I always run flats on my 5 string but I was playing in a worship setting. It was great to have that nice sound with the extra low string. It made a lot of the eb songs a lot easier to play!
Great minds think alike! I just made a similar comment before I read yours, LOL! but I have rounds on my 5 string now. Some of the worship songs we play, I feel, need a more aggressive tone when dropping those low D and C bombs. I save the flats for my P-bass but flats on the 5 would be interesting too??!! Maybe?? and true that with the singers wanting to do the song in Eb?? 5 string required in that situation, IMO! or another bass tuned down 1/2 step.
@@markblackstad8705 I have a 5 string j Bass and it seems to do just the trick for worship music. Especially for songs where I just need something deep and powerful to ring out for a full measure. I can end on a low D for a lot of songs and just let it ring out and it sounds great with the flats being a less bright sound. Plus when you think about it for country lots of the old uprights were 5 strings and they tried to play open strings as often as possible. We are just continuing a long "vintage" Tradition haha
I have the same set as you got. I have them on a Sire V5-5. I love the feel and sound you get out of them. The B string is so fat and heavy it's a propper workout if you play hard. I recommend the ECB-81 series to all who haven't tried flats. Very smooth and forgiving. Good job on the gigs. Always fun with a bit of chaos. At least when you get through. :)
I have got a 30" scale 5 string that I was not 100% happy about soundwise and also the string tension was a little low for my tastes so I putt a set of flats that I had lying around. Now it sounds very nice and the flats have brought the tension up a little so I am happier now.
The exact same problem i have right now! I'm playing an ibanez tmb35 and looking for a set of flats that'll work on it, mind sharing what set you found for shirt scales?
I really like KEN SMITH flat wounds. He uses the hexagonal core, wraps round nickel/steel around that, then grinds them flat. They're just a smidge brighter than traditional flat wounds, but not nearly as bright as round wounds.
Second night was kickin'. I have been using the new La Bella Low Tension Flats on my J-bass. Very smooth with warm tone. Low tension very comfortable playing. Prefer them to the D'Addario Chromes I was using.
I put flats on every bass I get (currently owning a six-string and a hollowbody), but I tend towards brighter flats (TI flats on the six-string and Pyramid Golds on my hollowbody). Love them! I don't ever intend on going back to rounds!
I've had a set of TIs on my bass for something like 17 years now. They still have plenty of brightness in them! I would definitely put a set on a 5 string if I got one, a low D would be great to have.
@@AfferbeckBeats been using mine for six years and still look and play like new! I don't even mind them being more expensive because I never have to change them
Yep-- completely enjoy this kind of video. Flats on a 5? I'd love to! Gotta get one first LOL! All but one of my five basses are currently strung with flats-- including my L2000 and Stingray. Mainly due to the feel, and I like the sound of modern flats (Chromes, Cobalts, etc.) as they remind me of a good set of worn-in nickel rounds. Regarding the country show, I couldn't help but think of The Blues Brothers playing at Bob's Country Bunker-- at least your stage wasn't behind chicken-wire :D
My BB415 has got flatwound strings, the same you use, I've never performed with, only on roundwound strings but that was years ago. I recorded bunch of things with flatwound strings. I'm playing now in a big band, I'm new in the band so I didn't perform yet but during the rehearsal nobody really noticed something, maybe a better sound, a focussed sound without extra noise. I like the sound, I can slap with, that's funny. I never slap... Every sound is acceptable and musical no matter the EQ. I like the concept of 5 string bass, I can feel something like a Red Mitchell vibe.
Thanks for this review. I was initially looking for a review on the G&L L-2500 and came across yours. Great review and now I've got my sights set on an L-2500. I picked up an M-2000 (Tribute) a few months ago and those Mother-F**king-Demon pickups are something else - I love 'em! As I'm subscribed to your channel, I was interested in seeing how 'flats' worked out on your Yamaha. I had an Ibanez SR655 (5-string) that I strung with flatwounds. It came with Nordstrands and sounded the biz, even in passive mode. I did pass it on only because of the string spacing being a little narrow. However, it played like butter. I've recently restrung my Reverend Mercalli with Picato flats and I'm really enjoying the warmth and depth that comes from the Mercalli. I generally play blues, soul and funk. I don't do any of that slapping nonsense so the ensemble suits my playing fine. Glad to see the results of your experiments with flats. Thanks again. Keep 'em coming. Regards from the UK.
I use Ernie Ball Cobalts in 90's alt/metal cover band and they sound great. I use an Aftershock distortion pedal with them and man is it tight sounding.
