Flatwound Convert!

[spongebob]

After a number of years playing with rounds, first stainless then nickel, I was after a different edge to my tone.

After reading and researching on here, I opted first for a set of halfwounds, kind of see if I liked the change.

Loved these - so went headlong for a set of D'addario Chromes (I normally use D'addario's anyway).

OMG, what a tone. Really gave me the Ric tone I've always wanted - really deep and growling - and a lot more top end which I never seemed to get much of!

Both Rics are now strung with these - but being Rics, they still sound a little different between them!

I'm going into the studio on Sunday, so I'll take both to vary things a little. I'm really excited for how they'll come across!

So thanks again all on RR for all the info on these. I'll hopefully put a link up next week to the recordings.....in particular, my 2010 4003, which I'll mainly use, sounds on fire with the Chromes!

[sloop_john_b]

Welcome! Chromes are a bit zingy for my taste at first, but after about three or four gigs they get really thumpy and warm. Once mellowed, they are my favorite strings.

[FretlessOnly]

I've got chromes on my '08 4003FL and they sound great.

Also, give some consideration to LaBella Deep Talkin' Bass flats. After trying about 6 or 7 styles of flats over the past year or so, I think I'll be coming back to these, along with the D'A Chromes (I've got a number of FLs, so I can mix and match).

[gemspa73]

I bought a set of GHS Brite Flats from Joshua a couple of months ago after 30 years of playing Rotosounds. I won't be going back - the feel and sound is amazing.

[Low End Lover]

Yes, both my 4003 & 4003FL have Fender 9050L's with a .105 E string, which makes them very balanced. BTW, Fender will be releasing this set in January (9050CL). I love the deep fundamental tone I get and it still sounds every bit like a Ric. I had Roto Swing 66's on the 4003 before and not only do they chew up your frets (and fingers), but they have all these weird overtones. I think once you've had a decent set of flats on a bass, you can't understand why more folks don't give them a try. Flats make a bass sound like a bass, IMO.

LEL

[cassius987]

If not for Fender 9050s (new formula), I'd use Chrome flats. But the 9050s sound like the Chromes but mellower, and come in better gauges for me. And they're cheaper!

People who say you can get flatwound tone with rounds using the tone knob are full of it.

[NFB-418]

People who say you can get flatwound tone with rounds using the tone knob are full of it.

How about the tone knob plus the damper bar all the way up?

Tried TIs, LaBellas and finally settled on Chromes. I would be interested in trying the Fender 9050s, but only if they release the set with the .105 E.

[hieronymous]

Welcome to the flatside! Still have rounds on my Rics, but love Chromes on my short-scale Alembic 5-string!

[Low End Lover]

People who say you can get flatwound tone with rounds using the tone knob are full of it.

How about the tone knob plus the damper bar all the way up?

Tried TIs, LaBellas and finally settled on Chromes. I would be interested in trying the Fender 9050s, but only if they release the set with the .105 E.

They are. I talked to the guy in charge of marketing Fender strings and he told me January 1st a week or so ago.

LEL

[FretlessOnly]

I've had a set of 9050's for about 4-5 months with a 0.105 E. But, it's the medium set: 55/70/90/105 - not good for a Rick (although I'll bet some 4003s could take them - don't try this at home, folks). Perfect for my '76 Precision FL that had a slight backbow with no tension on the rod. I put them on my '97 CIJ Jazz FL first, but have since swapped them out onto my '76 P, and it's been just the recipe for introducing a touch of relief. Now I can snug up the rod and it's exactly where it needs to be. When I get tired of those, it's on to the LaBella 1954 flats: 52/73/95/110. That'll make some noise...