Flats on MMSR5HH

[jar546]

On another thread: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/29073-sr5hh-lmii-eden-d410xlt-string-noise.html someone mentioned using flats to help fix a problem. I am very reluctant to use flats on my SR5HH because the neck is not all that thick (just the way I like it) and I do not think that the neck would be able to handle the extra tension. I have used flats before on my P bass and the tension is significantly more.

Thoughts?

 

[58super]

On another thread: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/29073-sr5hh-lmii-eden-d410xlt-string-noise.html someone mentioned using flats to help fix a problem. I am very reluctant to use flats on my SR5HH because the neck is not all that thick (just the way I like it) and I do not think that the neck would be able to handle the extra tension. I have used flats before on my P bass and the tension is significantly more.

Thoughts?

EBMM necks can take it. I've used flats on my SR4 starting at .110 and a turn of the wheel of wonder fixed the bow.

There's a few folks here who use flats on their 5 strings. Bovinehost to name one.

 

[bovinehost]

The neck will be fine, but also keep in mind that there are a number of different flats out there and not all of them are as high-tension as, say, Fender 9050s or those horrifying Rotosound abominations.

Yes, okay, I apologize in advance to the Abomination Fans.

(Those 9050s suck, too.)

But flats on a Stingray 5? It's a holy combination.

 

[Psychicpet]

RS 885LDs are amazing abominations too!!

nuthin' like a bit o' nylon tapewound 5s





but whatever you do, be careful of the low-tensioned Thomastik Infeld flats.... I've heard they'll do things to your masculinity that may require counselling

 

[jar546]

OK, well then. Who is using flats and why? Type of music?

 

[TSanders]

My StingRay 5 had worn flats for 90% of the past two years since I got it.

I currently have EB flats on it, and the neck has no problems.

 

[bovinehost]

1. Who is using flats

I am. All my basses are strung with flats. ALL OF THEM.

2. ...and why?

Because if I want zingy noises, I'll ask the drummer to hit a cymbal. Because I play BASS, not treble. Because all I ever really wanted was the thump. Because I like the way the bass on "Another One Bites the Dust" sounds, and I can't stand the sizzle in almost anything by Marcus Miller. Because I'm a lunchpail bassist. Because in spite of all the crap I get for having nothing but flats on my basses, people actually do say, "Wow, that setup sounds GOOD." Because my tone rocks.

3. Type of music?

The good type.

Everything really, except all that slap-n-pop business.

Jack

 

[jar546]

I will look into some EB flats and some others. The flats I had were on my P bass and would have sounded better on a jazz. That is why I love this SR5HH, I can select 5 different pickup selections.

The previous problem with flats in the past was due to the high tension making it hard on the left hand.

 

[oli@bass]

Because if I want zingy noises, I'll ask the drummer to hit a cymbal. Because I play BASS, not treble. Because all I ever really wanted was the thump. Because I like the way the bass on "Another One Bites the Dust" sounds, and I can't stand the sizzle in almost anything by Marcus Miller.

LOL!!!

And I first turned to playing MusicMan basses for the nice zingy noises!
After all, it's spelled ZingRay, right?

 

[MrMusashi]

just hear this urban legend about james jamerson:

he didnt like the "zing" in the flatwounds he put on, so he used to put the strings on an old unused bass, then coat them in margarine (kinda like unsalted butter for those who doesnt understand ) and leave them in the dark closet for 18 months.. after that breakin period they were ok.. hehe

i love the sound of flats.. more thump, easier to do fretless style slides with the leftie hand. makes my bongo help me think im james j

MrM

 

[jasper383]

I will look into some EB flats and some others. The flats I had were on my P bass and would have sounded better on a jazz. That is why I love this SR5HH, I can select 5 different pickup selections.

The previous problem with flats in the past was due to the high tension making it hard on the left hand.

Get a lighter set. I have noticed little difference when it comes to flats what gauge they are. The EB 45-130 set is an excellent all around flat set. The TIs are excellent, too, and are unlike really any other flat out there.

Agreed about Roto flats being horrifying.

 

[jar546]

MrMusashi,

How is the weather in Troms0 this time of year?

 

[Psychicpet]

counselling, masculinity, TI flats....

not even one sling? not one measly barb back?? Jack??

I'm feeling unloved, please, some form of sarcastic retaliation... puhleeeease




and although I am very much more a "zingy" guy, flats do rock when you find the set that feel good to you and there is nothing that has the same tone/feel

and you'll be pleasantly surprised as to how much top-end they really have.

 

[bovinehost]

Whatever strings you end up with, don't forget to wrap the red silk around the ends.

Drives BP crazy.

 

[jar546]

I am going to try the EB P02810 flats for my 5. I just ordered them from the store in town

 

[MrMusashi]

i use rs66 in 45-105.. a bit more tension than a roundwound 45-105 set, but not scary... i guess those steve harris signatures are some mean strings tension wise

MrM

ps: weather in tromsø.. have a look here: Weather Observations, University of Tromsø, Department of Computer Science
windy and wet today.. who knows tomorrow