Fun video format, heck yeah do some more. I played in a country band in the late 1990's to early 2000s. I didn't play flats but probably should have?? I play my 5 string in my church worship gig a lot of the times, but with rounds. Many modern worship songs sound good when you can drop some low D, C, and B bombs from time to time. Also the singers request some odd keys like Eb which the five string makes much easier to navigate. I have flats always on my P-bass and had flats on one of my stingray style basses recently but changed back to rounds on that one.
I've had GHS Precision flats on one of my 5s for years. I usually prefer rounds live, but I've use that bass on stage a few times and it was fine sounding. The bass with the flats is my main practice bass at home. It's getting Alumitones soon so the little bit of top end loss might come back with them, but the flats are much nicer on the fingers, especially for longer sets. I wish I'd used them when 4hrs a set 2 or 3 nights a week was the norm. Looking at you on stage, all I could think was "get a haircut, hippie". LOL. I'm as bald as Kojak.
Very clean sounding... almost too clean for my tastes. I like a little growl; grit; bite and hiss, but that's the metalhead in me. Even outside of metal, I love anything slap and pop -- anything where the bassist cuts through a wall of sound. This tone seems perfect for Motown/funk/soul/jazz/cleaner fusion, etc.
question is just a matter of getting the correct gauge then put them on. do they cause more tension on the neck. ie re setup intonate etc. I have a four string thanks
The B string in BB's always sound so muddy, round or flatwound. Idk why that is, but compared to other 5 strings the B string lose a lot of definition.
I don't have a 5 string, but a 5er will prob be my next bass. I feel like I am at my limit at 34" scale, but I hear 34" B strings are floppy. Since flats are generally stiffer than rounds, do you fine that a flatwound B string solves that problem?
I’ve never had an issue with floppy B strings on 34” scale basses. Maybe I’m just not that picky. I think the stiffness of flats is not super noticeable, but YMMV.
When I almost exclusively played with a pick, I would complain about a 34" being too floppy for the low B. However, I have since learned that you cannot expect bass strings to react the same way as guitar strings (I'm primarily a guitarist). Since playing more with my fingers, I really don't think tension is the problem at all, but setup and varying the technique, but tone is unique for a thicker string. Granted I have never played flats, so your mileage will vary.
I tried flats on my Pbass and fretless basses. I still can’t get into the tone of them. It seems that I like the sound when I hear others play them. But for me, It’s not for me. If that makes any sense. I like them, but not on my basses.
Maybe you just bought the wrong type of flats. Like Anrew said, there are brighter and softer flats... if you want something bright I suggest Pyramid Golds or Thomastik Infeld flats which are my favorites (they're quite the investment, but then you only need to buy them once), or if you want something darker then I suggest LaBella's Deep Talkin strings (used them before, but like I said I prefer a brighter tone) or even tapewounds if you want to really go there.
I had the same experience. I bought LaBellas for my P and couldn't get what I wanted. The note bloom and decay didn't work for me. I put some D'addario half rounds on and tuned down to E flat. It is just amazing. My Pbass went from a rarely played piece of wall art to my #1 couch buddy that always sits on my lap.
I'm surprised no one noticed that there's two different drummers because the first guy couldn't do both nights.
Drummers are only noticed by their bass players and no one else. Just kidding, but yeah totally didn't notice
The first drummer was really good, although I didn't notice it wasn't the same guy the second night.
LOOOOOL "Dressed like LowEndLobster here"
Think of it as a compliment! Everyone should dress like LowEnd Lobster from time to time!
It’s the most comfortable way to be!
I always run flats on my 5 string but I was playing in a worship setting. It was great to have that nice sound with the extra low string. It made a lot of the eb songs a lot easier to play!
Great minds think alike! I just made a similar comment before I read yours, LOL! but I have rounds on my 5 string now. Some of the worship songs we play, I feel, need a more aggressive tone when dropping those low D and C bombs. I save the flats for my P-bass but flats on the 5 would be interesting too??!! Maybe?? and true that with the singers wanting to do the song in Eb?? 5 string required in that situation, IMO! or another bass tuned down 1/2 step.
@@markblackstad8705 I have a 5 string j Bass and it seems to do just the trick for worship music. Especially for songs where I just need something deep and powerful to ring out for a full measure. I can end on a low D for a lot of songs and just let it ring out and it sounds great with the flats being a less bright sound. Plus when you think about it for country lots of the old uprights were 5 strings and they tried to play open strings as often as possible. We are just continuing a long "vintage" Tradition haha
I use cobalt flats on my 5 string for worship and love it
I’ve been hooked on the Ernie Ball cobalt flats lately. Sound great, feel great.
