dclaassen Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 Okay, hear me out… I have just started working with a very good country/Americana band. My MPV. 5 with Elixers does okay, and is a real joy to play, but does not offer the tonal range of the Yamaha. However, for this group, rounds sound really out of character. Ideally, I want a traditional flatwound sound, but with a bright edge. I like a lighter B string….125 seems to be about right. I always appreciated the ability of a good active bass to make adjustments on the fly. Suggestion…given the parameters above? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman Posted August 11, 2023 Share Posted August 11, 2023 Thomastik JF344 flats The perfect flat. Lots of low end but a really nice punchy high on top. They last forever and feel like your favourite slippers. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted August 11, 2023 Share Posted August 11, 2023 Roll off the tone knob and some sponge under the rounds. Costs virtually nothing. Also hand muting with tone rolled down with also give the same sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dclaassen Posted August 11, 2023 Author Share Posted August 11, 2023 1 hour ago, Rayman said: Thomastik JF344 flats The perfect flat. Lots of low end but a really nice punchy high on top. They last forever and feel like your favourite slippers. Sounds good, but that .136 B is heavier than I want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dclaassen Posted August 11, 2023 Author Share Posted August 11, 2023 11 minutes ago, hooky_lowdown said: Roll off the tone knob and some sponge under the rounds. Costs virtually nothing. Also hand muting with tone rolled down with also give the same sound. Good suggestion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misdee Posted August 11, 2023 Share Posted August 11, 2023 (edited) 26 minutes ago, dclaassen said: Sounds good, but that .136 B is heavier than I want Regardless of the gauges, the Thomastiks are very supple-feeling. I've never tried a five string set, but the four string set is very elastic. I expect the B string is consistent with that feel. I think the NE2 would sound superb with flatwounds on. If you want a slightly more clunky tone than the Thomastiks then have a look at La Bella Low Tension flats. They have a 110 B. Edited August 11, 2023 by Misdee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted August 11, 2023 Share Posted August 11, 2023 (edited) I happily play all styles, including a lot of Americana, with a PJ5 with TI flats and a 5 string Jazz with Dunlops. IMO there are no downsides to fat strings as long as they are a good make. If the bass has good pickups TI flats will make it sing. I also put a lump of foam under the strings, to maximize the thump. Edited August 11, 2023 by chris_b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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