Which Flat Wounds to Begin With?

[bassliner50]

Let me start by saying I am not a beginner. Been out there for decades. Reading TB has made me curious about trying flat wound bass strings. I have several P basses and would like to string one of them with flats, just to see if I like them and to see for myself why they are praised so highly for the most part here on TB.
Presently, I use Stainless Steel RW medium gauge Dean Markley Blue steel (.05-.105). I am able to get a consistantly good versatile tone from them. I play with my finger tips exclusively.
I'd like to buy and mount a set of flats on a bass. I know there are many to choose from, but just for simplicity sake and low cost I'd probably like to try one of the Fender offerings first. (about $19-$22 a set on eBay).
First off it seems most if not all the flats are stainless steel. Is this true? Should I consider something other than SS, like nickle plated steel? I am guessing a stainless steel set would be preferable.
Then should I stick to medium gauge? Like Fender 9050M (.055-.105)?
Should I try the Fender 9050ML (.05-.10)?
Or, Fender 9050L (.045-.100)?
I remember reading that flats had more tension than RW. This is not necessarily bad as I sometimes enjoy playing near the bridge and dig that firm resistance when I strike the string. But if my basses neck is going to be stressed, where a setup would be necessary, than I would go lighter. I know there is a lot of experience out there as well as a lot of different opinions, so any help is appreciated.
My goals are:
1. Good tone different from RW.
2. Long string life
3. Good response and playability
4. Low expense, since I would be auditioning FW's.
5. No excessive stress to my bass.

Gentlemen and women, I give you the floor...Thanks!

 

[michael_t]

As always, you will probably end up with a zillion suggestions.

My recommendation is always the same for "all-purpose flats for a first-timer" - Fender 9050L (45-60-80-100).

If you want to go straight into the "old-school thump" territory - La Bella 760FL (43-60-82-104).

 

[bassliner50]

Michael_t, 2 things stand out in your suggestion to me.
1.go lighter than your regular RW's
2. They will be Stainless Steel
thanks.

 

[michael_t]

Michael_t, 2 things stand out in your suggestion to me.
1.go lighter than your regular RW's
2. They will be Stainless Steel

I always recommend down-sizing when going from rounds to flats because flats in general are stiffer-feeling than rounds. And yes, most flats are stainless steel, although there are exceptions.

 

[TimB 619]

Given the price range, I suggest;

Fender 9050L
GHS M3025
D'addario Chromes

 

[bassliner50]

Thanks for the clarification. At this point I am leaning toward Fender 9050ML (.05,.065, .085, .100.) and hoping they dont add excessive tension.
In general is the typical usable life of flats longer than typical RWs?
BTW, Are Chromes the equivalent to Stainless Steel?

 

[michael_t]

In general is the typical usable life of flats longer than typical RWs?

Flats actually get better with age like fine wine.

It does take longer to break in a set of flats compared to rounds, but once they settle, they can last for years.

 

[Doner Designs]

There are two extremes in flats in terms of tone. I would suggest trying each and something in between.

GHS is an example of very thumpy
Daddario is an example of very bright
LaBella is sort of in between

I have tried many others but these are the three I would suggest starting with.

 

[Freddels]

My all time favorite flats are the Labella 760FL's.

However, I am interested in trying the new Ernie Ball Flats. Just don't know if they'll be too stiff or not.

 

[lfmn16]

Start with the best, TIs. If you wanted to know if you liked steak would you start with the cheap stuff? Flats are not the place to try to save money.

 

[bassliner50]

All good advice I'm sure.

 

[Persona87]

Start with the best, TIs. If you wanted to know if you liked steak would you start with the cheap stuff? Flats are not the place to try to save money.

TI flats are great and last a long time, but they are NOT typical flats. They have a strong mid range and a VERY low tension. They're also much more expensive than other flats. They have a singing quality that I haven't heard in another string. I love them.

That being said, I'd definitely recommend some LaBella 760fl strings for a first foray into flats. Very old school and thumpy. They sound and feel great on my fretless P bass.

 

[1stnamebassist]

I see you like my favorite roundwound. Blue Steels are one of the best IMHO. I have a set of the same gauge you are using coming to put on my Precision. As far as flats I think the Fenders are a good place to start. I would suggest maybe going with the 9050L. Not sure how much of a difference .005 will make in tension with that G string, but Fender flats in general will be higher tension than the Blue Steels. Also when you first put them on you may not like the sound. Be patient, they take about a month or so to break in, and keep getting better over time. They won't have the overtones and harmonic content of the rounds, but overall they can sound really nice if that's the type of sound you want. Only way to know is to try. They generally go hand in hand with a Pbass however, so it should work for you. If you like more highs in your sound then D'addario Chromes or Ernie Ball Cobalt flats may be something to consider. Let us know what you think after trying them out if you choose to!

 

[Pantone 333]

Here's a cool video as a point of comparison: D'Addario chromes vs TI flats (Disclaimer: it's not me ... although I wish it was)

 

[Pantone 333]

Some more:

 

[Bassnomer]

I agree with Fender flats. Very even and warm when they break in. I had the .100 gauge set on my jazz bass for four years and they sounded amazing up until I took them off recently. Now my current flat wounds of choice are La Bella Deep Talking Flats, medium gauge. This is for a short scale, so the tension works well. I'd say if you find the Fenders not thumpy enough, the La Bella 760FL would be a great second choice.

 

[pbass2]

I've tried quite a few like many of us have, over the last 15-20 years now that I look back(yikes). Fenders, Ernie Balls, TI's, etc. etc. I've simply come down to two that I rely on: Chromes for an "aggressive/modern" sounding flat, and LaBellas for that classic "flats on a Fender" sound. I don't have too much experience with letting flats other than LaBellas REALLY age for too long, but man, LaBellas truly do get better with age. I've had a ten year-old set on a bass that were just perfect.

 

[theevilplankton]

Fender 9050, 45-100.

Use them on both my Rickys - and I was a confirmed Nickel player forever.

They are just a perfect string in every way - I can't fault them. I have tried other flats, but I've found these to be my favorites.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Fender 9050, 45-100.

Use them on both my Rickys - and I was a confirmed Nickel player forever.

They are just a perfect string in every way - I can't fault them. I have tried other flats, but I've found these to be my favorites.

Yes I will attest that they work extremely well on a Rick once they are broken in. I have a set for my Rick as well as a set of D'addario tapewounds for it. Right now she's sporting some DM Blue Steels. I like changing things around once in a while.

 

[Yahboy]

Reasonable price for Flat starter = Fender 9050L & GHS Precision Flat.

But I end up with Sadowsky BL 40-100 . Just because i need Focus E and "Vintage-Modern" Tone.