Flatwound strings

[Thunderbird]

I was reading about strings in another thread and I have decided that I would like to try some now this may be a silly question but are they available in standard gauge 45-105 as I cannot find any online they all seem heavier in general I honestly do not know much about flats as maybe you can tell lol so do I also have to re set up my bass if I put them on? I am guessing yes and what would you guys recommend I have heard fantastic things about Labellas and Thomastiks but I really don't fancy spending £40+ just in case I don't like them I have seen some Fender flats online and they are about £20 a set does anyone have any experience of these? or know of anything that my be good at around that kind of price point? and I mostly play with a pick now so will pick playing ruin a flat wound string really quickly or is it OK to use a pick with this type of string? I am sure I will think of something else to ask lol but thanks in advance anyway guys

[Twigman]

Of course they are available in std and lighter gauges....

Go for a 40-100 set of Chromes [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/913134/daddario-ecb84-4-string-flatwound-chromes-40-100-long-scale-bass-guitar-strings/"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/913134/daddario-ecb84-4-string-flatwound-chromes-40-100-long-scale-bass-guitar-strings/[/url]

[Paul S]

Keep a look out on the classifieds here as they often come up after people try them and don't get on with them.

I have just changed all my basses back to flats after a period of roundwounds - I just love the tone. And I mainly use a pick. As to which brand - that is very subjective!

[Twigman]

Or fender 45-105 @ £20
[url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912479/fender-9050cl-stainless-steel-flatwound-bass-guitar-strings-45-105-long-scale/"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912479/fender-9050cl-stainless-steel-flatwound-bass-guitar-strings-45-105-long-scale/[/url]

[Twigman]

In fact using stringsdirect search here is a page of all their flatwound 4 string sets
[url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/c/601/strings/bass-guitar-strings-sets/flat-wound-sets/"]http://www.stringsdi...lat-wound-sets/[/url]

Actually you need to select the gauge from the drop down on the left.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Twigman

[redstriper]

Fender flats are a good start, very smooth in feel, sound and value, 45-105s are my favourite.
They are also available in different gauges at good prices on Amazon.

[Thunderbird]

Lovely thanks for the info guys really appreciate that

[wateroftyne]

Lakland do a similar gauge for not much money.

[Thunderbird]

Thanks chaps oh what to try what to try choices choices choices lol

[Hutton]

I love Thomastik Flats. Had one set on now for 7 years. They sound glorious and obviously economical. If they're good enough for Pino then who am I to argue?

[skidder652003]

using status hotwires, really pleased with them, £18 a set I think, direct from status.

[Dazed]

As mentioned earlier, currently using a set of D'addario Xl Chrome Flats- nice feel and tone, but my first set of flats in 30 years of round wounds so nothing yet to compare to. Just bought a used fretless which has arrived with an unopened set of Fender flats so I'll be giving them a try soon.

[Coilte]

Another +1 for the Thomastick flats. Bear in mind that these are one of the lowest tension flats out there. This puts a lot of people off of them. AFAIK, the Labellas are at the other end of the tension spectrum.

[wateroftyne]

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1387030195' post='2307580']
Another +1 for the Thomastick flats. Bear in mind that these are one of the lowest tension flats out there. This puts a lot of people off of them. AFAIK, the Labellas are at the other end of the tension spectrum.
[/quote]

That'd be the Chromes. The La Bellas are sort-of medium.

[DarkHeart]

I like Picato flats as they kind of thud which for some reason is how i like my bass to sound, ive got 3 basses with them on and 4 with fender flats but i do prefer the picato................................................maybe im just weired

[lee4]

Fender flats here.I tried Status ones but the G was twangy .

[HowieBass]

I've got Fender steel flats on two of my basses and I'm very happy with them - you might find you have to adjust the truss rod as flats are usually a bit higher tension than roundwounds.

[dand666]

Got La Bellas on my hofner and epiphone and i love them.

[antnee]

Finally put my Fender Flats on my SUB and they feel lovely. Tension is good and sound great.

Would highly recommend!