Flatwounds on a Cirrus 5 (35") ?

Bassometer

Bassometer

Mar 3, 2010
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Ontario, Canada & New York State
#1
My USA Cirrus 5 is my main player (walnut/maple with wenge top) It is light weight, plays amazingly well and sounds great. I am considering installing flatwounds, here is what I am looking for:

- Good mids & articulation.
- Something medium tension on a 35" scale ( I am ok with chromes .045 - .100 on a 34")
- Preferably something that does not take a long time to break in but not an absolute must.

I am considering Dunlop SS flatwounds and Sadowsky (not sure if Black or Blue is a better fit). I want to avoid clank but retain good mids.

If you have any experience with flatwounds on a 35" scale length bass please let me know, thanks
 
#2
I put a set of Chromes on my Lakland 55-01 35" and they were great. The set is .132-45 and was balanced to me. I wanted a little sizzle since I now have a preamp and put on a set of NYXL nickel rounds last week..love them. The Chromes were great also nice B string. The only reason I'm trying rounds is when Chromes die they get well...... flatwound sounding. For this bass I want top end and some grit.
 
#3
Make sure you follow this measuring guide before you order any flat:
Bass String Length Fitment Database at BassStringsOnline

You want to make sure you get the correct length of string. Some brands you need extra long scale for a 35" scale bass others just regular long scale.

For that bass I recommend either the Chromes or TI Jazz Flats. Depends on your exact needs. If you already like Chromes that may be your best bet.
 
#4
christle said:
Make sure you follow this measuring guide before you order any flat:
Bass String Length Fitment Database at BassStringsOnline

You want to make sure you get the correct length of string. Some brands you need extra long scale for a 35" scale bass others just regular long scale.

For that bass I recommend either the Chromes or TI Jazz Flats. Depends on your exact needs. If you already like Chromes that may be your best bet.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the resource - I appreciate it. It is my understanding that Chromes or TI Jazz Flats are not similar, why do you feel that these are a good match for this bass? Thanks
 
#5
beardedclam said:
Thanks for the resource - I appreciate it. It is my understanding that Chromes or TI Jazz Flats are not similar, why do you feel that these are a good match for this bass? Thanks
Click to expand...
I had reg length Chromes so they would not go thru bass. You will need extra long scale I feel. As for the diff in Chromes and TIs it's night and day. I have had both prefer Chromes for the tension. TIs can be a love or hate thing and very pricey for a five set.
 
#6
beardedclam said:
Thanks for the resource - I appreciate it. It is my understanding that Chromes or TI Jazz Flats are not similar, why do you feel that these are a good match for this bass? Thanks
Click to expand...

It depends on your taste but I found that TIs are a good cross between modern (hi mids) and traditional (good fundamental) and have a very good presence on an active bass. To me they are very musical sounding and with their mid placement would suite a Cirrus. They do not have tremendous low end like other flats but they definitely sit very well in the mix. TI's are a low tension flat (almost like Hi Beams/Sunbeams) and that is part of their appeal to me.

Chromes are nice and punchy (I personally don't like them, its a tactile thing not a sound thing) and they are very bright and almost round wound sounding for a flat but not as much as the Cobalt flats. These have more tension than the TI's but are quite manageable. If you already like them I would try them first as they are much more affordable than Chromes. They will also have more thud than the TI's though they are very well articulated.

Personally I prefer LaBella flats but I am not sure they would be a good match on a Cirrus, they can be rather thumpy.
 
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