I love flats, but never when new. I love rounds, but not after a week. I love tapes, whatever their age. I use them all on different basses. I love strings.
@James Platt: D'Addario XL Nylon Tapewounds. Results will vary depending on your bass (I use mine on a passive P bass), but I really like the comfort I feel when playing them, which affects my tone and sonic clarity.
I put La Bella Low Tension stainless flats on almost all my basses and they feel great from the start. And only get better . Super smooth feel and no funky texture that needs to wear off.
I'll say it: I LOVE THE VIBE OF A BRAND NEW SET OF FLATS!!! Not every set, but I love the click of a brand new set of Dunlop flats. With those in particular, I only like the sound for about five or six months. I also love the highs on a brand new set of Fender 9050MLs. Yes, they'll sound better later, but they sound good now. Indeed, some flats need a few weeks, or even months (GHS, LaBella, maybe Chromes), but Dunlops I prefer right when I put them on.
I'm with you! I really like the sound of new flats. They can be bright on their own, but in a mix, I never find them too bright, and that's what the tone knob is for. Recently tried out Pyramid pure nickel flats and really like the midrange.
When you get your hands on my Tele Bass, you’ll find a set of year old Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats. :) I, actually, like TI’s from the moment you unpack them till, well, I’ve never replaced a set yet so... haha
I've had that some thing with the texture on flat wounds. I think that comes from micro small rough edges of the wrapping. So, I solved this by smoothing the strings. Do not use anything more abrasive that a brown paper bag. A couple passes with that and the string smooth out.
You're right, new flats feel very weird. I have Fender flats on my P-bass and at first I really didn't like the feel AT ALL :) Now, after about a year I just love the feel and I'm seriously thinking to put flats on my other two basses :)
This video is very informative and enjoyable. Thank you. I tried flats (Labella) on my Sire P7(PJ). They were sticky for about 3 months. I wasn't totally pleased with them. I put them on my Sire M3(dual humbuckers) and I liked them more. I'm trying another brand soon on one of my 5 string basses. It'll be nickel round wounds on 2 basses and flats on the other 2.
It's good to hear that the sticky feeling goes away. I was too impatient and got La Bella's tape wounds. That was a good fast workaround, and with much less tension. This was for my cheap starter bass that I couldn't make myself get rid of. Maybe my next good P bass, I'll take this journey.
Before putting a new set on you can put a small amount of vaseline on a cloth, wipe down each string to coat them, then polish off thoroughly with a clean cloth before stringing the bass. No stickiness and a bit more vintage right away. Old studio trick, if a string breaks and you don't want that serious tone mismatch replacing just the one string
Hey Rumblin Man, I know you know this already but that Grabber bass is a keeper. IMHO, there is a definitive difference in those strings from 2-years ago...they now sound smoother but with more dynamic range. Also, you were really in the pocket on the last song. BTW, I intended to mention this before but I personally like the mic setup you're using--gives you more of a live-stage vibe. I had a thought while watching your video: Eventually I will buy a fretless bass...perhaps I should buy my strings now, hang them up somewhere (garage or closet) so they will be seasoned whenever the fretless arrives. Blessings brother...Be well.
Great to hear from you again Pastor Bryan. You are awesome sir. Thank you for the kind words. Not a bad idea to go on and get some flats now to let them start aging! I’ve been hearing great things about Thomastick and La Bella. If you’re ever in the Pinellas area I’ll show you the Grabber up close!
@@RumblinMan Thanks a million! I'm just trying to encourage people on the road of life. Be well my brother; keep playing & keep praying. ...I always wondered if Jamerson used LaBellas. Peace.
I got a 14 stingray 5HH on its way to me right now and it has flats on it, now I am going to just keep them and maybe put them on my Jazz im glad I watched this video
Great video -- thanks for sharing! I really like how the aged strings sit in the mix. I think the only thing I wish you had included was a short sample of slap on the older strings as you did when they were newer, even though its not the typical sound associated with broken-in flats.
I love Legends, tone dimed they're clanky and greasy and phaser-y and so stiff you can get the action super low. They sound amazing with a late 50s wound PBass split coil and a maple neck. Super dubby with Fender PV '63 PBass pickup, although I have Thomastiks on my PBass with the Fender 63 pickup for the opposite reason. Still have Thomastiks on a Jazz?
Rumblin Man Yeah, some flats are like that. I’ve still got D’Addario Chromes on my Les Paul bass that are over 5 years old. I do think I’m getting close to needing a new set. I’ve toyed with going to a BEAD tuning on that bass. If I do that, I’ll go to either half rounds or round wounds for that particular bass.
Been a while since you did a strings video. Have you tried EB cobalt flats? They tend to do the new sticky thing too, but. A bit of finger ease helps a lot if you're impatient like me. They have more tone than any other flat I've found.
