What gauge for Flatwounds on a P bass

Hmmm...do you want overcooked noodles, al dente noodles, or high tension power wires?

Me, I prefer as light as I can get them, although I'd probably get the 40-100 set since the 40-50-75-90 set might be a little too light with the 40 G. But some folks love those really hefty and thick strings. Most folks split the difference and go 45-100 or 45-105, but I prefer lighter. All depends on what appeals to you the most.

 

I guess that I would fall into the "split the difference" group. I use 45-105 in the Labella's and 45-100 in the D"addario Chrome Flats and Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats.

I did see a set of Rotosound Monel Flats at 45-105 yesterday at GC and found a set on Amazon :

https://www.amazon.com/Rotosound-RS77LD-Monel-Wound-Strings/dp/B003Y5A0L2/ref=sr_1_10?crid=16J0T15WE77W3&keywords=rotosound+flatwound+bass+strings&qid=1561633443&s=gateway&sprefix=rotosound+flat,aps,967&sr=8-10

That would be my choice. I almost bought a set but I think I've spent enough on strings the last few months (tried just about every other flat out there).

 

Excellent! I just loaded a set of those on my Fender Elite Precision. Great feeling and sounding strings. Let us know what you think of them.

 

curious: isn't dubai touted as the place to shop...for anything?

 

Rotosound 77 flats are the stiffest feeling flats I've ever tried. If you're still considering these, I'd err on the lighter side to start with.

I've by no means explored every available option, but my personal favorite flats (that I've tried so far) are GHS Precision Flats. I started with the M3050 set (45-65-85-105) but found them a little stiff. When I bought a new set for a different bass, I went with the CM3050 set (45-60-80-105) which I find a little nicer.

 

It looks like the 40-90 set would be either for short-scale or medium-scale basses:

JAZZ BASS 77 | ROTOSOUND

 

I like light gauge strings, because they're easier on my fingers. In the Labella Deep Talkin' flats line, the light gauge are .043-.104. Works for me.

I'd think those should work just fine.

 

It's personal preference. As for me, I use Chromes in the heaviest gauge (50-105 - "power lines" as @JimmyM called them). LIght strings feel like nothing to me and I play right through them, possibly a byproduct of playing DB.

 

I use the Roto Jazz Monel flats 40-100 and they play like a dream.

 

It‘s like asking which is better among medium, medium well or well done for beef steak. Only you can decide. I personally prefer light gauges.

 

I prefer 43-56-70-100 in the form of TI’s.

 

I use .43-104 La Bella 760FL's or .45-105 La Bella 760FS's.

 

For Precision basses I tend to pluck much closer to the neck joint and therefore prefer the extra tension of heavier strings. I prefer the .52-110 LaBellas but 45-105 is a great place to start. If you find you pluck behind the pickup and closer to the bridge I would go with 40-100. The Dunlop Flats in that gauge are outstanding.

 

My g bass has ti flats, I’m he 2nd owner
Haven’t taken them off
But they feel like spaghet


My p bass has 104. La bella

 

Okay, maybe it's goofy to quote myself, but I just posted this in a different thread and I thought it might be pertinent here. I'm with @JimmyM. I dig the light gauge strings.

 

You don't even need a gauge, just look a the numbers & divide by 1,000.
What you have is 0.045" - 0.100".

They're OK for E standard, but for stuff like Drop D the difference in tension becomes more intense.

If you were looking for GOLD strings, LOL!

 

Chromes are unique. A great intro to flats I feel if you've never used them and aren't sure just how "thuddy" you want to go. To me they're very versatile. I have a jazz bass with Chromes that I consider an all-arounder axe---will take it it if I'm heading into uncertain waters. But on my P I have old Labella flats, for that truly vintage sound (with a foam mute as well).