Flats, SR4 or Sterling?

[Psycho Ward]

Run 'em through any of your Ampeg rigs, and let me know what you think.

James

I just got finished playing the SR4 with flats thru the SVT and I have to say I think I may be a flatwound convert. There is no string noise when you slide around and I'm amazed by the brightness, I thought that would be gone. There is no zing, but there are plenty of highs, not muddy as I expected. I sort of wish the G string was a gauge or two thicker, but it sings, most likely something I'll have to get use to. All and all I'm pretty impressed, it's a whole different bass now, not that it was ever bad before, but it is overall smoother and more bassey if that makes sense.

Thru the SVT it's tight and thumpy, thru the Ashdown it's pretty much the same but a little more hifi, it's hard to put into words, but I'm loving it. EBMM basses are just so damn cool!

 

[shamus63]

I just got finished playing the SR4 with flats thru the SVT and I have to say I think I may be a flatwound convert. There is no string noise when you slide around and I'm amazed by the brightness, I thought that would be gone. There is no zing, but there are plenty of highs, not muddy as I expected. I sort of wish the G string was a gauge or two thicker, but it sings, most likely something I'll have to get use to. All and all I'm pretty impressed, it's a whole different bass now, not that it was ever bad before, but it is overall smoother and more bassey if that makes sense.

Thru the SVT it's tight and thumpy, thru the Ashdown it's pretty much the same but a little more hifi, it's hard to put into words, but I'm loving it. EBMM basses are just so damn cool!

Thanks for the input, Chuck! I'm pretty sure that Flats will go on the soon-to-be-ordered Ray...wonder if I can have them installed in place of the Regulars at the factory?

Jack/Steve?

 

[bovinehost]

Jack/Steve?

Nope. It's gonna come with Slinkys.

 

[shamus63]

Nope. It's gonna come with Slinkys.

Can I order a set to come with the bass? They don't stock 'em 'round here none.

 

[tkarter]

Dude said he was going to get some after NAMM. Easy to wear a little new off before changing strings isn't it?


tk

 

[shamus63]

BTW ~ is there a difference in the tensions (Regulars > Flats)?

 

[tkarter]

Yeah you are much less tense when playing flats. You will just feel the music come to ya.

tk

 

[shamus63]

Yeah you are much less tense when playing flats. You will just feel the music come to ya.

tk

Had to ask..didn't I.

 

[tkarter]

I really wasn't trying to be smart azzed either. Maybe I am old and don't feel the tension on the strings like some do. I tend to get the feel of the bass I have and I tell you flats just bring the groove right to you. Put them on an EB bass you can't loose the pocket.

You must try them really.

tk

 

[shamus63]

I really wasn't trying to be smart azzed either. Maybe I am old and don't feel the tension on the strings like some do. I tend to get the feel of the bass I have and I tell you flats just bring the groove right to you. Put them on an EB bass you can't loose the pocket.

You must try them really.

tk

Definitely want to try a set; just wondering if the tension is higher with the flats, and would I need to readjust the neck?

 

[maddog]

I really wasn't trying to be smart azzed either. Maybe I am old and don't feel the tension on the strings like some do. I tend to get the feel of the bass I have and I tell you flats just bring the groove right to you. Put them on an EB bass you can't loose the pocket.

You must try them really.

tk

+1

Flats feel groovier. Not sure what it is. Tension is definitely lower (atleast on the T-ey I-ey ). I recall Jack having some issues getting a neck into proper relief.

 

[shamus63]

+1

Flats feel groovier. Not sure what it is. Tension is definitely lower (atleast on the T-ey I-ey ). I recall Jack having some issues getting a neck into proper relief.

Hmm...I'll get Chuck's input tomorrow (when the strings have had some time on his bass) in regards to how the new flats affected his neck.

Thanks guys!

 

[tkarter]

Don't know about EB flats.

What I know about flats

Fender 9050 they are some tight ones the trussrod would need to be loosened about 1/4 turn.

TI flats go the other way and the truss rod usually needs about a 1/4 turn tight after replacing the rounds.

That is all subjective and my opinion.

I am going to try EB flats as they may do everything any other flat does. I just can't give an opinion on what I haven't tried.

Just do it and be gentle with the truss rod adjustment it will come to you.


I have not stated fact. I have stated opinion and yours may not be like mine.

tk

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

Flats = Pickstyle (with a bit of palm muting)
Rounds = Fingerstyle (with a bit of fingernail)

YMMV

 

[Colin]

Since, everyones on the subject of bass strings. Does anyone remember those strings that had a rubber (or appeared to be) coating?

Colin

 

[Nickytwister]

G'day Sport.
Do you mean Rotosound Tru Bass? The black plastic coated strings?
You used to see them alot on Hofner violin basses etc.
I've got a Musicmaster bass with a set on but they're a little quirky.
Great with a big fat felt pick and a bit of palm muting but fairly low output and uninspiring.
N x

 

[Ole Man Blues]

What kind of fretboard do you have?

Maple fretboard.........

 

[shamus63]

Maple fretboard.........

How's the tone with flats?

 

[Psycho Ward]

Hmm...I'll get Chuck's input tomorrow (when the strings have had some time on his bass) in regards to how the new flats affected his neck.

Thanks guys!

Well I've played the SR4 all morning and I can't tell any difference in the neck or action what so ever. I don't know if it's I have so many basses that I don't have intimate feel of each or what, but I’ve been playing the SR4 the most lately and I swear the action seems to have not changed at all.

Now with a clear head this morning I have new observations about the tone of the flats. The SR4 now sounds bigger and fatter, judging from all tone knobs in their center indent. I find now that I don’t have to boost the bass control as much and I add all treble now. The sound is BIG and Full, but very smooth, I’m really digging this. Thru the SVT/810’s it will knock the breath out of you. Thru the B-18-N it sounds very old school, Duck Dunn comes to mind. Thru the Ashdown I can’t get something, I quite put my finger on it, but over all it’s my least favorite combo. Thru the Bose PAS I can get almost an upright, blossoming tone, I really need another bass module to do it justice, but it sounds great!

Now I’m going down and put some new strings on the Sterling, I think I’ll put a set of Black Beauties on her… just because the Sterling is black and I think she will look cool with black strings. I do lots of stupid things like this.

I’ll report later.

 

[BigBallz]

Well I've played the SR4 all morning and I can't tell any difference in the neck or action what so ever. I don't know if it's I have so many basses that I don't have intimate feel of each or what, but I’ve been playing the SR4 the most lately and I swear the action seems to have not changed at all.

Now with a clear head this morning I have new observations about the tone of the flats. The SR4 now sounds bigger and fatter, judging from all tone knobs in their center indent. I find now that I don’t have to boost the bass control as much and I add all treble now. The sound is BIG and Full, but very smooth, I’m really digging this. Thru the SVT/810’s it will knock the breath out of you. Thru the B-18-N it sounds very old school, Duck Dunn comes to mind. Thru the Ashdown I can’t get something, I quite put my finger on it, but over all it’s my least favorite combo. Thru the Bose PAS I can get almost an upright, blossoming tone, I really need another bass module to do it justice, but it sounds great!

Now I’m going down and put some new strings on the Sterling, I think I’ll put a set of Black Beauties on her… just because the Sterling is black and I think she will look cool with black strings. I do lots of stupid things like this.

I’ll report later.

This is Psycho at WBASS reporting...back to you Fred.