wateroftyne Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 [quote name='Brother Jones' post='507727' date='Jun 7 2009, 08:32 PM']Good for you matey. Like many things, it's just a question of personal preference. If 'your sound' involves flats then great. What I'm concerned about is the way that less experienced players seem to be using flats because they are easier to control - in the same way that we played 30-90 Superwounds in the 80s because they had lighter tension and (often) lower action.[/quote] I'm sure less experienced players will be fine. It's nice that you're concerned about them, though. Anyway, the shops had better get their act together if they want to cash in on this Flatwound bandwagon. Monz (*looks up a few posts*) can't find anywhere that sells them. Maybe they've sold all their stock to Noobz? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risingson Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 [quote name='Brother Jones' post='507727' date='Jun 7 2009, 08:32 PM']What I'm concerned about is the way that less experienced players seem to be using flats because they are easier to control...[/quote] What?? Your kidding, I've not ever come across a beginner bass player who yet knows how flatwounds work or what they are, let alone wanting to use them to control their technique. Everyone is entitled to an opinion of course, but I think that's a pretty inaccurate and rubbish statement if you don't mind me saying so myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huge Hands Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 [quote name='Brother Jones' post='507007' date='Jun 6 2009, 02:52 PM']Last week I tried a second hand five string (a [i]five[/i] string people!) that had been strung with flats.[/quote] All my 5 stringers are strung with Labella flats. I didn't realise I was being stupid..... I love them. I originally tried them to see what the fuss was all about (the plus side of being on "Groupthink Central" ). I almost gave up as I found they would make my fingers sore and blister, but once I got used to them I have had no problems since. I love the feel and sound, it has nothing to do with following a crowd or bandwagon. I have no desire to go back to rounds, unless I find some that convince me otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdavid Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 [quote name='Brother Jones' post='507727' date='Jun 7 2009, 08:32 PM']Good for you matey. What I'm concerned about is the way that less experienced players seem to be using flats because they are easier to control[/quote] Whats wrong with that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixshooter Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 [quote name='wateroftyne' post='505849' date='Jun 4 2009, 09:33 PM']They are, but.. I'm just about to change out a set of La Bellas after seven years. How many sets of rounds would I have been through in that time?[/quote] Spot on there! and also they are fret frendly so if you are a regular player your frets will last longer.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 [quote name='redstriper' post='507719' date='Jun 7 2009, 08:21 PM']I thought all electric basses came with flatwounds until Jaco came and changed the World.[/quote] The new Fender Precision I bought in 1977 had factory fitted flatwounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 [quote name='Brother Jones' post='507727' date='Jun 7 2009, 08:32 PM']What I'm concerned about is the way that less experienced players seem to be using flats because they are easier to control[/quote] what makes you say flats are easier to control? I don't understand why you would say that? But if it was true - which I don't really think it is - it would be wise for less experienced players to use them. [quote name='Brother Jones' post='507727' date='Jun 7 2009, 08:32 PM']in the same way that we played 30-90 Superwounds in the 80s because they had lighter tension and (often) lower action.[/quote] You may have used those in the 1980s, I certainly didn't - I don't even know what 'Superwounds' are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSlade07 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I've tried fitting flatwounds to my Fender MIM P, however, I could have driven a bus through the action after I'd fitted them. They were Rotosounds incidently. If changing to flatwounds do you need to adjust the neck on most basses, or does it depend on the bass and brand of strings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 [quote name='JohnSlade07' post='509025' date='Jun 9 2009, 02:00 PM']I've tried fitting flatwounds to my Fender MIM P, however, I could have driven a bus through the action after I'd fitted them. They were Rotosounds incidently. If changing to flatwounds do you need to adjust the neck on most basses, or does it depend on the bass and brand of strings?[/quote] It would be common to adjust the neck and the intonation on any bass after changing to any different type of string. I wouldn't use the Rotosounds myself so I don't know but my guess is that they are higher tension than your previous strings and so you will need to tighten the truss rod and adjust the bridge accordingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 (edited) In general they have higher tension so you should adjust your truss-rod accordingly. TI's are pretty loose though, whereas Jamerson LaBellas for instance are like bridge cables. If you don't know how to do this then it's worth learning how (be careful) or take it to a pro - if your action is high because your neck is bowed, it's not going to be good for the neck. And more people need to try Pyramid Gold flats, I am loving em! Edited June 9, 2009 by dannybuoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdavid Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 (edited) [quote name='JohnSlade07' post='509025' date='Jun 9 2009, 02:00 PM']I've tried fitting flatwounds to my Fender MIM P, however, I could have driven a bus through the action after I'd fitted them. They were Rotosounds incidently. If changing to flatwounds do you need to adjust the neck on most basses, or does it depend on the bass and brand of strings?