your favorite flats on a budget?

[Alex J]

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

Oh cool.. shame he never replied! I can get close with my 79 P and slightly worn rounds and a hard attack, but would love to know what he actually used. I don't have a PJ with a blend, so not sure what they sound like with just a little bridge dialled in. Either way he's great and his tone is lovely

 

[JRT64]

Dunlop flats and Ernie Ball Colbalt flats are what I use. Very happy with both.

 

[Heavy Blue]

As others have said. GHS Precision Flats. 3 years and still going strong!

ELECTRIC BASS 4 STRING - WEBSTRINGS DETROIT BASS - STAINLESS STEEL FLATWOUND

Interesting! I’d like to see a review of these.

I hate to repeat what others have said but although they cost the most, TI Jazz Flats are far and away the best value. They’ll last for at least 5 - 10 years and you’ll love the sound and feel.

Maybe not. Some say they are too loose in feel for their liking.
They aren’t much of a value when the E string snaps upon installation either...

 

[Timmah]

My favorite flat currently is the Fender 9050- they’ve got a nice bark to them and the tension is pretty manageable, especially for a flat. They don’t have the metallic twang of Chromes or Cobalts, they have more definition in the mids than LaBellas or GHS, and they’re cheap. Big fan.

I’ve got a set of Dunlop flats that I haven’t opened yet. Might throw them on my P Bass soon but my old set of 9050s is still hanging around, so I might just put them back on instead.

 

[Gizmot]

As others have said. GHS Precision Flats. 3 years and still going strong!

Interesting! I’d like to see a review of these.


Maybe not. Some say they are too loose in feel for their liking.
They aren’t much of a value when the E string snaps upon installation either...

I know quite a few Nashville pros and other touring musicians (before the pandemic) who won't use anything but Jazz Flats. Even Carol Kay and James Jamerson used them. Of course, it's your right to like or not like anything, but TI Jazz Flats are an excellent time proven product.

 

[DJ Bebop]

As others have said. GHS Precision Flats. 3 years and still going strong!

Interesting! I’d like to see a review of these.


Maybe not. Some say they are too loose in feel for their liking.
They aren’t much of a value when the E string snaps upon installation either...

As far as the web strings heavy flats.
They reminded me of LaBella flats a bit. They were stiff, as expected at 50-110. They were brighter than La Bellas at first but settled in after a while. I was going for an old school sound and to me, those offered it.
I haven't used their med gauge flats but I would hope they were just as good.

ELECTRIC BASS 4 STRING - WEBSTRINGS DETROIT BASS - STAINLESS STEEL FLATWOUND

 

[Heavy Blue]

I know quite a few Nashville pros and other touring musicians (before the pandemic) who won't use anything but Jazz Flats. Even Carol Kay and James Jamerson used them. Of course, it's your right to like or not like anything, but TI Jazz Flats are an excellent time proven product.

I’m sure they’re fine as they sure have earned a following and I did go out and buy a set to see what all the hoopla was all about but mine broke upon installation so what can I say about that? I’m not going to spend another $60+tax to find out.

I thought Jameson was a lifelong LaBella fella.

 

[Yahboy]

Old school tone = Labella LTF4A
Modern bright = EB Cobalt flat
Only for Precision Bass = Ti JF344

 

[icefly]

For my first flat experience, I bought GHS Precision Flats 045-095; from previous messages, it seems that I got it right.
For a second bass, maybe choose La Bella or Rotosound.

 

[ancjr]

Budget flat pretty much implies 9050s. They sound and play great as well.