I am wanting to string my Fender American P bass with flatwounds. I have used D'Addario Chromes in the past but I was wanting to get some input on what would be a good flatwound to use. I play mostly classic/roots rock.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
What Flatwound strings?
- Thread starter milkman-27
- Start date
I have tried alot of flats and always go back to Chromes. TI's are good but very low tension I find them hard to play fast
After playing Chromes for a while I put some Fender 9050 flats a my split p PuP Blacktop Jazz.
The Fenders are just right, the best choice for a split p PuP.
I hate Chromes now.
The Fenders are just right, the best choice for a split p PuP.
I hate Chromes now.
Try some GHS Precision Flats. They are nice tension, old-school sounding flats that don't need an extended break in time. Would be perfect for R&B, Rock, Blues and rootsy music styles out of the package, and they are some of the cheapest flats on the market as well. Purple silk just looks classy on some basses as well.
Bassist4Eris
Frat-Pack Sympathizer
I used to have Rotosound 77 Jazz flats on my P bass. I switched to LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats and never looked back. (And I love the 77s on my Rickenbacker).
IMO, P basses want a warmer, darker round than Chromes or Rotos. LaBellas fit that bill nicely.
IMO, P basses want a warmer, darker round than Chromes or Rotos. LaBellas fit that bill nicely.
La Bella flats are my favorite...I've been using 760FLs for the last year or so before that Fender and Chromes.
http://fenderbassplayer.com/component/content/article/80-article/110-flatwound-string-reviews
http://fenderbassplayer.com/component/content/article/80-article/110-flatwound-string-reviews
The best value alternative would probably be the GHS Precision Flats and the pricier but more versatile alternative would probably be that La Bella 760FLs. Both will get you that solid vintage PBass thump. Chromes are much brighter string.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,636
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
the 9050SL (special light) fenders are my favorite flats on a Fender bass but I just found out that Fender discontinued them (IMO, a very stupid move). they only offer the 9050L's now if you want a light gauge flat. the only difference between them is that the SL's have an .040" G (which has a more balanced tension) and the L's have an .045" (which feels stiff compared to the other 3 strings). i'm bummed.
+1 Except in my experience, they do need an extended break in period.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f16/praise-report-ghs-precision-flats-1009326/
LaBellas... plenty of thump to go around, but they do have an edgy top end (moreso than say, GHS) if you crank the tone up. For me, they just seem to sit the best in a classic rock mix of all the strings I've tried.
Watch out, though... their buttery, glassy smoothness is nothing short of addictive.
Watch out, though... their buttery, glassy smoothness is nothing short of addictive.
Got a set of DR Legend flats for my P-bass. Sounded great (thick and punchy) but felt a little stiff. Allowed me to lower my action a bit.
Got a light gauge set of Sadowsky flats to try lower tension. Sounded more mid-focused but had to raise my action.
Today the DR Legends went back on the P-bass.
The Sadowsky flats will go on my 62 ri Jazz.
Must say flats are addictive ;-)
Got a light gauge set of Sadowsky flats to try lower tension. Sounded more mid-focused but had to raise my action.
Today the DR Legends went back on the P-bass.
The Sadowsky flats will go on my 62 ri Jazz.
Must say flats are addictive ;-)
