Which lower tension Flats for stand up tone ?

Low tension? TI Flats will satisfy you. For a stand up tone - or a reasonable facsimile; no electric bass (except maybe a vintage Ampeg EUB) can really duplicate it - with your Peavey, you'll probably need a mute, too. What will get you as close as you can get, though, is the proper technique; i.e., playing it as much like an upright as you can. I have a violin bass (with Roto 88s), and a Danelectro DC 59 (La Bella DTFs) that do a fair job copping that tone; well enough to know that it's my technique that's most of the problem holding us back...;)
 
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My fave are Pyramids - a bit more tension but beautiful feel and tone. Pricey though. I find TIs to be too floppy but many players like them. FWIW I play upright also and like to dig in. TIs didn't let me play like that - more of a "light touch" string.
 
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If both TIs and LaBellas take a long time to wear in properly (and I agree they do, IME too), wouldn't that make the argument you're making about them being bright when new redundant? I love both TIs and LaBellas, and I think both would work well for an upright sound, but I wouldn't discard the TIs based on how they sound when new.

Maybe another thing to discuss in this thread is "what is an upright sound"? I'd think there is more than one default upright bass sound. NHOP makes his upright sing and sustain like crazy, while alot of the traditional big band bass players have zero sustain and brightness.
 
Haven't put flats on yet but I put foam by the bridge and been using my thumb near the fretboard. A lot closer to what I'm shooting for. Adding flats will probably be close enough.

I like the way the foam sounds with a heavy pick as well.

Down the road I may try a fretless violin bass.
 
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