• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Wanting to try a different flat...

Heavy Blue

Heavy Blue

Nov 11, 2017
1,302
1,200
Saskatchewan, Canada
#1
So I've been wanting to try a different flat than the GHS Precision Flats that I've used extensively for the last 3 years and have served me well on several different basses.

I would like a flat with a similar sort of bottom as the GHS but with more clarity in the mids and NO clank whatsoever so I guess that knocks out Chromes, Rotos, & EB Slinky Flats.

I've already tried Pressurewounds and Half-rounds and they're great for other things but no go this time.

Putting them on a CV60's P with a VM Jazz neck & bridge. Stock pup and electrics.

I am wondering if maybe the stock pup is the real issue here and maybe I'm trying to put lipstick on a pig.

I'm currently thinking of Fender 9050's or Dunlop Flats.

What say ye?
 
  • Like
Reactions: nixdad and EatS1stBassist
#3
the best flats i've ever used ...
:cool:
81pRfuHWO2L._AC_SX466_.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Blunder, uwrossl, thabassmon and 21 others
#6
Heavy Blue said:
I'm currently thinking of Fender 9050's or Dunlop Flats.
Click to expand...

If I were in your position, I would go with the Dunlop Flats first for the tonal quality you're looking for.

Meanwhile, Fender 9050s are cheap enough at around $25 USD if you want to add them to your purchase. I personally find them to be a better match for a Jazz bass than a Precision.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bozzy, TN WOODMAN and Heavy Blue
#8
Clank is more a function of the gauge, which light gauge strings have more string excursion and are prone to fret slap, along with the alloy.

Remember that EB makes two flats: standard stainless flat and cobalt flat. As mentioned above, from your description, you may be referring to the Cobalts. The standard stainless flats are great underrated strings that in the right gauges have a big tone, good definition and presence, but very little, if at all, clank.

The Fender 9050's are my favorite. They have big tone with growl, but no clank.

La Bella's have a smooth tone, good foundation, and definition without clank, growl or thud.

Remember also: new string zing. All new strings will be overly zingy or clanky until they settle in, which with flats could take a few months, depending on how often they are rehearsed and gigged. D'Addario Chromes are the worst at this: they start off almost as bright as stainless rounds, and quickly degrade to worthless thump.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Danny Smith, lark_z, Bushmaster and 4 others
#13
JKos said:
Interesting. I've had several basses with Chromes and two currently. Never would have associated clank with them. Reviewing what "clank" is now...
Click to expand...
What I'm referring to as "clank" would be a bright, edgier sort of tone. One that would accentuate some fret contact or fingernail clang to it. Maybe even kind of twangy.

I often see Chromes referred to as a very bright string. One for players who more want a round sound but with the flat feel.

I like it thumpier and chunkier for the P bass and a darker tone in general than maybe most but still with clarity.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Border and misterCRUSH
#15
Heavy Blue said:
What I'm referring to as "clank" would be a bright, edgier sort of tone. One that would accentuate some fret contact or fingernail clang to it. Maybe even kind of twangy.

I often see Chromes referred to as a very bright string. One for players who more want a round sound but with the flat feel.

I like it thumpier and chunkier for the P bass and a darker tone in general than maybe most but still with clarity.
Click to expand...
I am a dark tone chaser myself, and found it in part with my La Bellas....
 
  • Like
Reactions: Polish Thunder, Root 5, Rolling Thunder and 1 other person
#17
iiipopes said:
Clank is more a function of the gauge, which light gauge strings have more string excursion and are prone to fret slap, along with the alloy.

Remember that EB makes two flats: standard stainless flat and cobalt flat. As mentioned above, from your description, you may be referring to the Cobalts. The standard stainless flats are great underrated string that in the right gauges have a big tone, good definition and presence, but very little, if at all, clank.

The Fender 9050's are my favorite. They have big tone with growl, but no clank.

La Bella's have a smooth tone, good foundation, and definition without clank, growl or thud.

Remember also: new string zing. All new strings will be overly zingy or clanky until they settle in, which with flats could take a few months, depending on how often they are rehearsed and gigged. D'Addario Chromes are the worst at this: they start off almost as bright as stainless rounds, and quickly degrade to worthless thump.
Click to expand...

misterCRUSH said:
Don't forget about La Bella. Their flats are legendary for their flats tone. I use 760fs on all my basses. Sounds amazing, and the black winding looks fabulous.
Click to expand...

BarfanyShart said:
Why not LaBella DTF's, LTF's, or TI's? I feel like those are the favorites for the traditional sound. Dunlops are probably the most similar to DTF's, so I would prefer those of the two you are considering.
Click to expand...

misterCRUSH said:
I am a dark tone chaser myself, and found it in part with my La Bellas....
Click to expand...

For you LaBella fans. Are they clear enough in the mids?
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back