Who's using flatwounds? Which ones?

[jbiscuti]

I've been a flatwound user exclusively for most of my bass playing life and have been through many a brand. I never had them on any of the EBMM basses I've owned until now. I put a set of D'Addario Chromes on my '02 Ray and, as expected, I'm quite happy with them - even though Chromes are probably the "clankiest" flatwounds made. My tonal preference is dark, fat, thumpy, and punchy - think McCartney and Jamerson.

The best flats I've used to date are Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats, but the tension on them is quite low and they take some getting used to before they stop feeling floppy. The upside is that they're quite mellow and feel GREAT. I went with the Chromes first on my Ray because I wanted something with more tension, but I think a switch to the TI's may be in order.

I've also tried Pyramids, which I quite liked the sound and feel of, but they were so high-tension that they practically ruined a Rickenbacker bass I had them on.

The next ones I'd like to try are going to be LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats.'

Anyway, enough about me. What are you flatwound guys using on your Music Man basses? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Bobster]

I'm using TI's on my Stingray HS. Love the tone(s) does a smoother Stingray in position 1, vintage J in position 3, reasonably P bass tone in position 4, to dubby tone in position 5. Very useful.

 

[bovinehost]

Guys, I like talking about strings, I really do, and I really dig the Ernie Ball Flatwounds (Group IIIs, I think, right, Brad?) but I kind of have to direct your attention to the big Ernie Ball logo and remind you that EB does produce, sell and market strings.....so we have to keep it pointed in that direction.

Thanks in advance.

 

[shakinbacon]

I've been a flatwound user exclusively for most of my bass playing life and have been through many a brand. I never had them on any of the EBMM basses I've owned until now. I put a set of D'Addario Chromes on my '02 Ray and, as expected, I'm quite happy with them - even though Chromes are probably the "clankiest" flatwounds made. My tonal preference is dark, fat, thumpy, and punchy - think McCartney and Jamerson.

The best flats I've used to date are Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats, but the tension on them is quite low and they take some getting used to before they stop feeling floppy. The upside is that they're quite mellow and feel GREAT. I went with the Chromes first on my Ray because I wanted something with more tension, but I think a switch to the TI's may be in order.

I've also tried Pyramids, which I quite liked the sound and feel of, but they were so high-tension that they practically ruined a Rickenbacker bass I had them on.

The next ones I'd like to try are going to be LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats.'

Anyway, enough about me. What are you flatwound guys using on your Music Man basses? Inquiring minds want to know.

I have tried other brands but I highly recommend the Ernie Ball Flats. I'm not just saying that to kiss behinds. They truly are great, great strings. I used them on my Bongo and loved them. I've since put roundwounds back on it but put those flats on my Pbass. They work great there.

Please check my review on them in this forum

 

[oli@bass]

I like the EB Group II flats best...for me they are the perfect flats on my fretless 'Rays to match the Super Slinkys I have on my fretted basses.

The EB Group III flats are very nice regarding tension and feel, and they have a very nice mid growl. Some say that a fretless must be stringed with roundwounds to get the most growl, but I found the EB GIIIs to be even growlier than that. (regardless of how doggy you may feel after reading it, this was a proper sentence )

 

[DTG]

blame jack
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVxJ3iDrdmw&feature=related"]YouTube- Riverdance finale by Michael Flatley & Jean Butler[/ame]

 

[Aussie Mark]

I use several brands of flats, including Ernie Ball Flats.

 

[jbiscuti]

Well shoot, didn't even know they made flats! I've been using nothing but Ernie Ball guitar strings forever, stands to reason that I'll have to check out the flats.

Group IV looks promising.

 

[jlepre]

...the Ernie Ball Flatwounds (Group IIIs, I think, right, Brad?) but I kind of have to direct your attention to the big Ernie Ball logo and remind you that EB does produce, sell and market strings.....so we have to keep it pointed in that direction.

Thanks in advance.

Never mistake Jack for anything BUT a company man....hehehe

 

[Aussie Mark]

Well shoot, didn't even know they made flats!

Based on your first post in this thread, you're already using them.

 

[Thornton Davis]

I use Ernie Ball Flatwound 2810's on one of my Stingray 5's. I likey!

TD

 

[jbiscuti]

Based on your first post in this thread, you're already using them.

Howzat?

 

[projectapollo]

I started using EB group 3 on my bongo. Like them a lot. Group 4 on the fretless bongo. The group 4 is similar to the TI flats.

 

[bdgotoh]

Ernie Ball Flatwounds (Group IIIs, I think, right, Brad?)

Yep, the Group IIIs and Group IVs are my faves. Awesome tone and just the right tension for me. I think it was Group IIIs on the Gold Sterling 5HH.

 

[bovinehost]

Those are great. I'll be using those again!

 

[rodl2005]

Whats the diff. In the groups????? BTW out here in Aus- I never knew EB made flats either. So there's sumthin new on my list-along w/ a coated set of EB's

 

[kylierider]

Those group III flats are really nice. Both of my SR's wear them..

 

[TheAntMan]

I've got EB Group III on my Stingray and it kicks butt!!!

I am won over again every time I play it

Beautiful fat, round but clear tones. I have a set of EB Group IV's but I haven't tried them yet.

--Ant

 

[bdgotoh]

Whats the diff. In the groups?????

String gauge and tension - the lower the number, the fatter the strings.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I never knew EB made flats either

Hey Rod, welcome aboard! The purple Stingray that is currently in transit to your island home is wearing the flats that EB sells, so you can demo them soon enough.