Switching from Rounds to Flats Advice

[allboutbass]

No tension info available anywhere for any of the Fender-branded strings.

That said, my experience with them indicates their total tension would be roughly in 180-185 lbs. range.

Thanks !

 

[FrenchBassQC]

La Bella LTFs, but I used them on a 2 soapbar pickup Wick, good mids in this setup.

I use them on a P-Bass and love it.

 

[JEDI BASS]

I have LaBella LTFs on my dual P. I think all LaBella strings will sound great paired up with P equipped basses. I saw a YouTube clip recently, well known YouTube bass guy... he was trying various flats on different basses. He came up with a theory that bright sounding flats sound best on bright basses (Cobalt flats on a Stingray for instance), while duller/thumpier flats sound best on warmer/darker basses (LaBellas on a P). I think he’s right. I have DR Legends on my Stingray and well... I don’t enjoy playing it any more. Cobalt flats will be going in it next and will bring it back to life.

Here’s my dual P with LTFs.

 

[fivestringgecko]

I have LaBella LTFs on my dual P. I think all LaBella strings will sound great paired up with P equipped basses. I saw a YouTube clip recently, well known YouTube bass guy... he was trying various flats on different basses. He came up with a theory that bright sounding flats sound best on bright basses (Cobalt flats on a Stingray for instance), while duller/thumpier flats sound best on warmer/darker basses (LaBellas on a P). I think he’s right. I have DR Legends on my Stingray and well... I don’t enjoy playing it any more. Cobalt flats will be going in it next and will bring it back to life.

Here’s my dual P with LTFs.
View attachment 4123343

Quite a nice looking Dual P... What bass is that?

Regarding the strings: So you'd classify the Labella LTFs more in the dull/thumpy sound spectrum?

5sg.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Quite a nice looking Dual P... What bass is that?

Regarding the strings: So you'd classify the Labella LTFs more in the dull/thumpy sound spectrum?

5sg.

It’s the one I built using a Warmoth neck and body. I reshaped and refinished the neck, and worked my magic on the frets. So, it’s quite a bit more than a parts bass, in my opinion.

As for LTF, yes they have that LaBella thump. It’s especially noticeable unplugged when compared to the other flat sets on my other basses. Plugged in and in a band setting with the tone wide open, they sound perfect for what I’m doing. Although, I wouldn’t try to do any Flea RHCP slap bass songs with them.

 

[TuneIn]

And you wonder why people here think you need a spanking? Mr. 'real bass player' no one asked you.



I love this. So if Steve Harris was using rounds he wouldn't change his strings every night? Sweating buckets of calories onto round wound strings doesn't kill em at all. That's why Billy Sheehan has to change his strings every night, right? Or any other major touring act for that matter, great argument.
Incredible production? Like EQ and Compression? I'm sure none of us mere mortals have any access to these arcane tools that the Iron Maiden bass player production team has. Do tell what voodoo you think happens at FOH to turn what obviously must be a dull lifeless thud of a tone at the amplifier, into Stanley Clarke on steroids through the PA? Cuz that is EXACTLY what you are saying here.

When You Know Nothing, It's best to shut up about it kid. Everyone here is laughing AT you, not WITH you.

Wow..Like this is not completely unhinged and off-topic...sheesh Okay sure whatever you say eh,

OP, Hope you enjoy your experience with flats, hope you don't waste a ton a money on one trick pony strings.

 

[allboutbass]

OP here,
I am starting with the SM77 as were the only ones available close by.
Let’s see ... I wanted to start really with Fenders 9050L as some demos I saw on YouTube I really liked the upper range as well as the lows and the envelope they produce, but couldn’t find those around.
Thanks to all it has been one of the most informative threads lately

 

[JEDI BASS]

OP here,
I am starting with the SM77 as were the only ones available close by.
Let’s see ... I wanted to start really with Fenders 9050L as some demos I saw on YouTube I really liked the upper range as well as the lows and the envelope they produce, but couldn’t find those around.
Thanks to all it has been one of the most informative threads lately

I came really close to pulling the trigger on a set of 40-100 Roto 77s. I buy my strings mostly from eBay or the Talkbass store. I still may get a set so I can add them to my comparison list. Let me know what you think.

 

[SteveCS]

...
...
Hope you enjoy your experience with flats, hope you don't waste a ton a money on one trick pony strings.

In my time I've encountered far more one-trick-pony players than strings. Most players with a modicum of technical skill and musicianship can coax a palette of useable sounds from most strings.

 

[BasEd]

TI flats are great. Similar tension to medium rounds. The classic P sound. A bit expensive though. I recently put a spare set on my PJ. Got the classic P tone but I preferred the rounds when using P and J or just J. Bit more sizzle.

 

[allboutbass]

TI flats here in Europe are not that expensive, but I bought the SM77 cause the shipping was really cheap so ...

I am positive I am going to dig flats a lot as I had a bass a long time ago that had flats and sounded awesome and it was great then for recording straight to tape thru Neve pre’s and a bit of 1176

 

[allboutbass]

I came really close to pulling the trigger on a set of 40-100 Roto 77s. I buy my strings mostly from eBay or the Talkbass store. I still may get a set so I can add them to my comparison list. Let me know what you think.

I’ll be glad to let you know !

 

[allboutbass]

Quick question guys ... I feel silly ...

I just received the Rotosound SM77 flats ... should I install thru body or not ?
need to know asap

 

[richwag]

Quick question guys ... I feel silly ...

I just received the Rotosound SM77 flats ... should I install thru body or not ?
need to know asap

I don’t think it matters. As long as you have a good sharp bend over the bridge I can’t imagine it matters if they end at the bridge or body.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Quick question guys ... I feel silly ...

I just received the Rotosound SM77 flats ... should I install thru body or not ?
need to know asap

If you bought the 45-105 set and they feel stiffer than rounds, I’d definitely NOT go through body! Many flats will become damaged and either break or sound like @55 if you damage them at the bridge.

 

[allboutbass]

If you bought the 45-105 set and they feel stiffer than rounds, I’d definitely NOT go through body! Many flats will become damaged and either break or sound like @55 if you damage them at the bridge.

I bought the 40-100 Gauge

 

[Bruiser Stone]

Quick question guys ... I feel silly ...

I just received the Rotosound SM77 flats ... should I install thru body or not ?
need to know asap

I would err on the side of not going through the body. They are a smaller gauge but they are still stiff compared to other similar-gauged brands.

 

[JEDI BASS]

That was my next question... are they stiff. If they are, follow Bruiser Stone’s advice.

 

[allboutbass]

I finally went thru body .. as the silk length was better suited this way, and also a lot easier to install, happily all went fine, now I am doing some intonation and setup routines.
Loving it so far...

 

[allboutbass]

All done ... thanks people !