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.
your favorite flats on a budget?
- Thread starter William K
- Start date
Loads of good suggestions for budget flats in this thread, but the first video you posted almost certainly isn't flatwounds. Wilbur Bascomb playing rounds on a P bass, with an added J pickup. Think it had active electronics added at some point as well, similar to Marcus' bass with the huge control plate.
that's what he's playing now yes, but back in '78? not so sure..! sounds all P bass to me, as for the strings I don't know, maybe you're right
I have consumed much bandwidth extolling the virtues of Fender 9050 flats. I gigged one set for two years before the E string went thump, then replaced just the E string for another year. I only quit using the set because the bands I was in went a different direction with their repertoire and sound ideal.
Fender 9050L is the set currently most popular.
Of course, depending on how you play, cost should not be an issue. Whatever set you get, if you take care of them, should last years, and years, and years, so the cost over time is much lower than with rounds.
Fender 9050L is the set currently most popular.
Of course, depending on how you play, cost should not be an issue. Whatever set you get, if you take care of them, should last years, and years, and years, so the cost over time is much lower than with rounds.
Indeed! I've just put on a 9050L set on my Pbass and really like them!
Chromes immediately come to mind.
Been rocking some Fender flats (9050) on my #1 for a couple of months. Still fairly bright for flats, but they work for what we're playing right now. I like them ok so far.
I've also got Chromes and Labellas on some of my other basses. I prefer the Labellas over the other flats I've tried, and they're still plenty bright for my purposes despite lots of play on 2 basses over several years. Love their feel and their tasty low end. They aren't the most expensive flats out there, but to me, they're worth the increased cost compared to Chromes and Fenders. Although, I'm going to reserve final opinion on the Fenders for a while since they can take a while to break in.
Been rocking some Fender flats (9050) on my #1 for a couple of months. Still fairly bright for flats, but they work for what we're playing right now. I like them ok so far.
I've also got Chromes and Labellas on some of my other basses. I prefer the Labellas over the other flats I've tried, and they're still plenty bright for my purposes despite lots of play on 2 basses over several years. Love their feel and their tasty low end. They aren't the most expensive flats out there, but to me, they're worth the increased cost compared to Chromes and Fenders. Although, I'm going to reserve final opinion on the Fenders for a while since they can take a while to break in.
Fixed it. 9050's are the Flats. They are in the $25 price range.We're talking flats here.
it's not a past time, it's my job/career. I'm still on the lookout for deals, if I end up hating a set of strings I'll be happier if they cost me 25$ than if they cost double or more. So far I've read as much bad things about the pricier strings than the cheaper ones, so I'm asking people which seem to be the most popular cheaper options!
Are you doubting that people used roundwounds in the 70s? Or added J pickups? Because they certainly did both. The thumping and plucking he does is obviously not on flats.
Anyway I see you were asking about this way back in 2012. Wilbur is on Facebook, why not just contact him?
that "sound" is more a function of chops than it is of any string type. the best 'string' for that sound is practice. good luck with your career and your search for "flats on a budget!"
I did! he never answered! I've been snooping around for info on him and his sound since forever and there is very little stuff to go by, alas. I did read that he has '66 p-bass, not sure if it's the PJ I've seen pictures of him with. not saying the '70s recording isn't a PJ necessarily put I don't find it sounds like one at all IMO