[/quote] Rotosound flatwounds are notoriously ridiculously high tension , I had a set on a bass of mine they were standard gauge (105-45) but tuned DGCF , even at that tuning the tension was too high, I ended up taking them off. Flats are slightly higher tension than rounds and most people tend to go a gauge lighter with flats than they would with roundwounds , whether or not you will need to adjust the neck or not would depend on the brand , rotos and fender flats are very high tension , ti's are fairly low tension Edited June 9, 2009 by markdavid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSlade07 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Thanks for that, that explains a lot. I'll have to remortgage the house and take the plunge with a set of TIs then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctorbass Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Ernie Ball 110's on my 78P and 51RI - tweak the truss rod and you're away. Great thump from these, the 51 feels and sounds just fantastic with this set up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dread Bass Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Sorry not for me I tried them and couldn't get on with them. I can see how they would work great for some things tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdavid Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 [quote name='JohnSlade07' post='509050' date='Jun 9 2009, 02:24 PM']Thanks for that, that explains a lot. I'll have to remortgage the house and take the plunge with a set of TIs then.[/quote] When you think of how long they last though (flats last indefinately, most people keep them on their bass for years) you will initially spend more but end up saving money as you will not have to change strings as often. If you want low tension flatwounds and dont want to pay TI's prices , most companies do flats in light gauge , just avoid Fender or Roto flats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee4 Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 Had to completely set my bass up after I put flats on.That,and the extra effort in fingering notes aside(due to extra tension)they are really worth putting on. Played Good Times by Chic last night;bridge pup and flats gave me a great disco/funk sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monz Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 OK taken the plunge... La Bella "deep talking" light 43 to 128 ordered from stringbusters Will report back here with my first impressions as soon as I get them on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 [quote name='Monz' post='512743' date='Jun 13 2009, 12:39 PM']OK taken the plunge... La Bella "deep talking" light 43 to 128 ordered from stringbusters Will report back here with my first impressions as soon as I get them on[/quote] Fab.. I would hold off on the 'first impressions' report until they've got a few gigs behind 'em. They take a little while to open up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomEndian Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 As an update on my earlier post... Got my TIs from Stringbusters, so it looks like the "dead D" batch has been replaced. Strung up the VMJ fretless this evening. Wow. What a difference. It had D'Addario Chromes on it before (which replaced the horrible, horrible Fender rounds it shipped with), and I liked the Chromes a lot, but the TIs take it to another level. A lot more flexible than the Chromes, and I feel like I can play everything a touch more easily. Really sweet, thunky sound, without that zing of the Chromes. The only downside of the TIs compared to the Chromes is that I'd say the Chromes are even smoother to the touch, so the fretting hand can slip around even more easily than on the TIs. On the other hand... literally... plucking the TIs is easier, so it's swings and roundabouts there. I'm in flats heaven. Now I just need to try some La Bellas... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 [quote name='BottomEndian' post='513690' date='Jun 14 2009, 11:07 PM']As an update on my earlier post... Got my TIs from Stringbusters, so it looks like the "dead D" batch has been replaced. Strung up the VMJ fretless this evening. Wow. What a difference. It had D'Addario Chromes on it before (which replaced the horrible, horrible Fender rounds it shipped with), and I liked the Chromes a lot, but the TIs take it to another level. A lot more flexible than the Chromes, and I feel like I can play everything a touch more easily. Really sweet, thunky sound, without that zing of the Chromes. The only downside of the TIs compared to the Chromes is that I'd say the Chromes are even smoother to the touch, so the fretting hand can slip around even more easily than on the TIs. On the other hand... literally... plucking the TIs is easier, so it's swings and roundabouts there. I'm in flats heaven. Now I just need to try some La Bellas...[/quote] Give the TIs a few weeks and several hours of playing and they will sound even better. Then they carry on getting even better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomEndian Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 [quote name='EssentialTension' post='513697' date='Jun 14 2009, 11:11 PM']Give the TIs a few weeks and several hours of playing and they will sound even better. Then they carry on getting even better.[/quote] So I'm going to move [i]beyond[/i] flats heaven? I'm quite excited. This I have to see... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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