peety Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I have just bought a new US Fender P and am looking to put flats on it, at the moment am using Lakland JO flats on my Bob Glaub but want to try something different on the Fender, am looking to string through the body so just wondering what people would recommend. I have been looking at labella and Ti jazz flats and wondered if anyone had any opinions, whilst i guess a lot is down to personal preference would just be interested in other views. For info i play in a function band doing usaul sort of covers cheers steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 Ive used both TIs and currently im using EB Group IIIs. I have to say, them are both fantastic. Im really warming to the EB's, and they are not as expensive as you might think. The EBs have no problems with string through the body setups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 La Bellas are great, but I don't think stringing through the body is recommended...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumnote Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I like TIs although they feel a lot different to the lakland flats, but a lot of people dont reccomend through body with flats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peety Posted October 27, 2010 Author Share Posted October 27, 2010 [quote name='bumnote' post='1002065' date='Oct 27 2010, 09:29 AM']I like TIs although they feel a lot different to the lakland flats, but a lot of people dont reccomend through body with flats[/quote] Yes i noticed that before think it may be wiser to just string it through the bridge to be on the safe side. cheers steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 Status Hotwires blow the hyped up (to an extent) expensive alternatives out the water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legion Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 Like all things strings, its a process of trying till you find something you like. So far I've tried Pyramid Gold flats, TI jazz flats, Labellas, Sadowsky, Chromes, Status Hotwires, Rotosound flats and Nylons... TI Jazz flats - sound amazing, low tension can be a pain if you don't have a very light touch Sadowsky - so far I'm very impressed, nice warm tone but with a little more brightness and tension Labellas - I think I had the Jamerson set which are like suspension bridge cables, great thump sound but quite demanding to play Chromes - not my thing at all, practically sound like rounds to me. Apparently they mellow but I dunno how long it takes. Status Hotwires - only used for a limited time as they came on a bass I bought here. Reminded me of the Chromes but less edgy. Rotosounds - These were my 1st choice once upon a time. Now I hate them. Very "hollow" sounding and a neck breaking tension to boot. Roto Nylons - Bear in mind the large sizes so you might need a new nut. Nice sound but very marmite, I think you'll know straight away if you like them. Pyramid Gold flats - jury is still out on these, initially I liked them but then went off them went I put them back to back with the TI's So my recommendation is to try Labella's 760 FL's or the Sadowsky SBF45. Probably easier to get hold of a set of the Labellas over here though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 [quote name='Ou7shined' post='1002079' date='Oct 27 2010, 09:43 AM']Status Hotwires blow the hyped up (to an extent) expensive alternatives out the water.[/quote] ^^^ what he said MUST BE TRUE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliverBlackman Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 Elites feel and sound like la bella's but cost much less. Also keep away from rotosound, they'l break your fingers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I might often blow the Ernie Ball trumpet, but everyone should test these flats. Im no flats expert, but I think it might convince a few of the experts that they are indeed very nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I've only used two brands of flats. I had Ernie Balls on first - a used set supplied by a kind Basschat member. I then bought myself a set of TIs. When I had fitted two of the TI strings, I compared them. I have to say, they sounded identical. I couldn't tell that I had two different brands of string fitted. Just one observation FWIW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 (edited) [quote name='stevie' post='1002224' date='Oct 27 2010, 11:31 AM']I've only used two brands of flats. I had Ernie Balls on first - a used set supplied by a kind Basschat member. I then bought myself a set of TIs. When I had fitted two of the TI strings, I compared them. I have to say, they sounded identical. I couldn't tell that I had two different brands of string fitted. Just one observation FWIW.[/quote] Exactly, and I think the TIs are a fair whack more. I think its more the feel that people like to comment on with flats....and the ommph! Edited October 27, 2010 by Musicman20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieD_FenderP2009 Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 LaBella flats are incredible. I used a set a while back on my P-Bass and loved them Never use the Rotosound SH77 Steve Harris ones, they will break your neck with the high tension and they go dull very quickly which is terrible for a set of strings that cost £35 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr1 Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I used La bella (still got them,as they re best for me) TI, Roto 77 and Daddario. TI also are great sounding abnd feeling,but they were kinda "too light" especially after La bella (Jamerson set) I felt they are being better on my jazz bass. so, it's very personal thing. I didnt like Roto - even helluva lot players plays those, including pretty big cats. D'Addario as well... so,see for your self mate, it's only way. plus,bear in mind that it also has a lot with the action (set up),your attack, amplifier... and finally - La Bella can't be stringed through body... