tone control, from deep and clanky to deep and dark. Silky smooth feeling too, no stickiness. Tension is great for my playing, (I play with a very heavy pick for the most part). I can't comment on the higher gauges but I'm really liking the light set. I can't see them coming off anytime soon.
Precision Flats, light gauge... unlike the medium gauge, they don't feel like punishment to play on. I actually enjoy plucking them rather than tolerating them for the tone lol
Thus far, the plan I've cooked up for leveling up the P basses' sound and feel is a rousing success.
Thus far, the plan I've cooked up for leveling up the P basses' sound and feel is a rousing success.
I've got an '06 Gibson Thunderbird that I never could get a tone I loved. Been through more strings than any bass I've played the string game with. I have other Thunderbirds, vintage Gibsons and newer Epiphones. (Modern Gibsons sound little like the originals or 70s versions.) Love them all, but just couldn't get the new version Thunderbird to sound right. I finally got there. GHS Precision Flats of all things. If I tried them early on it was without the BBE Sonic Stomp. Used them today and the whole time I was playing I was thinking how good this finally sounded. Good with both PUs with/without pick, neck with fingers monstrous! It sounded so good I just wanted to keep playing. The GHS's seemed to fill out a scoop and mellowed out an odd (to me) upperish mid, almost honk, out nicely. For my purposes it didn't make the bass too dark as one might think. Just luscious lows with good fullness in the mids with just enough on top to have some highs stand out when wanted with a pick. I'm so happy and relieved with how it sounds. I need to do a set up since these are 105s, but I'll be able to get some nice low action and it will play even better. Being a fan of GHS PFs, I'm happy the bass sounds fantastic and feels fantastic. This Thunderbird makes three basses with those wonderful strings.
On a whole other plane...can someone recommend a chorus that sounds good with (GHS Precision) Flats? Looking for something close to a fretted mwah with lasting ring out/sustain. I also use a compressor which helps. Haven’t tried a chorus but don’t want to read through endless threads, just coming to a place where players know the value of PFs and may have that experience. Thanks
I just removed the P Flats off my Squier CV P and put the EB Cobalt flats back on. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the EB's sounded on that bass after being off for a while. It wasn't that the GHS's sound bad or anything. It was just that I had to turn up the amp a little too loud for an apt to get the tone I wanted out of them. The walls here are a little thin. The EB's are much punchier at lower volumes, so I don't have to worry about the neighbors getting upset. And I really don't want them have to listen to me practice...lol. I may put the GHS's back on, some time. If I get to start rehearsing and gigging with a band again. Or if I ever need an old school sounding flat. When they are cranked, they sound really good, but kind of repressed at low apt volumes.
I like using an EHX Bass Clone. Lots of tonal options can be had on that pedal. Well worth the price too!!
I got a set of Precision Flats in the light gauge set for one of my two Ps. While I was still figuring out how to deal with the cognitive dissonance of flatwounds that could still be spanked and bent a bit without it being an exercise in "enhanced interrogation" of the fingers, I had a four-hour gig (last weekend) that I played on said bass, a 50s Classic P in honey blonde to be exact.
Not only did the strings respond to a lil spanking and bending, they did it with a wonderful respect for overall volume level, and let me be THAT GUY who rang a couple harmonics at the end of a country tune (the group & audience loved it).
I used to run Precision Flats medium-gauge, but man oh man. I haven't lost any low end, and instead, this P bass feels somewhat more like my very fabulous Mustang bass. It could be interpreted as floppiness for players who like the stiff bridge cables, but I'm a wimp and also take going faster with a lighter touch, so the response of these things works for me.
Also, randomly fitting @JRT64 's perspective, the Precision Flats have this sort of cavernous depth to them where their mids sound beautiful, but are secondary to the strings' nearly sub-frequency massive bottom (on my 50s Classic P, so your mileage may vary). They're huge. And they're the reason that I fit a HPF pedal on the pedalboard I use anytime I play this bass at jams, at the rare gig, etc (and yes: anytime I'm practicing at home with the board for neighbors' sakes!). That quality is AMAZING, but does benefit from a little control.
Every bassist who hears mine at those jams etc wants to try the bass too, so that's prob a good sign that it's putting out enviable tones
Not only did the strings respond to a lil spanking and bending, they did it with a wonderful respect for overall volume level, and let me be THAT GUY who rang a couple harmonics at the end of a country tune (the group & audience loved it).
I used to run Precision Flats medium-gauge, but man oh man. I haven't lost any low end, and instead, this P bass feels somewhat more like my very fabulous Mustang bass. It could be interpreted as floppiness for players who like the stiff bridge cables, but I'm a wimp and also take going faster with a lighter touch, so the response of these things works for me.
Also, randomly fitting @JRT64 's perspective, the Precision Flats have this sort of cavernous depth to them where their mids sound beautiful, but are secondary to the strings' nearly sub-frequency massive bottom (on my 50s Classic P, so your mileage may vary). They're huge. And they're the reason that I fit a HPF pedal on the pedalboard I use anytime I play this bass at jams, at the rare gig, etc (and yes: anytime I'm practicing at home with the board for neighbors' sakes!). That quality is AMAZING, but does benefit from a little control.
Every bassist who hears mine at those jams etc wants to try the bass too, so that's prob a good sign that it's putting out enviable tones
I've been curious about GHS Precision Flats for a while and am finally trying them on two basses. I just put a set on my Ibanez semi-hollow, which previously had a custom set of heavy gauge Chromes that sounded great. But the Precision Flats have an even woodier sound that works so well on this bass. My first impression is that they're not as stiff feeling as my current favorite flats (Chromes, I love playing bridge cables!) but so far I think they're stiff enough for me. Back in 2020 BC (Before COVID) my band was talking about rearranging material to be able to play an acoustic-ish first set in a few of the places we play and this bass with these strings might be perfect for something like that. Can't wait to be able to start rehearsing again to find out.
But I really can't wait to get my L-2500 back from my luthier tomorrow night. I was having some minor work done on it and I asked him to replace the Chromes with a new set of Precision Flats and do a good set up while he has it there. I know that sounds like an odd pairing - warm and thumpy sounding flats on such an aggressive sounding bass. But I think it could sound great with them on it to tame its aggressive side a litle bit. Gonna find out soon.
But I really can't wait to get my L-2500 back from my luthier tomorrow night. I was having some minor work done on it and I asked him to replace the Chromes with a new set of Precision Flats and do a good set up while he has it there. I know that sounds like an odd pairing - warm and thumpy sounding flats on such an aggressive sounding bass. But I think it could sound great with them on it to tame its aggressive side a litle bit. Gonna find out soon.
Last edited:
I've got a set of LaBella LTF's on my L2500 tribute. I was having neck issues which is why I went with these particular flats. Love the thump and now that I have the neck sorted out, I'll probably try Precision flats next. Already have them on my Vintera 50's precision, '06 Mexican precision, and Squier VM Cabronita.
