Flatwounds on jazz

[popeye567]

Hi
I've got a seven year old 62 reissue jazz, currently with Thomastiks on. I find these a bit too low tension but was wondering how high a tension string can my bass tolerate, given that the neck looks so delicate compared to a precision. I've heard stories about people warping their necks, or not being able to adjust the truss rod enough to compensate. I play a lot of reggae and old school ska, as well as blues, soul etc, so would like an old school sound. Any advice appreciated

 

[mdogs]

What did people do when there were only high tension flats available.

 

[knumbskull]

I've used Chromes, which are fairly high tension, on my Squier jazz with no issues at all.

 

[trothwell]

I personally don't like very high tension strings on a minimally reinforced neck, but it's been done for years, and, as long as the neck is in good shape, shouldn't be a problem.

But there are plenty of strings with tension in between TIs, and, say, 1954-style Labellas! Could try the Labella 760FL set, for example. Or, I've recently been enjoying the lighter-gauge Rotosound 77 40-100 set on a 1962-reissue Jazz bass.

 

[fermata]

The bass will be fine. If TI Flats' tension is "a bit to low" for you, I doubt you'll be popping on those La Bella 1954s, which are bridge cables. I really like the GHS Precision Flats (.045-.095) and La Bella 760FX (.039-.096) for a supple but not floppy feel. For more tension/stiffness, go up a gauge. Fender 9050L also feel good (stiffer than the light GHS or La Bellas) and have a more modern sound than those old-school sets.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Consider LaBella 760FS tuned down a full step.

 

[hotbass57]

I had TI's on my jazz to. I switched and put Labella Low Tension Flats. Perfect still flexible but a little more tension. They sound like they were made for that bass.

 

[shawshank72]

I had some Labella Flatwounds on my Peavey Fury for awhile, which basically has a jazz neck.
No issues what’s so ever.

 

[popeye567]

Thanks for the replies. Are the la bella 760fl much different to the heavier gauge ones?

 

[michael_t]

Thanks for the replies. Are the la bella 760fl much different to the heavier gauge ones?

The 760FL would be my choice if I ever go back to using flats. The same thumpy goodness La Bella flats are known for, but very manageable and well-balanced in terms of overall playing comfort.

 

[popeye567]

Thanks. I might go for those, old school is what I'm going for. Aside from ska and reggae, I always liked duck dunns sound, and I know he used la bella

 

[michael_t]

**The LaBella 760FL Deep-Talkin' Flats LOVE Thread**

 

[el jeffe bass]

I put La Bella low tension flats on a Carvin J type, No problem at all

 

[fjbass78]

i use Fender 9050 flats for 62 reissue jazz bass.

 

[BAG]

I've got flats on my Franken P which has a Warmoth Jazz neck with thin taper profile. It's possibly the thinnest neck i've ever played and it doesn't have a problem. Also got flats on my fretless with Jazz neck.... no problems again.

 

[pbassnut]

I use low tension flats these days because I'm old and arthritic. I've settled on DR 105 - 45 Legends as my goto flats. They're low tension, won't stress out a delicate Jazz neck and are easy to play.

 

[edencab]

I currently have Labellas DTF's on my jazz....it has also worn Dunlop, Fender andf GHS flats.....not any issue with the neck & they all sound good....

 

[4SG]

Couldn't tell you about their particular tension but I've got D'Addario nylon tapewounds on my Jazz bass and they're excellent.

 

[lowendrv]

Any LaBella . I use both DTF's Stainless and Gold on a jazz .

 

[Ritchie_Darling]

I use La Bella flats on everything!

Love 'em!