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Main Forums => The Bass Zone => Topic started by: exiledarchangel on May 10, 2015, 07:22:08 AM

Title: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: exiledarchangel on May 10, 2015, 07:22:08 AM
I was thinking about trying flats on my BachBird, any thoughts?
I can find Fender 9050s for a good price. The problem is that I've read that 9050Ms are very high tension, and maybe it would be better to go to 9050MLs. Has anyone tried them?
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: gweimer on May 10, 2015, 08:31:48 AM
I used TI Jazz Flats (JF344) when I had mine.  I have them on my Embassy.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Pilgrim on May 10, 2015, 09:58:15 AM
My go- to flats are the Labella Deep Talkin' flats, 760FL.  Gauges .043-.104.  They are probably the most popular flat Labella sells, and lower tension than the Fender set.  They also last just about forever.

This gent who hangs out on TB sells them at good prices... http://www.bassstringsonline.com/

Price is $34.95
http://www.bassstringsonline.com/La-Bella-Deep-Talkin-Flat-Wound-Bass-Strings--4-String-Set_p_219.html
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Dave W on May 10, 2015, 01:01:53 PM
The Fender 9050M used to be quite high in tension, but Fender strings have been made by D'addario since 2011 and the specs may have changed... or not. Regardless, just about any .055 G string is going to be high tension no matter what the spec.

I wouldn't be afraid to try the ML set though.

The LaBella 760 FL set that Pilgrim mentioned are great strings too and easy on your bass neck.

EDIT: I see that the 9050 ML set is now 045-100. It used to be 050-100 so at least that has changed.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: exiledarchangel on May 10, 2015, 02:19:06 PM
Thank you all for your help, I guess the most sensible thing is to get the 9050MLs. I usually go for heavier strings, but reading some reviews about the 9050Ms get me scared about if the neck could handle them. Also, I know Labellas are great strings, but they're almost double the price, so...
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Highlander on May 10, 2015, 02:55:55 PM
I use Roto Jazz 77's on my er... Jazz... but I'm fretless on that beastie... works for me...
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Aussie Mark on May 10, 2015, 04:44:25 PM
I like Chromes on Thunderbird-sounding basses, and have them on my Grecobird and my Cataldo JAEbird
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Dave W on May 11, 2015, 11:59:48 AM
I'm not surprised that LaBellas are much more expensive in Germany.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Denis on May 14, 2015, 05:11:12 PM
My go- to flats are the Labella Deep Talkin' flats, 760FL.  Gauges .043-.104.  They are probably the most popular flat Labella sells, and lower tension than the Fender set.  They also last just about forever.

This gent who hangs out on TB sells them at good prices... http://www.bassstringsonline.com/

Price is $34.95
http://www.bassstringsonline.com/La-Bella-Deep-Talkin-Flat-Wound-Bass-Strings--4-String-Set_p_219.html

Perfect on a BaCH. All three of mine have them now.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: exiledarchangel on May 16, 2015, 12:41:50 PM
Ok, MLs ordered! I'll be back with the results when they'll arrive!
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: patman on May 16, 2015, 01:39:14 PM
45-100 are sensible gauges...will probably do fine.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: exiledarchangel on May 22, 2015, 01:32:40 PM
Ok, MLs are on the Bachbird! First impression: They're bright! But all the lows you can ask are there too. Tension is nothing brutal, since I installed them today I'll let the bass for one day alone and adjust the truss rod a bit, but not too much, maybe 1/4 of a turn. So far I like how they sound and feel.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Blackbird on June 03, 2015, 06:26:45 AM
I just went with Chromes for my fist set of flats on a Jazz bass.  No truss tweak needed yet...I went a string guage lower then the default 45-105 that came on it.

I just want that 'sticky' feeling to be gone.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: uwe on June 08, 2015, 12:06:02 PM
You find the Chromes sticky? I find them pleasantly slick and smooth to play.   
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Blackbird on June 09, 2015, 07:45:49 AM
You find the Chromes sticky? I find them pleasantly slick and smooth to play.

On my plucking hand, fingerstyle i find them a bit sticky.  Fretting hand, smooth and slick.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Dave W on June 09, 2015, 02:08:33 PM
On my plucking hand, fingerstyle i find them a bit sticky.  Fretting hand, smooth and slick.

Uwe doesn't pluck (or give a pluck).
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Highlander on June 09, 2015, 03:45:11 PM
... But he still has a fingering technique when he slides up and down the neck, so doesn't want it getting sticky...?
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: uwe on June 10, 2015, 10:23:29 AM
I eat with knife and fork and play with a pick.  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: exiledarchangel on June 10, 2015, 01:37:31 PM
I go both ways (fork-knife/bare hands/teeth, also pick/fingers). Both ways have their use and their limits ofcourse.
Title: Re: Flats advice for my BachBird
Post by: Highlander on June 10, 2015, 04:41:19 PM
Knives can do a lot of damage to a bobbitt, err... banana...