1st gig with Stingray & Flats

[RaginRog]

So, you've never actually tried EB flats, but you're basing that they won't last as long as Chromes based on the price?


There are more similarities between Chromes and EB Flats than there are differences. You might even say they come from the same family tree, even if they are on different branches. They both have blue silk, too.

lol...They both sound EXACTLY the same...I happen to notice a stickiness to the Chromes...but because i didn't have a bunch of Chromes to test....it could have been the one. EB flats for me...hell, I'll be happy to save some $$$ for the same great sound!!

 

[RaginRog]

Well, as an old Fender lifer who was dragged into the MM world by my son, I must admit I had a great time with my Stingray last night playing Motown till the cows went home on my 4 string single H Stingray (see sig); Earlier, I had put Stage III flats on it, boosted the bass a tad, backed off the treble only a millimeter, and the sound was tremendous! Just had to share what a great late-life experience the EBMM Ray has proved to be for me.

Congrats on the Gig!

 

[Randracula]

There are more similarities between Chromes and EB Flats than there are differences. You might even say they come from the same family tree, even if they are on different branches. They both have blue silk, too.

Exactly what i've been trying to say.Also, if he's(Syndrome666) paying $40 for Chromes he's getting ripped off.

 

[bovinehost]

You exclusively use flats dontcha?

I do, I do.

And guys, I appreciate the fervor with which we all approach string selection, and that occasionally some of you might use "other than EB" strings to satisfy your tonal urges.

But let's DO keep in mind, please, where we are, who pays for the bandwidth and that they DO make strings. In other words, let's keep the "other than EB" string talk to a BARE minimum.

Thanks!

Jack

 

[nashman]

I bought a set of EB Group III flats last year - just to try out a set of flats, mostly out of curiousity. I generally prefer the tone from Slinky's better - I find they better extract the full range of capability from my Ray. Howver - I have a set of EB flats, they last a very long time - and when the mood strikes, I can always rotate them in.

 

[Aussie Mark]

There are more similarities between Chromes and EB Flats than there are differences. You might even say they come from the same family tree, even if they are on different branches. They both have blue silk, too.

Absolutely, although I'd go as far to say they are on the same branch of the family tree. They are both very nice strings, no matter what brand name is on the packaging.

 

[shakinbacon]

You really think you can tell a difference?

(Not sure if that is meant as a sarcastic jab, but I'll assume it is a serious question.)

Maybe not tonewise when they're both broken in or in a live band setting.

However, the chromes always felt different to me... a bit more fingernoise as I slide fingers across them.

When new I definitely could tell a difference in tone when practicing alone. I did a review here a while back where I compare the EB flats to chromes. If you're interested check it out.

 

[Powman]

Just looking at all the comments about flatwounds again. Ideally I would like to have 2 MM basses, one strung with flats and another with roundwounds. But that's not going to happen for at least another year or so

I keep getting drawn to flats as I prefer the tone and feel of them. I guess I can always rotate the strings depending on the gig I am playing.

So here's the question...will putting flats on my Sterling sound like it has less balls??

 

[Randracula]

(Not sure if that is meant as a sarcastic jab, but I'll assume it is a serious question.)

Maybe not tonewise when they're both broken in or in a live band setting.

However, the chromes always felt different to me... a bit more fingernoise as I slide fingers across them.

When new I definitely could tell a difference in tone when practicing alone. I did a review here a while back where I compare the EB flats to chromes. If you're interested check it out.

Not sarcastic, just a hint.

 

[kylierider]

What flats are you all using? I'm using DR flats on my P bass which I really like. I've got a set of Chromes sitting here that I'm thinking of putting on my SBMM SB14. Thoughts?

I've got a set of DR flats on my P bass too which I really like as well. Never used the Cromes but I find the Group III flats to be an exceptional string. Great tension, not to heavy, but not to light either and they have more punch than the DR's do.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I keep getting drawn to flats as I prefer the tone and feel of them. I guess I can always rotate the strings depending on the gig I am playing.

So here's the question...will putting flats on my Sterling sound like it has less balls??

You'll find that flats will in fact enable you to cut through the mix even better than rounds will. Because rounds have more presence in the mids, they sit right in the same sonic zone as guitars, whereas flats have more fatness in the low frequencies. So even though flats don't have the "zing" that roundwounds have, you will discover in fact that the bass will be living in it's own territory rather than sharing that space with the guitars. Suddenly, your bass will be heard loud and clear as a separate instrument. That's one of the reasons I use flats exclusively.

 

[Ole Man Blues]

You'll find that flats will in fact enable you to cut through the mix even better than rounds will. Because rounds have more presence in the mids, they sit right in the same sonic zone as guitars, whereas flats have more fatness in the low frequencies. So even though flats don't have the "zing" that roundwounds have, you will discover in fact that the bass will be living in it's own territory rather than sharing that space with the guitars. Suddenly, your bass will be heard loud and clear as a separate instrument. That's one of the reasons I use flats exclusively.

Good post and makes much sense..........OMB

 

[Powman]

Thanks...I ordered some flats on-line...will wait patiently then report

 

[bovinehost]

your bass will be heard loud and clear as a separate instrument. That's one of the reasons I use flats exclusively.

They do carve out their own space, don't they?

 

[Powman]

I am scared to ask this question since this is a Ernie Ball forum and all...

But what about Half Wounds?? (Since EB doesnt make a half round that i know of, looks like it would be a competitors product...sorry Sterling...maybe you dudes whould make a half wound??)

 

[mrpackerguy]

I have flats on all my basses, including my 3 MM basses. I would never go back to rounds. Not only do they sound great, but they are easier on the fingers for us pluckers. I'm surprised no one has mentioned my favorites, the TI flats...the flatwound string a flatwound string would choose.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned my favorites, the TI flats

We used to mention TIs (aka "Acme flats") quite a lot until we all began to understand the dynamics of hanging at a forum funded by EB. Since then, we try not to drop names of other string brands, although we're all guilty of it from time to time.

I do like those Acme flats myself very much, although, just like I own basses from more than one manufacturer, I am quite a 'ho in terms of string choice, and at the moment my 10 basses have 4 different brands of flats fitted. Of the 4 EBMM basses in the stable, the HH SR4 wears EB flats, the purple peopleeater and the Bongo wear Chromes, and the best Stingray ever made wears TI Flats.

 

[jasper383]

I honestly don't think you'll be able to tell the difference.

Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

 

[Powman]

Again, I fear for my life now I tried some Half Wounds from Brand B. I kinda like 'em.

But I am still eager to try the EB flats. Ed Friendland seems to think that they are brighter than Chromes which would appeal to me as well.

So I won't make any final judgements until I try the EB flats as well.

Does this mean I still get to play in this sandbox?? Please, don't banish me...

 

[bob atherton]

Guys, I've just put a set of group III flats on my SR4. I'm used to flats on my Fender P (LaBella's) and on my Rickenbacker (TI's) so I thought the EB ones would be the way to go with an EB bass. I must say I'm a bit underwhelmed at the moment.

There is a touch of zing that I was expecting to start with but my concern is that the pitch and fundamental of the note is not as clear as I would have hoped. Does this improve with playing? They feel great and I hope in a few days will be doing the business, but at the monet they aren't quite hitting the spot. How will they change over the next month or so?