Favorite Flats

[cassius987]

The 45-105 Chromes are definitely high tension - anyone using the 40-100s? The tension differential is huge.

See my previous post. I use the 40 60 80 100 set and I think it is FANTASTIC, esp. compared to the standard 45-105 set which I dislike because not only is the tension too high but the RSD of tension is bad.

The TIs sound more like an upright but I swear to you, the D'As record really well.

[cjj]

...(though I'm liking the Rick strings that came on my 4004Cii).

Hmmm... I thought it was a 4004cjj?

Well, it is now, but when it came, it was 4004Cii. I almost put Cjj, but since I was refering to it when I got it, I decided to use it's original designation.

[fireglo]

I too love the TI Jazz flats. I started out with Pyramid flats, but they are very high tension. The TIs aren't floppy to me. The tension is just right. Plus, they're perfect for getting that Beatles and Wings sound.

[flying junk]

I absolutely loved the sound of the 105-45 D'Addario Chromes on my fretted 4003. They sounded very warm and rich across all four strings, but the tension of the D & G strings was a killer. Rotosound flats were similarly tight and sounded nearly as good, except for a very dull E string. TI Jazz flats didn't work for me - very kind to the neck and a lovely mellow sound overall, but my over-enthusiastic picking produced a ton of buzzes and rattles. For a more laid back style I imagine they'd be just about perfect.

I'm definitely off to try a set of those 100-80-60-40 D'A Chromes - I wish I had two Rics for this kind of fiddling!

[antipodean]

The 45-105 Chromes are definitely high tension - anyone using the 40-100s? The tension differential is huge.

See my previous post. I use the 40 60 80 100 set and I think it is FANTASTIC, esp. compared to the standard 45-105 set which I dislike because not only is the tension too high but the RSD of tension is bad.

The TIs sound more like an upright but I swear to you, the D'As record really well.

Sorry Josh - I didn't click the link on your post

I've got to agree that the Chromes record well - the Jerry Jones records like a Rick or a P-bass depending upon playing style, though my recording technology is rather entry-level....

[ivan]

TIs.

[redvette]

I have TI Jazz flats on my C64 and they are not at all "thumpy". The sustain is not quite what it is with nickel rounds, but it is plenty long. I really believe that there is not an easy way to predict the sound of strings on a given instrument. There are too many variables. Bottom line is that you have to try various strings and find the ones you like. This might be a bit pricey, but at least be glad you aren't experimenting with upright bass strings which START at about $150 a set!

[woodyng]

welcome,richard! #1 to what you said,what works for one person might not be so great for the next. experiment and enjoy! you are in my adopted neck of the woods,trying to move from memphis to brookings. (got the house,just looking for the virtual job)....

[kenf]

I'm a high tension kinda guy - Fender 9050Ms on fours and EBMM Group I flats on fivers.

[jmceachern36]

I'm new to the Ric world but I put GHS flats on my new Ric and they sound great. I've got the action so low that they don't feel stiff at all either. I did try the TI's for about and hour or so but they felt a little too loose. They did sound nice however. I think the GHS strings have a little fuller sound.

[jps]

I'll take anyones barely used TI Jazz Flats!

[cjj]

Thanks for all the replies folks! I knew it would come down to having to try some of them, but I think this has narrowed the field a bit. I play mostly finger style and can get fairly aggressive at times, so the TI's sound like they may not be the best choice. I'm thinking I may go with the 40-60-80-100 D'A Chromes for the first try. Now the big question is, do I put 'em on the '76 4001AG, the '84 4003MG, or the '08 4004CjjMG... Decisions, decisions...

[jps]

...put them on all three.

[cjj]

No, that ain't gonna happen. I like my roundwound sound way too much. It's more likely the flats won't last too long, but we'll see...

[jmceachern36]

There are a few thinks I've noticed about flats and chromes in particular that I can pass on. First, Chromes sound almost like roundwounds when you first put them on. That will change over time. They'll get darker or smoother sounding. Also, they may feel a bit sticky at first. Especially if you play aggresivly as you said in one of your posts. That will go away as well. The strings will start to feel nice and smooth as you use them and learn how to play them. I found it took me a while to get used to flats, but I love the sound of them. Enjoy!