cameltoe Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 Anyone else a fan of Fender flats? Perhaps you can help me answer something that's bugging me. I have a set on a P bass that are roughly a year old, bought new from the basschat marketplace. They sound and feel great. Thumpy, enough mids and highs and sustain to not sound 'dead', with just enough of that flatwound 'boing' that I like. Feel is smooth and buttery, and the tension is medium. I bought a new set back in June, via eBay from a music store, and I'm convinced they are not the same string. They feel gritty, the sound is more high mids with more attack, and the tension is noticeabley higher. I'm was hoping the feel and sound is a case of them not being as played in as the other set, but I can't explain the increase in tension? They are both 9050L so same gauges. I much prefer the old set, so have Fender changed their strings and if so, which of mine are the newer formula so to speak? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luulox Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 There are loads of fakes about on ebay and amazon apparently are they definitely genuine. I have a set and they are my favourite flats. I was about to buy another set but will hold off for a bit and follow this thread. I do know the price as shot up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameltoe Posted November 2, 2016 Author Share Posted November 2, 2016 Don't know in all honesty, although the music shop seems legit. 'Manns Music'. TBH they match other people's description of fender flats- growly, punchy, gritty feeling. I expect that to get better with a few months playing in- it hasn't yet- but the tension is confusing me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 They are a bit brighter new but do settle in with playing. If you still feel that way after a couple of sweaty gigs I'd investigate the fakes side of things but generally they settle down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameltoe Posted November 2, 2016 Author Share Posted November 2, 2016 Do you find they feel a little more supple as well? I'm not talking a huge difference, but they are noticeably stiffer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 What did the packaging on the old set look like? Fender flats did change, but it was several years ago. Could the old set have been old stock? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushbo Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 I bought a set for my P Bass recently and they do feel stiffer than my other Fender strung instruments. I'm delighted to read some other people feel the same as I thought I was going mad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LayDownThaFunk Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 Black silks old flats. Green silks new flats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iiipopes Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 The current Fender 9050CL 45-60-80-105 light green silk flats are probably my favorite set of flats ever. One set lasted me over two years of constant gigging. Yes, when they are new, they are zingy, gritty, growly, etc. When they settle in after a few months, they bloom. I respectfully think the OP is just experiencing "new string zing." Turn down the tone knob on the instrument a number or two and keep playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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