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Switching to flatwounds

#21
The ones I've used:

Chromes: Higher tension. They can be eq'd bright for flats, but still sound great. The older they getm they better they sound, IMHO. I have them on a 5 string semi-hollow and they sound great. They will likely never be chenged until one breaks. I had a set strung through-body on a 35" for ~4 years and they still sound great.

LaBella Deep Talkin flats: Also higher tension. The classic, old-school flat. Can need a little time to break in, then wonderful. I have these on my 5 string P bass.

TI Jazz Flats: I had these on a fretless and they just did not work for me. Very, very low tension IME. I really wish I liked these strings as I keep hearing so many good things about them, but they just did not work for me. At $85 a set, I'm unlikely to try them again. IMHO it's an acquired taste, but those who like them swear by the. They may be great for you.

Carvin Flats. Cheap. Thumpy. Not bad for the money. I've had these on a couple of different basses over the years, but none currently.
 
#23
I've been using my first set of DR Legend flats since last fall and think they're REALLY nice. No reason to believe they aren't durable as well.

As far as any other advice, all I would have to say is that flats don't suit every bass, not even every Fender. But when they're right, you know it. At their best, they are fat-sounding and very bouncy.
 
#24
I would recommend starting with chromes. They aren't expensive and they are redily available just about anywhere you go if you aren't ordering online. Tone wise and how tight they feel are probably some were in the middle of the flatwound spectrum IMO. If it turns out you like them, great. If not people here can give you other suggestions based on what you did or didn't like about them. I will say they are very bright when brand new, almost roundwound like but that fades very quickly.
 
#25
I'd recommend TI jazz flats. Those are beautiful feeling and sounding strings. I also love DR flatwounds. Those are really great strings too. Super smooth, not too tight with a nice thump.
 
#27
Aussie Player said:
The softness of the TI's comes up often,
I wonder if the problem is actually players who have several basses strung differently compared to players who have them on their 'main' bass?
Click to expand...

All things are relative, I guess. If someone only plays one kind of string, then that becomes their standard by which other tensions are based. Though I've not heard anyone mention a string with less tension than TI's.
 
#28
Edward G. said:
I've been using my first set of DR Legend flats since last fall and think they're REALLY nice. No reason to believe they aren't durable as well.
Click to expand...

What kind of a sound do those Legends have? Have you tried any other flats for comparison?

I started with Chromes on my Pbass V and dug them quite a bit, but put rounds backs on for a while for the sound. I'll be going back to flats pretty soon (when the current pit gig is over) and am debating putting the Chromes back on or switching to a set of GHS Precision or DR Legend flats. I like the sound of the Chromes, but I've been slowly switching to lighter gauge strings on my other basses and the D'Addario flats kinda felt like I was playing steel bridge cables. Lol I also feel like I should try a different set simply to get the comparison of a different sound, you know?

5sg.
 
#35
The chromes on my P bass are the only strings I've ever owned that actually sound BETTER the longer they are on my bass. No kidding. Also anxious to try TIs when I finally get a Ric... someday.

Also, for F's sake, man, please use the search feature. We all love talking about flats, but there are WAY too many friggin threads about this. End rant.
 
#37
What about flatwounds on an acoustic bass? I have a Fender GB-41SCE and I have been thinking about putting flats on it. Is there any reason why that would be a bad idea? And does anyone have any recommendation on strings? I put chromes on my fretless J and I like the sound & feel, but I'm a bit ignorant about strings for the acoustic. Can it take the same strings?
 
#40
plainman said:
What about flatwounds on an acoustic bass? I have a Fender GB-41SCE and I have been thinking about putting flats on it. Is there any reason why that would be a bad idea? And does anyone have any recommendation on strings?
Click to expand...

I have a 5-string ABG and I like chrome flats on it. Warm, but with a midrange.
 

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