What are some flats/tapes that'll last for a while?

[Crutch]

I plan to put them on a Precision bass in the distant future, I just need something smooth on the frets and on the fingers (I am physically incapable of growing calluses on my hands). Rolled-off tone in mind.

And by "last", I mean "maintain the properties that make it create sound".

 

[jasper383]

GHS Precision Flats 45-105

La Bella DTF 760FL

Either of those you can put on and leave for years. Both have rolled-off tone once broken in.

 

[Root 5]

Ummm... all of them!

 

[Crutch]

GHS Precision Flats 45-105

La Bella DTF 760FL

Either of those you can put on and leave for years. Both have rolled-off tone once broken in.

Thank you, I'll look into both!

 

[iiipopes]

I had a set of La Bella regular gauge tapes last me two years of constant gigging before the frets finally dug into the nylon and started causing tuning instability.

 

[Aidil]

Agree, all of them.

I've had D'Addario Chromes on numerous basses. The last two sets I keep have been on since 2017.

My D'Addario Nylon Tapewound has been on the same bass since 2016.

I use La Bella DTF on a short scale which isn't going nowhere since 2018.

 

[trothwell]

I had a set of the old-formula Fender nylon strings on a bass from about 1998 to 2012, when I sold the bass. That's probably the longest that I personally have used the same set of strings.

 

[MD]

Had a set of LaBella tapes on for 11 years - 760N

 

[walksupright]

Pick what feels right as far as gauge and tension goes. I’ve tried a bunch of different brands. Right now I’m really digging the Rotosound 77s.

 

[starjag]

Experimentation with flats/tapes can get expensive, but options are rather limited, so you often find what you like relatively quickly. Then pretty much set and forget I find flats/tapes to have the best value over time. But you do have to be patient and let them settle before you decide to try something else.