That’s cool that the EB’s have tonal value. I’ve heard about the stickiness, so I immediately ran the other way and didn’t try them. How’s the tension?
@@RumblinMan good question, I hadn't really considered tension. As far as I can tell they feel a little more flexible than round wounds. They're just so much fun I hadn't broken it down as to why. I occasionally do a full note bend with the D string and I do like them over the rounds for that, but there may be more than one facto into play. A non residu solvent like MEK or maybe alcohol to clean the strings before stringing a bass will help some, just don't forget to lube them with Finger ease or something similar.
Joshua Ray tough call. I like the feel / sound of the Chromes better overall. But I’ll say that I like the way the DR’s age a little better. They grow richer with time. But the Chromes win.
Hahaha. Thanks for the compliment man. I look at some of my videos from 8 years ago and think “that poor kid, he truly didn’t know anything about life”.
I really enjoy Flatwounds, although I haven’t found the right ones. So far I’ve only tried Ernie Ball slinky flats, and Chromes. So for those that are experienced with them, any suggestions??? Thanks 👍👍👍
Rumblin Man awesome! Thank you. I’ll be sure to check them out when I can. Unfortunately their kinda expensive in Australia. Thomastiks run for $100 dollars , and la Bella’s run for around $50-60 their so expensive here.
Patrick Ellis yeah man, that’s why I don’t have either. Hahaha. I’ve always liked the Chromes. You might like the DR Legends or the Rotosound Monel Jazz’s.
I mean Flats are basicly cool.But I find they feel a little harder to play Fingerstyle,like they were thicker the the same strings in roundwound! Thats my Opinion🤟🙃
more like they never get old. if you tKe care of them... like dont over stretch 'em.... hey i need A good set of heavy guage nickel flats round core for this cheryy fretless longscale single coil bass
Well, yeah. I’ll say this. I have had flats get so old that they didn’t work anymore for recording contemporary music. That said, on the right bass, some really old flats sound beautiful. It all depends on the set. After all these years, I’m not crazy about the DR flats.
@@RumblinMan I use pyramid, but i just found out thier bass strings are hex core... Which makes sence because they are kind of stiff and unforgiving. I have been confused for years. I like the tone though and they last. Round core bass flats are special order they say. Thats whatni have on my electric 12... Id get Thomastik Infeld, but i want a heavier guage because i tune low for thid new fretless bass... I ordered the dr pure blues to use in mean time while i figure it out.
@@ryankm48 DR Pure Blues are some of my favorite rounds. I have them on my Sire. I actually just now released a new review of the Thomastik-Infelds. Check it out, you might like the tones.
I know this is a tired-ass question but, can these strings in their current state still hold up to playing heavy rock? Edit: I saw the "in the mix" portion of the video, it did answer a part of my question. But what about a full band with 2 heavily overdriven guitars?
![CAMPปลิ้น | EP.83[2/2] ประสบการณ์ขนหัวลุกจากตำนานวงการผี!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/T_kFecQw7Ds/mqdefault.jpg)
I love flats, but never when new. I love rounds, but not after a week. I love tapes, whatever their age. I use them all on different basses. I love strings.
Hey since your a tape wound guy... Which ones do you recommend for color clarity and deep solid tone?
Kubooxooki me too!
@James Platt: D'Addario XL Nylon Tapewounds. Results will vary depending on your bass (I use mine on a passive P bass), but I really like the comfort I feel when playing them, which affects my tone and sonic clarity.
I put La Bella Low Tension stainless flats on almost all my basses and they feel great from the start. And only get better . Super smooth feel and no funky texture that needs to wear off.
Nice!! People mention these a lot… I think I need to try some asap!
I love flats when they’re new, hate them when they are kind of old, love them when they’ve really old.
Luke Ozimek I feel ya!!!
There needs to be more old string videos. Too many with new flats. I need to hear these things AFTER they've mellowed out. Thank you.
I'll say it: I LOVE THE VIBE OF A BRAND NEW SET OF FLATS!!! Not every set, but I love the click of a brand new set of Dunlop flats. With those in particular, I only like the sound for about five or six months. I also love the highs on a brand new set of Fender 9050MLs. Yes, they'll sound better later, but they sound good now.
Indeed, some flats need a few weeks, or even months (GHS, LaBella, maybe Chromes), but Dunlops I prefer right when I put them on.
I'm with you! I really like the sound of new flats. They can be bright on their own, but in a mix, I never find them too bright, and that's what the tone knob is for. Recently tried out Pyramid pure nickel flats and really like the midrange.
good to see your channel grow over the past years, I first found your channel because of that sweet Grabber, keep it up!
Thanks bro!
