Need help choosing new flatwounds

#41
clank ... let strings break in longer for less treble , turn tone down , play a little close to the bridge , play more across the string than down/thru which clanks the strings on the fretboard or pickups ...
 
#42
I use Thomastik Infeld (TI's) flats on my P Bass because they are a perfect match. On my other basses I use Ernie Ball Cobalts which are smoother and brighter than Chromes which I used previously. A word of warning about La Bella flats before buying, just make sure that they are "Through Body" types, as some are not meant to be strung through the body.
 
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#45
AppalachianBen said:
Hello all, first-time poster.

I'm looking to put some new flatwound strings on my Ibanez SR500. Currently, I have .50-.105 Chromes on the bass right now and I really enjoy them. However, they just seem to have a bit of clankiness to my ears. They've been on at least 1.5 years, and their clankiness seems to be characteristic of chromes from what I've read so far about them.

The local music stores that are nearby have Chromes, EB Cobalt Slinkys, and Rotosound Jazz bass strings as my options. I know most people will say order online, but I much prefer giving my business to brick and mortar stores.

I was wondering what TB's opinions would be on choosing between these strings. I'm not 100% sold on changing the Chromes just yet, but possibly in the very near future. I really enjoy how smooth they are, and tension is not an issue. I play hymns in my church and also play with some bluegrass and country players as well if that helps.

Thank you
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RE: 1.5 year old strings

I guess it depends on how many hours you play, but 1.5 years is a long time to go between string changes. For starters, the do wear where they hit the frets,,which can cause buzzing and intonation issues. Then you have the clanky issue you mentioned.

I have known bassists that have gone decades without changing them, taking pride in that. Let me add however, you ought to hear what their sound guys and recording engineers have to say about it.

For me, currently I get about 100-120 hours of play out of a set. There are no bonus points given for string longevity. Treat yourself, and keep your strings fresh.
 
#47
The Fender flats are a good all-purpose flatwound string, and about the least expensive out there.
Echoing what others have said on your choices, with some additional flavor:

the EB cobalt flats come out of the package slightly sticky. this stickyness wears off with about 5 hours of play time (so give them some time to settle in), and they settle in nicely after that. brightest flats I know of, and they are great strings, probably my 2nd favorite flat. The more vintage EBMM flatwounds (Group IIs and IIIs) are still a fine value flat if you can find them.

my personal favorite flat is the Sadowsky black labels. they just do everything for me. perfect tension, perfect feel, perfect tone. ok, moving on to others:

I've tried many. I also recommend the aforementioned Labella flexible flats (like TIs for about half the price).
Regular Labellas (deep talkins) are a good overall choice, as are the aforementioned DR Legends.
TIs are very comfy and tone is good, if you don't mind the high ticket price.

Now what I don't really like:
I'm not a big fan of Chromes high tension, I like floppy flats, I guess.
Not a fan of GHS, sounded too compressed for my ears.
And I didn't care for the Rotos and I can't remember why right now.
 
#48
AppalachianBen said:
Hello all, first-time poster.

I'm looking to put some new flatwound strings on my Ibanez SR500. Currently, I have .50-.105 Chromes on the bass right now and I really enjoy them. However, they just seem to have a bit of clankiness to my ears. They've been on at least 1.5 years, and their clankiness seems to be characteristic of chromes from what I've read so far about them.

The local music stores that are nearby have Chromes, EB Cobalt Slinkys, and Rotosound Jazz bass strings as my options. I know most people will say order online, but I much prefer giving my business to brick and mortar stores.

I was wondering what TB's opinions would be on choosing between these strings. I'm not 100% sold on changing the Chromes just yet, but possibly in the very near future. I really enjoy how smooth they are, and tension is not an issue. I play hymns in my church and also play with some bluegrass and country players as well if that helps.

Thank you
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I have a SR500. I use Dunlop and GHS precision. Both worked well for me. I have chromes on order and will try them next.
 
#49
Linnin said:
Given your music needs, I'd go with the Rotosound flats. Steve Harris signature set if you can get them. Your local stores should be happy to order any stringset you desire. You'll just have to pay a little more and have a longer wait.
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With a Steve Harris signature set you will need a grip of steel - he plays BIG strings and is twice the man we all are, as befits a living rock god.

Roto '77 jazz flats in .045 to .100 gauge are much more playable for us mere mortals although I prefer La Bella Low Tension Flats these days, still have the '77s on my fretless P though.
 
#51
Linnin said:
Maybe. All flats are pretty smooth with very little difference in my life experience. They all continue to smooth out as you play them. I have no experience with the new EB Cobalt flats that have a reputation of being rough; grippy & grabby.
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That was my experience with the EB Cobalts, too. I usually like EB strings, and use Slinkys on my EBMM Sabre. But these came off in a hurry.
 
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#53
jthisdell said:
I just put a pair of these on my '71 P and they really sounded nice at rehearsal last night. And easy on the fingers. I used DR Rounds for years and then spent some time with LaBella tapes before trying these.
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I have tried more or less every flat on my P Bass from Chromes, Fenders, La Bellas, EB's etc, and a lot of those strings sounded nice. But there is no comparison with TI flats on a P Bass, they are uniquely matched. Funnily enough I tried a set of TI's on my Jazz bass and they didn't sound good at all.
 
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