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Which flatwounds for my Beatle bass

seilerbird

seilerbird

Apr 12, 2012
411
1,188
#1
I bought me a Hofner Beatle Bass last month and of course it has round wounds on it and I would like to try flat wounds. I cannot find any info on Hofner's web site about what the stock string diameters are so I went to Guitar Center to see what they said. The first saleman told me flat out they were 45-90s. So I went to the counter and told the guy what I wanted and he handed me a set of 45-105 long scale Rotosounds telling me these were the best strings made. I asked him if he had them in 45-90s and he said no, the only other set he had was 45-100.

I don't really want to do surgery on my nut and I really don't think I want even bigger strings, I have small hands. So I will ask the experts here what flat wounds strings should I buy for my Beatle bass. Please provide a link if possible.

I have been playing guitar for almost 50 years yet I am basically a beginning bass player and I will be playing mainly classic rock. Thanks for your help.
 
#2
The nut is actually the easy part of the equation. The metal bridge is slotted for .100 or below so that .105 wouldn't get through the bridge. Plus the scale length could be too long.

The three big choices are:

1. TI Jazz Flats - There is a set specifically made for Hofner basses. JF324H
2. Pyramid Flats - I believe that Hofner brand strings are Pyramid made but don't know for sure
3. LaBella Beatle Bass Strings

They are all different so recommending isn't easy. I like TI Jazz Flats but the LaBellas have a LOT of fans as well.
 
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#3
Johnny Alien said:
The nut is actually the easy part of the equation. The metal bridge is slotted for .100 or below so that .105 wouldn't get through the bridge. Plus the scale length could be too long.

The three big choices are:

1. TI Jazz Flats - There is a set specifically made for Hofner basses. JF324H
2. Pyramid Flats - I believe that Hofner brand strings are Pyramid made but don't know for sure
3. LaBella Beatle Bass Strings

They are all different so recommending isn't easy. I like TI Jazz Flats but the LaBellas have a LOT of fans as well.
Click to expand...

+1
 
#5
None, sell that thing and get a bass with Fender on the headstock. ;)

Actually I think a set of medium gauge .45-.100 flats would sound really nice on that style bass. I never owned one but I have played a few and it lends itself to a very active melodic style like McCartney played so light to medium flats is what I would put on one. TI are pricey but probably the best ones out there.
 
#8
McCartney used the Invalid Link Removed for a while.

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#9
I've got a Hofner Violin like you. Had the same problem wen I bought flats but I bought 50-105s and although there is a problem with the tail not receiving the 105 very well. But they sound amazing I think hey where rotos but really any flats give a good Beatles sound
 
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#10
I have a Hofner Club bass. I recommend the La Bella Hofner set. Just the right balance string-to-string and that fat, Hofner sound. The 50-100 set.

For a while, I had a set of light short scale Fender rounds on it, too. Despite my idea that a bass like these should have flats on it, it sounded great with the rounds, too. After a couple weeks of breaking in, they were thunky and still had some edge.

Can't go wrong.
 
#14
Be sure to use strings that are designed for the Hofner. The small neck is sensitive to too much tension. I had this problem with an old Club Bass I bought back in the 60's - it had some standard gauge strings forced on it and they warped the neck. It has been finally repaired and now has the T.I.s on it with a great sound.
 
#15
jumbodbassman said:
labella from imperial guitars in newburgh NY. best prices by far
Click to expand...

+1

Order online and get the lighter of the two gauges ( you mentioned not wanting strings that are too heavy) I believe the 760FHB2. I personally went for the higher tension ones 760FHBB but I don't think you can go wrong with either. Both are made specifically for the Beatle bass.
 
#18
Pyramids are the strings to use. They were specifically designed for that instrument, and will not place too much tension on the neck. My Hofner Club will never wear anything else.

Yes, they cost more, but are still way cheaper than having the neck reset.
 

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