Recommendations for flatwounds in between GHS P Flats and Chromes

S

Sandwell

Jan 2, 2017
201
143
4,531
UK
#1
Hey guys, first post here.
I'm on a search for some flatwounds for my Jazz that fall somewhere in between GHS Precision Flats and D'addario Chromes. These are the only two sets that I've tried so far, and I found the Chromes a bit too modern and the P Flats a little too vintage, although the GHS were pretty close to what I'm going for (just wrestled a bit with the E).
What would you recommend?
Also any reports on the light P Flats? Is the 95 E less clunky?
cheers!
 
#4
I had the same issue with the GHS Flats E string being to lifeless, undefined, just a blob of sound. I installed LaBella's just a couple of days ago, and so far I like them a bit better. No by much, the E also has some of the deadish qualities (while the other strings are very well defined and still have plenty of top end), but the strings tend to be just a tad brighter than the GHS strings, so perhaps that would be what you're looking for?
 
#5
ghs - deep low end, muted sustain, thick mids, light top end
chromes - low end w/ sustain, light low-mid mids, accentuated high mids and treble

the pyramid are great but will be even more dead sounding than the GHS after break in. But they do have the same thick mids thing going on.

I'd say try labella and if those don't work give the light gauge GHS a shot.
 
#9
thanks for the replys everyone, been reading about the Sadowsky's and they sound like what I'm looking for. Might try the Fenders too as they're quite cheap.

Its weird, I live in Britain and Flatwounds arn't easy to get or cheap over here, and prices are pretty different to America. Pyramids and Thomastiks are cheaper than Chromes and Cobalts!
 
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#10
Sandwell said:
thanks for the replys everyone, been reading about the Sadowsky's and they sound like what I'm looking for. Might try the Fenders too as they're quite cheap.

Its weird, I live in Britain and Flatwounds arn't easy to get or cheap over here, and prices are pretty different to America. Pyramids and Thomastiks are cheaper than Chromes and Cobalts!
Click to expand...
Maybe because Pyramid and Thomastiks are made in Germany, Chromes and Ernie Ball in the US ;)
 
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#11
Sandwell said:
thanks for the replys everyone, been reading about the Sadowsky's and they sound like what I'm looking for. Might try the Fenders too as they're quite cheap.

Its weird, I live in Britain and Flatwounds arn't easy to get or cheap over here, and prices are pretty different to America. Pyramids and Thomastiks are cheaper than Chromes and Cobalts!
Click to expand...

Check thomann site, they are from Germany but also ship to the UK
 
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#13
I agree with Jon that Rotos (Jazz 77) may be a viable option for you. They really are, from the many flats I've tried, a good in between of the GHS PFs and Chromes. The Rotos have the mids similar (not the same) to the PFs (which Chromes lack), but have more top end similar to the Chromes. They are more stiff and the volume is a less than any string I've tried. But the tone is good. They have more mids than the LaBellas and are a tad brighter (more like Chromes but better).

Another option is GHS Pressure Wounds. After a little playing they will loose some of the new top end, but retain great clarity, strong mids and good lows. A very nice compromise. After they've been on a while they sound more like clear sounding flats. They last a long time.

As for the PFs, they will even out over time. You might back the bass off on your amp a little since the strings have plenty to bring out everything else a little.

TIs are another great string and might last longer than you keep that bass. Not for everyone but on a Pbass... Oh yeah!
 
#17
dagrev said:
I agree with Jon that Rotos (Jazz 77) may be a viable option for you. They really are, from the many flats I've tried, a good in between of the GHS PFs and Chromes. The Rotos have the mids similar (not the same) to the PFs (which Chromes lack), but have more top end similar to the Chromes. They are more stiff and the volume is a less than any string I've tried. But the tone is good. They have more mids than the LaBellas and are a tad brighter (more like Chromes but better).

Another option is GHS Pressure Wounds. After a little playing they will loose some of the new top end, but retain great clarity, strong mids and good lows. A very nice compromise. After they've been on a while they sound more like clear sounding flats. They last a long time.

As for the PFs, they will even out over time. You might back the bass off on your amp a little since the strings have plenty to bring out everything else a little.

TIs are another great string and might last longer than you keep that bass. Not for everyone but on a Pbass... Oh yeah!
Click to expand...

I was going to try the Roto's as JPJ used them on his jazz and he's my favourite jazz player but in demo's they sound so bright and forward! So I dunno, maybe they mellow nicely, Roger Waters bass doesn't sound like the demo's I heard either...
I have heard that about the PF's, I think I'll give them some more time. thanks for the reply.
 
#19
Klonk said:
True. I have usually piggybacked my friend's orders from Thomann, or we have split the freight (I live in Norway). One of my friends told me he got free freight to Norway on his last order, but I dont know if that was a mistake on their part or not.
Click to expand...
Normally, from a certain amount on, they will give free shipping. (Just checked: for GB from 199 €, for Norway398 €).
 
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