Flat Wounds

[coolingitdown]

I've often wondered why string manufacturers haven't set about fixing this.

Is it the cost of R & D? I can't think there would be much involved here. Most of the time they already make all the right gauges. They just don't put them together in one set!

Is it the fact that their strings are already selling well and they don't want to mess with the formula?

It's just funny to me, because almost everybody who tries a balanced tension set is instantly won over to balanced tension! Hopefully one day the manufacturers will set themselves free from the status quo.

[cassius987]

The way they do things now is based on the original Fender P Bass for the most part, compensating for inconsistencies in the pickup response that made some strings louder than others, etc. It's weird they haven't re-evaluated it much since then. Modern Fenders don't have most of the problems of the originals; pickups have been improved on and so forth.

One thing I will say, having a *slightly* lower gauge E string than would create equal tension across strings can be helpful getting volume balance. The E string can get really loud otherwise, with some strings.

[slave]

The way they do things now is based on the original Fender P Bass for the most part, compensating for inconsistencies in the pickup response that made some strings louder than others, etc. It's weird they haven't re-evaluated it much since then. Modern Fenders don't have most of the problems of the originals; pickups have been improved on and so forth.

Are you talking about Fender strings, or strings in general?
Any differences in volume should be able to be sorted out with a decent setup, I'd be a bit worried about the bass being a dud if not!!!
I've never come across a P with a weak string/pole..... unlike the weak G on a stingray or (from what I've read here) the weak E on a Ric for example, which should be sorted out with a good setup and some inside knowledge to get the best out of your technique.

I've always been about getting the right feel, rather than the output of the strings... I can adjust pup/pole heights to even out volumes easy enough.
I have found that getting an even volume from a standard set of strings to be a LOT easier with flats than rounds though.
So many different roundwound sets I've tried have had a really thin twangy G with almost no sustain, that isn't matched well with the A or the D, and that won't intonate properly with the D on a 34" scale bass!!!!!....yet other sets are ace.

One thing I will say, having a *slightly* lower gauge E string than would create equal tension across strings can be helpful getting volume balance. The E string can get really loud otherwise, with some strings.

We must have a pretty different technique.... I would've said the opposite.

[iiipopes]

Is nobody else old enough to remember when Fender had the "high-A" polepieces? A friend of mine who runs a recording studio who started out as a bass player bought one new all those decades ago. Yes, things are different now. String technology is different now. DiMarzio makes it a point to mention that their sets are not tension balanced on purpose, probably due to a combination of factors talked about above.

It's not just about strings. It's not just about pickups. It's not just about setups. It's all the above.

[cassius987]

Are you talking about Fender strings, or strings in general?

In general. I'm pretty sure D'Addario has come up, etc. You see the (kind of ridiculous) gauge set 45-65-80-100 all over the place.

[iiipopes]

Is nobody else old enough to remember when Fender had the "high-A" polepieces? A friend of mine who runs a recording studio who started out as a bass player bought one new all those decades ago. Yes, things are different now. String technology is different now. DiMarzio makes it a point to mention that their sets are not tension balanced on purpose, probably due to a combination of factors talked about above.

It's not just about strings. It's not just about pickups. It's not just about setups. It's all the above.

I was thinking about the DP120 that Ted is sending to me. I meant to say D'Addario for the strings, of course. Sorry!

[gbarchus]

My 4001v63 may have been out of adjustment when I bought it but when I put TI Jazz flats on it, it didn't need any adjustment and plays even better.

Gale

[slave]

I love TI's..... but they're contagious. Pretty soon every bass you have will start wearing them.

[johnallg]

My 4001v63 may have been out of adjustment when I bought it but when I put TI Jazz flats on it, it didn't need any adjustment and plays even better.

Gale

A coincidence. A V63 and flats is a match made in heaven.

[nortega]

To me, the LaBella DTB strings are the single best bass strings on the planet. They will also custom make different winding lengths for you at no extra charge, if for example, you have a 27"scale Airline Pocket Bass that you need strings custom fabbed for. Might take 6 months or so tho....