When you get your hands on my Tele Bass, you’ll find a set of year old Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats. :) I, actually, like TI’s from the moment you unpack them till, well, I’ve never replaced a set yet so... haha
Wow! That's awesome. I have not tried TI's but have heard really good things.
I've had that some thing with the texture on flat wounds. I think that comes from micro small rough edges of the wrapping. So, I solved this by smoothing the strings. Do not use anything more abrasive that a brown paper bag. A couple passes with that and the string smooth out.
Thank you!
Nice- thanks for putting this together. My experience is that D'addario Chromes and Pro Steels sound amazing after being played in.
You're right, new flats feel very weird. I have Fender flats on my P-bass and at first I really didn't like the feel AT ALL :) Now, after about a year I just love the feel and I'm seriously thinking to put flats on my other two basses :)
This video is very informative and enjoyable. Thank you. I tried flats (Labella) on my Sire P7(PJ). They were sticky for about 3 months. I wasn't totally pleased with them. I put them on my Sire M3(dual humbuckers) and I liked them more. I'm trying another brand soon on one of my 5 string basses. It'll be nickel round wounds on 2 basses and flats on the other 2.
Yo man thanks for the kind words and the feedback. Try D’Addario Chromes... you might like them better. No stickiness.
It's good to hear that the sticky feeling goes away. I was too impatient and got La Bella's tape wounds. That was a good fast workaround, and with much less tension. This was for my cheap starter bass that I couldn't make myself get rid of. Maybe my next good P bass, I'll take this journey.
Yeah I hate that sticky feeing.
Before putting a new set on you can put a small amount of vaseline on a cloth, wipe down each string to coat them, then polish off thoroughly with a clean cloth before stringing the bass. No stickiness and a bit more vintage right away. Old studio trick, if a string breaks and you don't want that serious tone mismatch replacing just the one string
Hey Rumblin Man, I know you know this already but that Grabber bass is a keeper. IMHO, there is a definitive difference in those strings from 2-years ago...they now sound smoother but with more dynamic range. Also, you were really in the pocket on the last song. BTW, I intended to mention this before but I personally like the mic setup you're using--gives you more of a live-stage vibe. I had a thought while watching your video: Eventually I will buy a fretless bass...perhaps I should buy my strings now, hang them up somewhere (garage or closet) so they will be seasoned whenever the fretless arrives. Blessings brother...Be well.
Great to hear from you again Pastor Bryan. You are awesome sir. Thank you for the kind words. Not a bad idea to go on and get some flats now to let them start aging! I’ve been hearing great things about Thomastick and La Bella. If you’re ever in the Pinellas area I’ll show you the Grabber up close!
@@RumblinMan Thanks a million! I'm just trying to encourage people on the road of life. Be well my brother; keep playing & keep praying. ...I always wondered if Jamerson used LaBellas. Peace.
I got a 14 stingray 5HH on its way to me right now and it has flats on it, now I am going to just keep them and maybe put them on my Jazz im glad I watched this video
Great video -- thanks for sharing! I really like how the aged strings sit in the mix.
I think the only thing I wish you had included was a short sample of slap on the older strings as you did when they were newer, even though its not the typical sound associated with broken-in flats.
Will keep in mind for the future. Thanks!
Bro, may you do a top of strings for pbass? I like rock, please and thank you
They sound better now than before for sure.
I love flats but the GHS Precision Flats give me that two year old sound right out of the pack!
Lavalval Dragon nice! Hope to check some out
Much love from Florida as well bass brother, South West FL
Awesome! Same coast!
@@RumblinMan awesome!! Great content like always!!
@@bassimprovjams3772 thanks bro!
I love Legends, tone dimed they're clanky and greasy and phaser-y and so stiff you can get the action super low. They sound amazing with a late 50s wound PBass split coil and a maple neck. Super dubby with Fender PV '63 PBass pickup, although I have Thomastiks on my PBass with the Fender 63 pickup for the opposite reason. Still have Thomastiks on a Jazz?
I do!
You know what’s “legend”? That Grabber bass! 😎
Thought you might like my comments about the sticky texture on the strings.
Rumblin Man Yeah, some flats are like that. I’ve still got D’Addario Chromes on my Les Paul bass that are over 5 years old. I do think I’m getting close to needing a new set. I’ve toyed with going to a BEAD tuning on that bass. If I do that, I’ll go to either half rounds or round wounds for that particular bass.
@8:40 has some Journey vibes goin!
Been a while since you did a strings video. Have you tried EB cobalt flats? They tend to do the new sticky thing too, but. A bit of finger ease helps a lot if you're impatient like me. They have more tone than any other flat I've found.
That’s cool that the EB’s have tonal value. I’ve heard about the stickiness, so I immediately ran the other way and didn’t try them. How’s the tension?
