geoham Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 (edited) Bear with me on this one..... I don't mean to ramble! Looking for some advice from anyone who's had a similar experience. Since 2002, I've been playing a Fender Jazz (Mex), which has suited me perfectly in most of my endeavours - from my old originals band to a few different covers bands - ranging from a Rolling Stones tribute act to my current pop/functions band. About 18 months ago, I fitted a Gotoh Bridge and Fender Custom 60's pickups to it, which really brought it to life. Stringwise, I've played 45-105 gauge rounds - either Ernie Ball or Rotosound - for as long as I can remember. I also favoured the neck pickup, or sometimes both. Rarely found the bridge pickup had enough low-end to cut through a mix. I often found I wanted something else from my tone - I originally thought something with a more powerful bridge pickup, so purchased an Ibanez ATK. I really didn't get on with it, and moved it on after two years. In September last year, I purchased a Precision bass (again, Mexican). I put a set of Rotosound flats on it, with the mindset that having a Jazz with rounds and a Precision with flats would be a good combination to cover most tones. (The band play a very mixed set) I liked the flats at first, but before long they sounded like rubber bands to me. I've put a set of rounds back on to it, and I'm perfectly happy with it. It sounds best when driven slightly, working well with a few of our more rocky numbers. Back to the Jazz..... I was bored one day, and decided to try the same set of flats on that and I absolutely love the sound of them. I particularly like the bridge pickup in a band situation - it cuts through the mix clearly while delivering a better low end than it did with roundwounds. The neck pickup with the tone rolled off sounds great for some oldies (which I'd guess were originally played on a Precision). So, all good - a Jazz with flats and a Precision with rounds. I can cover all bases, from 'Stand by Me' or 'Mustang Sally' to modern stuff by Kings of Leon, Katy Perry or Bruno Mars. Finally - to the dilemma! I miss the sound of rounds on my Jazz. What do I do? Some things I've considered:-[list] [*]Buy another Jazz with rounds (Possibly a 5 string, as the extended range would also be handy!) [*]Buy a better pickup for the Precision (did the flats sound crap because of that?), and put rounds back on my Jazz [*]Put D'adarrio Chromes on the Jazz - I've heard they are quite bright for flats. [*]Keep things as they are - keeping the wife happy! (In fairness, I'd probably limit myself to two basses per rehearsal or gig anyway) [/list] So, thanks for reading! George Edited April 6, 2014 by geoham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 This is the best [s]excuse[/s] reason to have another bass in your collection, so yes go out and get another Jazz! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 [quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1396790895' post='2417327'] This is the best [s]excuse[/s] reason to have another bass in your collection, so yes go out and get another Jazz! [/quote] Yup! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 I'd get another bass (if I could afford one). I've got Chromes on my bass, the are rather bright for flats, probably on a par with halfwounds (groundwounds). I far prefer the Tomastik Infeld Jazz flats. They're bright for a flat too, but have a much nicer sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 I would have to concur. You NEED another guitar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoham Posted April 6, 2014 Author Share Posted April 6, 2014 [quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1396791926' post='2417346'] I'd get another bass (if I could afford one). I've got Chromes on my bass, the are rather bright for flats, probably on a par with halfwounds (groundwounds). I far prefer the Tomastik Infeld Jazz flats. They're bright for a flat too, but have a much nicer sound. [/quote] I want to get a five string anyway, been considering a Squier VM. Got a family holiday coming up, so will probably grab one after that. Or may hold out for something a bit more upmarket. The one thing thats put me off the TI flats is that they are supposed to be low tension. I'm a but heavy handed you see..... How do they actually feel though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 [quote name='geoham' timestamp='1396795277' post='2417397'] I want to get a five string anyway, been considering a Squier VM. Got a family holiday coming up, so will probably grab one after that. Or may hold out for something a bit more upmarket. The one thing thats put me off the TI flats is that they are supposed to be low tension. I'm a but heavy handed you see..... How do they actually feel though? [/quote] I went from DR Strings roundwound to the TI strings & can honestly say that although I knew they were a lower tension, it never once crossed my mind when I was playing with the band. I play finger, plectrum, slap & tap. It's not like playing elastic bands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coilte Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 [quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1396801072' post='2417463'] I went from DR Strings roundwound to the TI strings & can honestly say that although I knew they were a lower tension, it never once crossed my mind when I was playing with the band. It's not like playing elastic bands. [/quote] +1. People differ on whether they are "floppy" or not. Personally, I dont find them floppy, though I do have a light touch. OP, TI's are expensive initially (not in the long run as they last so long), so you have a choice to play with a lighter touch and enjoy the TI's or forget about them, as IMO they dont lend themselves very well to "digging in". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 If you're ever up round Perth way gigging or if my (new) band get gigging soon & head down your way, You're welcome to have a blast on my bass (it's strung with Chromes). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 Either get another bass, or get n EQ pedal to get an approximation of that flatwound sound without the expense and hassle... I know what I'd do.... Both!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 Keep the Precision as it is, keep the current Jazz as it is, and get a new Jazz and put rounds on it (the 5-er may be a good move). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoham Posted April 6, 2014 Author Share Posted April 6, 2014 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1396811929' post='2417621'] Keep the Precision as it is, keep the current Jazz as it is, and get a new Jazz and put rounds on it (the 5-er may be a good move). [/quote] Think this is some good advice - I'll break the news to the wife! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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