Flatwounds on a five string

[Guest MoJo]

I'm seriously into D'Addario Chrome XL's at the moment. I've got a set of ECB81's on my P-bass which is tuned Eb, Ab, Db, Gb and I've just ordered a set of ECB80's for my BB414 which is tuned E,A,D,G. I see on String Busters that there is an ECB81-5 set available. Before I dive in and order a set for my BB415, I thought I ask whether anyone has experience of using flatwounds on a five and how the low B sounded in particular.

Thanks

[Guest MoJo]

Anybody? No? Dust? Anybody? No?........

Edited February 2, 2009 by bassman2790

[EssentialTension]

I have a 4-string Precision at the moment tuned BEAD with Chromes. I like the Chromes but I'm not crazy about the B. Actually I'm not sure I like any B string. It sounds fine but not as solid as the other strings. I tend to like lower tension flats like Chromes and TI Jazz Flats. I think if I was going to be seriously/regularly playing a B string I'd be looking for something with more tension in it. Or just buy a 35"/36" scale instrument. Or just play EADG - which is what I usually do.

Sorry not to be more helpful.

[Guest MoJo]

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='398469' date='Feb 2 2009, 11:06 PM']I have a 4-string Precision at the moment tuned BEAD with Chromes. I like the Chromes but I'm not crazy about the B. Actually I'm not sure I like any B string. It sounds fine but not as solid as the other strings. I tend to like lower tension flats like Chromes and TI Jazz Flats. I think if I was going to be seriously/regularly playing a B string I'd be looking for something with more tension in it. Or just buy a 35"/36" scale instrument. Or just play EADG - which is what I usually do.

Sorry not to be more helpful.[/quote]

I think you've been very helpful thanks. I think I will stick with roundwounds on the 5 string but go for a heavier set to retain the tension when tuned Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb (detuned a semi-tone to help the singer out with those high notes), maybe 50 - 130

Edited February 3, 2009 by bassman2790

[foal30]

I was going to put Chromes on my 5 but the long neck set only comes with an 100 E and I need a 105
Chromes sure are lovely.

If your OK with different gauges I say go for it...nothing ventured nothing gained etc.

[Adrenochrome]

I've a set of LaBella Deep Talkin flats on my 5 and they sound fine.
They run 43-128 I believe with a tapered B. Works fine for me in standard BEADG tuning.

[Born 2B Mild]

I have a set of Olympia flats that I've tried on two of my fivers, and the B always sounds dull and woody. Most likely the string?

[dave_bass5]

Ive got Chromes on my Fender 2008 P5.
I already had them on my Duck Dunn so only needed to get the B string when i swapped them over to the Fender.
I find the B sounds fine although its not a matched set as the other four are med/light while the B is .135.
Still, enough tension for me and i find the lower notes sound just as tight as my old Lakland 55-01.

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='398771' date='Feb 3 2009, 12:09 PM']Ive got Chromes on my Fender 2008 P5.
I already had them on my Duck Dunn so only needed to get the B string when i swapped them over to the Fender.
I find the B sounds fine although its not a matched set as the other four are med/light while the B is .135.
Still, enough tension for me and i find the lower notes sound just as tight as my old Lakland 55-01.[/quote]

hmmm... maybe it's me.

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='398814' date='Feb 3 2009, 12:27 PM']hmmm... maybe it's me.[/quote]

Nah, we all like different things thats all.
Ive read loads of posts where people are praising the low B on the Fender and loads of people that prefer 35" necks and wont play 34" 5 strings.

I was quite surprised how even the strings sound on my P5.
To be honest im not 100% with flats anyway but since i got my P5 ive used the low B around the 5th-8th fret a lot more than i did with my 55-01.

By the way, its a .132 and not a .135 as i previously wrote.

[dave_bass5]

For anyone interested i have been told that D'Addario are to discontinue the Chrome .132 XL string as a single.

Edited February 3, 2009 by dave_bass5

[spinynorman]

I've got Roto Jazz flats on an MIJ Fender Jazz V. They sound and feel ok to me, though the B feels quite low tension. Also got La Bella flats on a Spector Rebop 5, which is 35" scale. The B is very good, nice dark tone and taught. Unplugged the E sounds dead compared to the other strings and isn't as shiny. It plays ok amplified though.

[dave_bass5]

From what ive read, its not the neck length that makes a string have more tension, its the string itself.
So you can still have a floppy B string on a 35".

Could be wrong of course.

[EssentialTension]

Same string, same note, but longer scale length will give higher tension than same string, same note, shorter scale length.

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='400068' date='Feb 4 2009, 03:36 PM']Same string, same note, but longer scale length will give higher tension than same string, same note, shorter scale length.[/quote]

Yeah, that makes sense but a low tension string can also feel floppy on a 35".
What i meant/should have said was that all things being equal, yes, the slightly longer neck will improve tightness but build quality, stiffness of the neck etc can also play a part as well.

Bottom line is no, you dont have to have 35" to get a tight B string IME.