@@RumblinMan good question, I hadn't really considered tension. As far as I can tell they feel a little more flexible than round wounds. They're just so much fun I hadn't broken it down as to why. I occasionally do a full note bend with the D string and I do like them over the rounds for that, but there may be more than one facto into play.
A non residu solvent like MEK or maybe alcohol to clean the strings before stringing a bass will help some, just don't forget to lube them with Finger ease or something similar.
Hi. What was the year when the DR legends began on sale ? Thanks
If you were to compare this to D'addario XL chromes flatwound strings, which ones would you prefer?
Joshua Ray tough call. I like the feel / sound of the Chromes better overall. But I’ll say that I like the way the DR’s age a little better. They grow richer with time. But the Chromes win.
@@RumblinMan thanks dude
Would love to know opinions on the chromes, do they age well too? these DR sound good.
The Chromes are awesome, and I definitely recommend them over the DR’s. The Chromes keep their bright, balanced tone for a long time.
@@RumblinMan Great! Thank you so much!!
Try some Rotosound Jazz 77 flats.
Already have!
I have flats on my SRMS805. Not really my style, bit I keep em on there just to mess with.
I have your Terminator bass.
@@RumblinMan woo!
Those flats sound great. Just like you, they got better with age.
Hahaha. Thanks for the compliment man. I look at some of my videos from 8 years ago and think “that poor kid, he truly didn’t know anything about life”.
@@RumblinMan The joy of getting a few more years under your belt. I just hit the big 'six oh'. Best wishes for you.
@@telecasterbear thanks so much man. Congrats on 60!
So that's the opposite of Steve Harris, who changes his flatwounds before every show. And he plays a LOT of shows.
I love that grabber !!!
Do you like how roundwound age?
ⰔⰀⰞⰀ sometimes! Depends on the string.
I have 6 months old slinky cobalt flats and its starting to sound much fatter
Fast Fret will get rid of that sticky feeling.
When is your giveaway?
Giveaway?
You said few months ago lakeline one
@@sumanadhikari7460 that was a while ago
Who took it away 😂😂
@@sumanadhikari7460 Sorry! We concluded the giveaway in June. More giveaways to come in the future though.
I really enjoy Flatwounds, although I haven’t found the right ones. So far I’ve only tried Ernie Ball slinky flats, and Chromes. So for those that are experienced with them, any suggestions??? Thanks 👍👍👍
Patrick Ellis I keep hearing great things about LaBella and Thomastick. LaBella would be the best first try!
Rumblin Man awesome! Thank you. I’ll be sure to check them out when I can. Unfortunately their kinda expensive in Australia. Thomastiks run for $100 dollars , and la Bella’s run for around $50-60 their so expensive here.
Patrick Ellis yeah man, that’s why I don’t have either. Hahaha. I’ve always liked the Chromes. You might like the DR Legends or the Rotosound Monel Jazz’s.
Rumblin Man From seeing your video on the Legend flats by DR, I might give those a shot
I mean Flats are basicly cool.But
I find they feel a little harder to play Fingerstyle,like they were thicker the the same strings in roundwound! Thats my Opinion🤟🙃
They're awesome for light touch playing imo. They suck for heavier genres of rock though.
Thomastick are low tension flats, and there is a series from la bella too. Not all flats must be hard to play
more like they never get old. if you tKe care of them... like dont over stretch 'em.... hey i need A good set of heavy guage nickel flats round core for this cheryy fretless longscale single coil bass
Well, yeah. I’ll say this. I have had flats get so old that they didn’t work anymore for recording contemporary music. That said, on the right bass, some really old flats sound beautiful. It all depends on the set. After all these years, I’m not crazy about the DR flats.
@@RumblinMan I use pyramid, but i just found out thier bass strings are hex core... Which makes sence because they are kind of stiff and unforgiving. I have been confused for years. I like the tone though and they last. Round core bass flats are special order they say. Thats whatni have on my electric 12... Id get Thomastik Infeld, but i want a heavier guage because i tune low for thid new fretless bass... I ordered the dr pure blues to use in mean time while i figure it out.
@@RumblinMan The Pyramid flats I got on Pyramid Bass are from 2013 and still work good.
@@ryankm48 I’d like to try some.
@@ryankm48 DR Pure Blues are some of my favorite rounds. I have them on my Sire. I actually just now released a new review of the Thomastik-Infelds. Check it out, you might like the tones.
I know this is a tired-ass question but, can these strings in their current state still hold up to playing heavy rock?
Edit: I saw the "in the mix" portion of the video, it did answer a part of my question. But what about a full band with 2 heavily overdriven guitars?
Dude...wot happened to yer hair?
Haha! Honestly my hair was thinning for several years, and I eventually decided to just shave it.
Where is his hair...???