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https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
The standard 45-105 gauge for flats will be fine for general playing
For TI flats there is only 1 set available anyway.
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
I have experimented massively and at stupid expense for this.
I've tried Ernies - cobalt and regular, TI, Chromes, Roto 77, La Bella Deep Talkin' and their Low Tension Flats, Dunlops, and Elites.
I've also tried La Bella and D'addario Nylon tapes.
The main problem is that a low B often sounds unbalanced compared to the other strings, depending on your bass construction.
At the time I had a Marleaux Consat Custom and a Stingray 5.
The Marleaux has the best low B I've ever heard at any scale length. Most of the flats still sounded dull on that low B. Too flubby where a roundwound was clear and balanced. Most of the sets were great EADG, but the B let them down badly.
The Ernie Cobalt was pretty good but far brighter than regular flats. Would need to get very old to sound like old flats.
The La Bella White Nylon was excellent - but again it's bright - it's really a round wrapped in flat nylon tape to reduce finger noise. A great string, but not a flat sounding one. The Black Nylons are more old fashioned but I didn't like their feel.
The best one that sounded like a traditional flat and still had enough note definition was the Thomastik TI. I's a very supple string and many don't like the lower tension. It does need a bit of plucking technique adjustment but it does sound very good.
I've got TI on my PJ-Ray 5 and it's good. Not as good as the Marleaux was, but still better than all the others.
When I've got some more money I'm going to try mixing - maybe use a Half-wound / Groundwound / Pressurewound B to go with the other true flats.
String mixing is very common on double bass so it might be a great idea.
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
Steve Harris is probably their current most famous user. That P bass and flats sound he’s got is massive.
Although he changes them every single show!
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
There once was a used string charity sending old strings to poorly funded schools across the world but I think it closed.
Be aware - Rotosound flats are very stiff. The regular 45-105 set is mental enough. Harris uses 50-110. I have no idea how he manages to fret a note with those at all.
They are very bright out of the packet and then settle down.
If you want to try old school flats then the traditional choice is La Bella Deep Talkin' Flats. As used by Jamerson, Dunn, Kaye etc.
They are reasonably heavy too - go for the 40 set if you don't like heavy strings.
TI's are my favourite by far but they can be expensive. Have to search for best prices. But you will get 10 years out of them.
They are low tension. Some don't like that!
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Finally had a chance to fit the D'Addario Chromes I ordered. First impressions - so far so good. Definitely have a brighter tone than the TIs, though how much of that is down to general 'new string zing' that may wear off, will have to see.
They still feel nice and comfy to touch on my wimpy fingertips, no major difference from the Tis. Biggest difference I've noticed so far is the increased tension. The gauges are almost identical but feel noticeably stiffer - will hopefully help me develop some stronger fingers as a result I guess!
Do Chrome flats normally last for as many years as normal flats do?
https://themusicoutlet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/TortexStandard-5.5.png
They are all very different.
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