EB Flats questions

[Aussie Mark]

Since I can't seem to find EB Flats downunder, I ordered a set from my US-based string pusher (I hope that doesn't void the string warranty! ), and am planning to give them a shot on one of my EBMM basses to see how they stack up. To assist me in determining which of my EBMM basses would be most suitable, can any of the other flats junkies answer these questions -

1. Which other brand flats are the EB Flats closest to in tension?

2. Which other brand flats do the EB Flats compare with in terms of brightness?

In terms of other flats, I'm quite familiar with Acme JFs, D'Acmes, F***** , Dean Acme, and Acmesound.

Comments and comparisons appreciated.

 

[SquidLizard]

Wow, that's a lot of brands for the coyotes!

 

[saxnbass]

I still find it funny that you guys use ACME for the opposite of what it means.

 

[bovinehost]

1. Which other brand flats are the EB Flats closest to in tension?

Mark, it's been a while since I used Chromes, but it seems to me that maybe they're close in terms of tension. (But remember that I've only used the Group II EBs.) I find them manly without the UNMOVING STEEL CABLE rigidity of, say, Rotos. They sound great on the BP Bongo, and I just installed a set on the Bass O' Justice*, too. I think they work even better on the SR4.

2. Which other brand flats do the EB Flats compare with in terms of brightness?

They're not as bright as the Austrians at first (which is good) but they mellow out the same way as the Austrians.

3. I still find it funny that you guys use ACME for the opposite of what it means.

It was the company that the coyote got his stuff from in the old Road Runner cartoons. They had EVERYTHING. But in any case, I think it was BP who first called the TI strings "Acme Brand".

Jack





*The Bass O' Justice is the DD SR4 H.

 

[TSanders]

Mark, Ive found the EB flats most similar to Chromes.

 

[tkarter]

When I played yours in Dallas Travis I kind of thought they felt like 9050s.

imho

tk

 

[prickly_pete]

Very similar to Chromes in sound and feel. I like the Group IIs.

 

[bovinehost]

Me, too.

Took some adjusting and mental gymnastics, but by God, I like 'em.

Did some rehearsal last night with the DD SR4 with Group IIs and it sounded just fabulous.

 

[prickly_pete]

Hey Jack, have you tried the Group Is? I've been thinking about picking up a set of those.

 

[TSanders]

When I played yours in Dallas Travis I kind of thought they felt like 9050s.

imho

tk

I could see that, no doubt. Maybe a little less tension, but I see where youre coming from Tom.

 

[bovinehost]

I do not like those Fender 9050s in any way, shape or form - so clearly I don't think the Group IIs resemble them.

Re the Group I Flats, nope, haven't tried them. I'd like to try the lighter gauge EB Flats, but the Group IIs are really great strings. No complaints here!

A long time ago, I heard that there were only four or five US string manufacturers, so a lot of what passes for similarity is really more than that. BP alluded to this somewhere, although now I can't find the post. Might have been over on the guitar side.

We know for certain that Ernie Ball has a string factory, so there's one.

Sterling has often lovingly referred to Jim D'Addario as a competitor, so there's two.

(I think.)

I wonder who does what to whom. And no, BP, I don't expect you to give it up here, but I do wonder about strings a LOT.

The Thomastiks are out of the competition since they're not based in the US and we know they make their own.

But look at all those brands out there.

Hmmm.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Jack

 

[PocketGroove82]

I would give a +1 to the comments posted here about chromes.
Granted I've only tried EBMM, TI Jazz, and Chromes when it comes to flatwound strings, but I feel the chromes are not too far off in terms of feel, brightness, and tension.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Great, thanks for the input guys. That might suggest the EB's be given a run on my Dargie HS Bongo.

 

[bovinehost]

 

[saxnbass]

That's horrible.

 

[Spectre]

omg, rolling on the floor, lmao

 

[bovinehost]

I'm not entirely sure he's seen this.

But I'm entirely sure it's true.

 

[Moondog]

That IS hilarious!

Love the expressions on BP & the kitten

 

[KennethB]

I wonder who does what to whom. And no, BP, I don't expect you to give it up here, but I do wonder about strings a LOT.

But look at all those brands out there.

Hmmm.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Jack

It's funny when you open a string package from a "string-company" that claim their new product will revolutionize the world of strings as we know it, only to find they use the same color coding on the ball ends that D'Addario uses....Hmmm!!!
I know D'Addario and ghs make strings for a lot of other companies, and I think it was those two BP mentioned as well in the thread long ago.
He also said that EB only make strings for EB if I remember correctly.

I should really try some flatwounds!

 

[Soul Man]

Oh man this is old but funny.

HA!