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 (edited) [quote name='stevie' post='1002224' date='Oct 27 2010, 11:31 AM']I've only used two brands of flats. I had Ernie Balls on first - a used set supplied by a kind Basschat member. I then bought myself a set of TIs. When I had fitted two of the TI strings, I compared them. I have to say, they sounded identical. I couldn't tell that I had two different brands of string fitted. Just one observation FWIW.[/quote] Fair enough, but, in my experience, a brand new TI Jazz Flat does not sound like, for example, a six month or twelve month old TI Jazz Flat. EDIT: I've never tried Ernie Balls so I have no comment on them. Edited October 27, 2010 by EssentialTension Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 (edited) [quote name='Musicman20' post='1002228' date='Oct 27 2010, 11:35 AM']Exactly, and I think the TIs are a fair whack more. I think its more the feel that people like to comment on with flats....and the ommph![/quote] I think that there is a vast difference in the upper-mids and specific brightness between the brands [b]IMHO[/b]* *added to avoid further sarcyness. Edited October 27, 2010 by Ou7shined Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raggy Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I keep well away from Ernie Ball flats now, have tried them a few times, not really impressed at all. Have had an A string break and the silk wrapping come away from the core on the G, on two sets of strings, rendering the string useless. La Bella 760FM's all the way for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 [quote name='Ou7shined' post='1002248' date='Oct 27 2010, 11:46 AM']I think that there is a vast difference in the upper-mids and specific brightness between the brands [b]IMHO[/b]*[/quote] I suppose that depends what you mean by vast. Here's a nice Youtube comparison of three different flatwounds. The differences are certainly there on those three brands. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDZJMKfgaCk"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDZJMKfgaCk[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumnote Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 [quote name='stevie' post='1002224' date='Oct 27 2010, 11:31 AM']I've only used two brands of flats. I had Ernie Balls on first - a used set supplied by a kind Basschat member. I then bought myself a set of TIs. When I had fitted two of the TI strings, I compared them. I have to say, they sounded identical. I couldn't tell that I had two different brands of string fitted. Just one observation FWIW.[/quote] Ive never tried Ernie Balls, Ive had Rotos and Lakland own but I found the rotos and lakelands to have more tension while I find the tis looser, and that is the reason I prefer them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I just put some Rotosound sm77 monel flats on my cv jazz and they sound most excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 [quote name='bumnote' post='1002431' date='Oct 27 2010, 01:44 PM']Ive never tried Ernie Balls, Ive had Rotos and Lakland own but I found the rotos and lakelands to have more tension while I find the tis looser, and that is the reason I prefer them.[/quote] The EBs are higher tension (Group IIIs are the ones I use) than TIs, but still with plenty of flexibility. The tension isnt that much higher at all, but its there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markorbit Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I normally prefer La Bellas but I just put a fresh set on a P yesterday and they sound a bit pants! They need to be worn in to take the edge off. Have you tried black nylon? Status, Rotosound and La Bella make a good set of those too if you are into flat territory. I have a worn-in set on a Status S2 and I think they are my favourite strings on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I use Ernie ball Custom groupIII flats (.045-.100) on my p-bass........bloody luvverley they are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 I like Rotosound & I'm a bit concerned reading Legion's post as he comes across like he might know his stuff. I think the Fender flats are ok for a starting point when getting into flats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legion Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 [quote name='BurritoBass' post='1002796' date='Oct 27 2010, 06:05 PM']I like Rotosound & I'm a bit concerned reading Legion's post as he comes across like he might know his stuff. I think the Fender flats are ok for a starting point when getting into flats.[/quote] I wouldn't worry - it's all down to what sort of sound you have in your head eh. It's just my experiences. If you like the roto's then thats great, as I say I used to like them as well but once I started experimenting I found other strings I liked more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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