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Very first set of flats?

I already have, and at great length. Praise Report: GHS Precision Flats

Thanks, Linnin, I threw them on an old 82 Washburn Force-4 beater bass I scored for very cheap some time ago. Just played them at home every now and then, but recently I gave the the bass some TLC, adjusted pickup height, and for a trial, happened to take them to rehearsal last week. What shall I say, they killed it. Guitar player never had encountered flats in a band context so far and was completely stunned. I was especially delighted, how powerful they came across in the higher registers round the 12th fret. Clear recommendation on my behalf, at a reasonable price tag (round € 30, IIRC).
 
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As for strings goes, there seems to be a load of conflicting opinions? Should I just try out some Fender flats? They're around £23 for the light gauge set over here.

Welcome to the world of TB discussions-ask 3 people, and get 5 conflicting opinions:laugh:.

I would start with whatever is available and least expensive, and work from there. It's impossible to know what you will like on your bass for your style of music until you try it, but you might like the less expensive ones, and then don't fix what ain't broke. If you don't like them (after a few weeks to break in-flats take longer than rounds), save your pennies until you can move onto the 2nd least expensive set. Rinse and repeat until you find something you like. If after 4 or 5 sets your still not happy, perhaps flats aren't for you.

I love the way chromes sounded on my Peavy Cirrus, not so much on my Ibanez SRFF805, and I HATED them on my fender P. DR's sound great on my FrankinJazz Bass when I have it set in series, but I don't like them nearly as much when set in parallel, and vice versa for the Fender Flats. There are just so many variables, IMHO you pretty much just need to try stuff out.
 
My Pbass is strung with D'Addario light gauge flat wound chromes. They feel sooooooooo good on my fingers and yes, no more string noise when moving from fret to fret. I recommend starting with a light gauge set ( .045 to .095). What ever brand you decide on, I am sure you will love them. Good luck.:);):thumbsup:
 
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I have flats or tapes on every bass I own. All I have are short scales so there are strings that I haven't and can't try because they aren't made in short scale. But these are the ones I have tried.
For brightness I use Chromes or GHS Brite Flats.
For more thump I use the GHS Precision Flats, La Bella Deep Talkin' Flats.
The two newest ones I've tried:
DR Hi-Beams Flats, good sound. Lots of thump with good balance between the mids and highs. Very good sound and feel.
La Bella Low Tension Flats. These are very good strings. Great sound, good lows with enough mids and top end to balance smoothly. Great feel to them. I will be using them again in the future.
 
@Woody1999 , yes I would go with Fender 9050 flats...spend the 23 quid even if it hurts.
I thought Ernie Ball flats were fine on the P-bass...tried Elixir and didn't think the coating made them worth $60.
I stick with rounds on the Jazz because I like the tone.
 
I'm in the same situation.
Asked in another thread here.
You'll get advices for every single brand or set in the market as someone said to me..
You (we) have to try different sets to find yours (ours), as someone said before.

After researches, I found the video below. Assuming the test on this P is done properly (same head or DI, same Eq settings and so on) I choose the sound of Thomastik.
Hope I will like the feel a swell...

 
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Yeah finger noise is a problem for me right now. I'd love to get a Bassmute, but I'm not too confident with a pick for all that 60s style stuff. I'm interested in flats more than half rounds, but in the future once my collection of basses grows a bit I'll probably experiment with them as well. So, Fender 9050Ls it is. I'll let you know what I think of them...now where did I put my debit card?

Woody