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Suggested Flats for My 65 P

If you want bright, flats are the wrong choice. Round and warm is the what they will get with flats.

One thing to keep in mind with P-basses, especially if listen to them solo, without other instruments, you perceive might the sound as dark, inarticulate, middy, or even a little muddy.

Put that in context of a track or rhythm section and it sounds perfect. This has been my experience.

Record the session, practice, gig, you will be shocked at the difference between what you think it sounds like and what it actually sounds like. What seems too dark or or hard to hear, is absolutely perfect in context.

Anyone else find this?

Yes, absolutely. They just sit in the mix perfectly.
 
I'll put in another recommendation for TI Jazz Flats. Very low tension, so your neck is safe. I love the way they feel and sound. I do agree, not the brightest.

TIs are perfect for some basses, for sure. I was frustrated with the tone from my Read Precision. Took off LaBellas, put on TIs and that sucker came alive!! :bassist:

Players with an aggressive attack will find TIs floppy. When I dig in, I do prefer LaBellas; also, the action can go really low. When I'm playing politely, TIs are the ticket.

/thread. :hiding:

Oh wait--where are the PICS???!!!???
 
I'll check the classifieds for some TI's or Labella's.
If not, I'll order a set of Labella's.

Heres the bass.
I got it with a TERRIBLE LPB nitro finish, back in late August. I opted for Candy Apple Red nitro
Sent it to Kevin Caton in Chicago. Kevin is the shop manager at Lakland Basses. I was told it was just refretted. Seems it was not done properly, I had to have it refretted again. Thats one of the reasons I want to keep flats on it.
This is a top 3 bass in my life. I bet I've owned at LEAST 50-60 basses.
Thanks for all the help

2013-10-22_18-13-49_319_zps49333cb0.jpg
 
TIs are perfect for some basses, for sure. I was frustrated with the tone from my Read Precision. Took off LaBellas, put on TIs and that sucker came alive!! :bassist:

Players with an aggressive attack will find TIs floppy. When I dig in, I do prefer LaBellas; also, the action can go really low. When I'm playing politely, TIs are the ticket.

/thread. :hiding:

Oh wait--where are the PICS???!!!???


The TIs are delicious on my P Bass so I got a set for my MM Sterling and did not like them. GHS Precision flats are fantastic on the Sterling so I tried a set on the P Bass and they were ok, but paled in comparison to the TIs. Different strings definitely shine on different basses...
 
I'm leaning towards the LaBellas.

What is the difference sound-wise to tapewounds?

La Bella has black tapewounds and white (actually clear) tapewounds. The whites are brighter than the blacks, smoother to the touch as well.

La Bella flats (I'd go with the lighter gauge) do sing on a P-bass. Subjectively, I'd say they articulate better than the tapes.

TI jazz flats sound really nice, too. Pricey, but they last and last. They are more flexible than La Bella flats, and are lower tension. Subjectively (again), I'd say they've got more overtones than the La Bellas. Definitely different.
 
I'm liking Sadowsky Black Label on my P. The Fender 9150L sound nice on my J and would probably work for the P as well. Chromes are brighter but have a slightly scooped sound. I liked them at first, then wound up not liking them.
 
I like DTF's more on a jazz than a P bass, you may just want to go with some nickle rounds, they mellow out nicely after while and dont chew your frets to shreds. Some folks like the chromes if bright and twangy is your thing, they're kind of stiff feeling too which is something I could never get use to with those. If you want nice supple feel and that classic THUMP than definitly Labella DTF's is the way to go . Nice bass BTW
 
I have been a long time LaBella guy, but I bought a set of TI's for the first time in a few years for my Jazz. Now I remember how awesome they are. Such a great midrange tone and feel. They are low tension, but they feel great to me. I've never used them on a P, but they are perfect for my Jazz.

I have a couple sets of used LaBella 760FL's if you want to try some. PM me
 
TI flats are strange animals. Their tension / gauge is what sets them apart physically. Their sound varies with pups / basses. I put a set on my P-Bass, my Jazz, my Foundation S, and they ended up on my fretless ABG. I absolutely love them on the ABG ('93 Sigma). I didn't love them on the P or the J. I like flats, but it's Chromes for me. They will sort of do both deep and a little brightness if you dial it in. Not bright like rounds, but more high mids than most flats. I have a set of Chromes on a late 90's Peavey "G" bass that is a poor man's Flea bass, slap machine. They sound fantastic. I'd try a set, they're fairly cheap..