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Putting on some flats, looking for gotchas

S

subject42

Jul 14, 2010
173
110
#1
I've had my current set of strings on my bass for over two years now and they're getting a little worse for wear. As a result, I've decided to take the plunge and give flatwound strings a try.

My main concern is that every time I change my strings, some little detail goes wrong. It's kind of annoying, but usually not a big problem. However, since flats are kind of pricey in comparison to the strings that I normally get, I thought I'd ask you folks if there's anything special that I should know before I do the swap.

I'm looking to put on a set of La Bella Deep Talkin' 760FS on an Ibanez Soundgear SR750 bass. They're the same 45-65-85-105 gauge that I've always used in the past.

Is there anything special that I should worry about, or is it just unwind/pull off/put on/cut/wind like any other string?
 
#5
You might want to consider a lighter gauge if you are coming from a roundwound string. That high of a flatwound gauge will not only have much higher tension than the rounds you are used to, but will also be exceptionally thumpy- the lighter, the more midrange you're likely to get in my experience...
 
#6
Here is the skinny!
Tobe certain just what you need in size for the Ibanez, take a measurement from the ball end to justover the nut....If that measurement is 32" then a LaBella Deep Talkin Bass short scale set will work.
If it is a tad over tha, say 1/2 inch of a bit more than you may be able to use our Beatle bass sets.
Now if they are 34" then you ask for a Medium scale set.
All the confusion of scale length comes about because of the makers of instruments moving the origination point of the string.
This is most critical on Flatwounds of the quality we make due to the many windings under the flatwire. Never try to put the polished flatwound part of the string around the tunning pegs, they will most assuradly snap the string.Now that you have done all that to make certain y ou are on the correct track , call UB at 1-800-750-3034
 
#7
Uncle Bob: Thanks for the information. I'll whip out a tape measure and see how it compares tonight.

sunbeast said:
You might want to consider a lighter gauge if you are coming from a roundwound string. That high of a flatwound gauge will not only have much higher tension than the rounds you are used to, but will also be exceptionally thumpy- the lighter, the more midrange you're likely to get in my experience...
Click to expand...

I'm actually looking for the extremely thumpy sound. I normally roll off my treble and boost my lows when I play, so this might help.

If I do go for a lighter gauge, though, how much wiggle room do I have on the string size before I have to get a nut with narrower cuts in it?
 
#10
subject42 said:
Uncle Bob: Thanks for the information. I'll whip out a tape measure and see how it compares tonight.



I'm actually looking for the extremely thumpy sound. I normally roll off my treble and boost my lows when I play, so this might help.

If I do go for a lighter gauge, though, how much wiggle room do I have on the string size before I have to get a nut with narrower cuts in it?
Click to expand...

Any La Bella flat set, except for maybe the 52-110 Jamerson set, will work okay on your Ibanez. And even the Jamerson set will probably fit okay.

I also suggest the 760FS or 760FL (if stiffness is a concern for you). Can't go wrong, and from what you say you like, these are the strings. Let them age a while (several weeks of consistent play) before you make a final decision.
 
#11
I've gone from 50-105 gauge Rotosound flats to TI Flats (about the lightest gauge flats you'll find) on the same bass/nut without any problems- the only time you might need to have a new nut made is if you were going to a significantly larger gauge, as most nuts are cut to fit only about a .105 gauge E. Lighter gauges shouldn't be an issue as long as the nut was cut well to begin with (rounded at the bottom of each groove).

The "thump" that you get from flats will be noticeably different than rounds with the tone rolled down- there is a much more percussive attack with flats, especially with lighter and medium gauge. The larger gauge flats tend to be more "thud" to my ears, though they can still have that percussive snap on the top with the tone rolled up.

I would highly recommend medium to medium-light GHS Precision flats for a really nice percussive thump without extreme tension. I haven't tried the Labella's, but have heard that they can be a little stiff (may just be in reference to that giant Jamerson set though!).

subject42 said:
Uncle Bob: Thanks for the information. I'll whip out a tape measure and see how it compares tonight.



I'm actually looking for the extremely thumpy sound. I normally roll off my treble and boost my lows when I play, so this might help.

If I do go for a lighter gauge, though, how much wiggle room do I have on the string size before I have to get a nut with narrower cuts in it?
Click to expand...
 
#12
I love that set of labella flats, its on all my basses but two. The others have thomas inkfeld flats, that I think are my new favs, and the most expensive set ive ever bought, pyramid gold flats for five string, at $110. The golds are very nice, as are the la bellas, but I love the TI flats for playabilty, tension, and and all around sound.
 

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