My 1st set of flats, ever.... aka Why didn't I do this sooner?

Clark W

Clark W

Just Say No To Tort!
Supporting Member
Aug 26, 2018
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#1
Got my first set of flats, ever, today, but first a little background on what I have been using.

I started learning to play bass around age 11, way back in 1977. All I have ever used on a regular basis has been Ernie Ball Slinky (nickel wound) sets with a set of GHS Boomers thrown in there a time or two.

In 2001 I got married and well, bass playing, along with my Carvin LB70, went out the window, soon to be followed by the marriage in short order. Over a decade later in early 2016 I traded a Peavey 1820 cab for a Cort Curbow Signature Series bass. I immediately put a set of Ernie Ball strings on it and started playing again, for the first time since late 2002, early 2003.

Fast forward to August 2018. I started gigging with the Cort and decided I had to have something better and bought a brand new Ibanez SR400EQM strung with D'Addario XL nickel wounds.

Then two weeks ago I bought an old Epiphone P Bass ($65) with crap pups and electronics. Replaced all that with EMG GZRs. And put on a set of DR Black Beauties. They sound a little "tinny" to me, but with a little wear that will probably work itself out.

Then a week ago I bought a 2012 Ibanez SRX2EX2, again like other Ibbys, it had nickel wound D'Addario XLs. I have absolutely fell in love with this bass, but the strings are a little worn so I decided to experiment and go with "flats" which brings us to today...

I bought a set of D'Addario XL "Chromes" 50 - 105 gauge flats. Now it's really too early to tell, but... I sat down, took off only the "E", restrung the new "E" flat on there, got it tuned up, and plugged it in just to get a taste of what it would feel and sound like. All I can say is wow!

So time to get off TB and finish stringing her up. As soon as I'm done I'll sit down and run through a few songs and see how they really sound. But I have to say I was impressed for just a few notes and one string. If my first impression is going to be the same for the rest of the strings, then I'm going to be a very happy camper. Hate that I've waited 40 years to try a set of flats. I guess sometimes an old dog can learn new tricks afterall.
 
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#3
nonohmic said:
Flats 4 lyfe son!

I love my chromes, but am wanting to try some TIs on the P bass. Just to see what all the fuss is about.
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Just finished stringing her up. Haven't even played a song yet. Just picking around and holy cow, it's a totally different world playing with these. The feel is so different. Damn D'Addario and their $40 string sets. I don't wanna re-string every bass I own right now, at least my bank account doesn't want me too.

Time for a little Aerosmith "Seasons of Wither"
 
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#6
Clark W said:
Just finished stringing her up. Haven't even played a song yet. Just picking around and holy cow, it's a totally different world playing with these. The feel is so different. Damn D'Addario and their $40 string sets. I don't wanna re-string every bass I own right now, at least my bank account doesn't want me too.

Time for a little Aerosmith "Seasons of Wither"
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Ahhhhh... another flatwound convert.
 
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#8
Congrats on finding what you like though, most people who find flats I have seen say along the lines of the same things.

I have used flats a few times, nothing bad to say about them however I just prefer my nickle wounds more....don't throw stuff at me! :roflmao:
 
#9
klejst said:
Congrats on finding what you like though, most people who find flats I have seen say along the lines of the same things.

I have used flats a few times, nothing bad to say about them however I just prefer my nickle wounds more....don't throw stuff at me! :roflmao:
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To each their own, no doubt. Play whatcha like. But I'm amazed that after 40+ years that I had never done this sooner. Actually I'm amazed that after 40+ years after picking up a bass for the first time that I would even consider something different, much less actually like it. But then it's like butter vs sandpaper to my fingers. I definitely like the tone better too. At least on the one bass that I have strung with them. Will find out how my 2nd Ibby sounds with them tomorrow when I get off work. Going to get another set and string her up with 'em too.
 
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#10
I think ibby's and chrome's are a great match. At least, on the two I've had. Never cared for them much on other basses I've had them on. I use TI's on my p/j, and labella dtf's on my fretless jazz. TI jazz rounds on my Yamaha 5. Those are the only basses I play anymore.
 
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#11
jchrisk1 said:
I think ibby's and chrome's are a great match. At least, on the two I've had. Never cared for them much on other basses I've had them on. I use TI's on my p/j, and labella dtf's on my fretless jazz. TI jazz rounds on my Yamaha 5. Those are the only basses I play anymore.
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Good info to file for future reference. Thanks!
Putting a set on my other Ibby tomorrow.
 
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