I have a set on my Jazz bass and they're definitely really fun.
That intro jam was awesome. Enjoyed the flatwound tone. Great video!
I have the passive version of your bass with a four string set of flats and the original round low B and I think it’s great.
I have the same set as you got. I have them on a Sire V5-5. I love the feel and sound you get out of them. The B string is so fat and heavy it's a propper workout if you play hard. I recommend the ECB-81 series to all who haven't tried flats. Very smooth and forgiving. Good job on the gigs. Always fun with a bit of chaos. At least when you get through. :)
Love the gig videos!
I have got a 30" scale 5 string that I was not 100% happy about soundwise and also the string tension was a little low for my tastes so I putt a set of flats that I had lying around. Now it sounds very nice and the flats have brought the tension up a little so I am happier now.
The exact same problem i have right now! I'm playing an ibanez tmb35 and looking for a set of flats that'll work on it, mind sharing what set you found for shirt scales?
@@takisloutca very hard to find a short scale 5 string set, not to mention flatwounds. I think Dunlop has one. Mine was "custom made"
I really like KEN SMITH flat wounds. He uses the hexagonal core, wraps round nickel/steel around that, then grinds them flat. They're just a smidge brighter than traditional flat wounds, but not nearly as bright as round wounds.
Second night was kickin'. I have been using the new La Bella Low Tension Flats on my J-bass. Very smooth with warm tone. Low tension very comfortable playing. Prefer them to the D'Addario Chromes I was using.
How you gonna play that sick ass fill at 04:47 without warning us?🤤
I put flats on every bass I get (currently owning a six-string and a hollowbody), but I tend towards brighter flats (TI flats on the six-string and Pyramid Golds on my hollowbody). Love them! I don't ever intend on going back to rounds!
I've had a set of TIs on my bass for something like 17 years now. They still have plenty of brightness in them! I would definitely put a set on a 5 string if I got one, a low D would be great to have.
@@AfferbeckBeats been using mine for six years and still look and play like new! I don't even mind them being more expensive because I never have to change them
Yep-- completely enjoy this kind of video. Flats on a 5? I'd love to! Gotta get one first LOL! All but one of my five basses are currently strung with flats-- including my L2000 and Stingray. Mainly due to the feel, and I like the sound of modern flats (Chromes, Cobalts, etc.) as they remind me of a good set of worn-in nickel rounds. Regarding the country show, I couldn't help but think of The Blues Brothers playing at Bob's Country Bunker-- at least your stage wasn't behind chicken-wire :D
My BB415 has got flatwound strings, the same you use, I've never performed with, only on roundwound strings but that was years ago.
I recorded bunch of things with flatwound strings.
I'm playing now in a big band, I'm new in the band so I didn't perform yet but during the rehearsal nobody really noticed something, maybe a better sound, a focussed sound without extra noise.
I like the sound, I can slap with, that's funny. I never slap...
Every sound is acceptable and musical no matter the EQ.
I like the concept of 5 string bass, I can feel something like a Red Mitchell vibe.
Thanks for this review. I was initially looking for a review on the G&L L-2500 and came across yours. Great review and now I've got my sights set on an L-2500. I picked up an M-2000 (Tribute) a few months ago and those Mother-F**king-Demon pickups are something else - I love 'em! As I'm subscribed to your channel, I was interested in seeing how 'flats' worked out on your Yamaha. I had an Ibanez SR655 (5-string) that I strung with flatwounds. It came with Nordstrands and sounded the biz, even in passive mode. I did pass it on only because of the string spacing being a little narrow. However, it played like butter. I've recently restrung my Reverend Mercalli with Picato flats and I'm really enjoying the warmth and depth that comes from the Mercalli. I generally play blues, soul and funk. I don't do any of that slapping nonsense so the ensemble suits my playing fine. Glad to see the results of your experiments with flats. Thanks again. Keep 'em coming. Regards from the UK.
I love the Chromes on my Lakland Skyline 55-64 five string P bass!
I use Ernie Ball Cobalts in 90's alt/metal cover band and they sound great. I use an Aftershock distortion pedal with them and man is it tight sounding.
Fun video format, heck yeah do some more. I played in a country band in the late 1990's to early 2000s. I didn't play flats but probably should have?? I play my 5 string in my church worship gig a lot of the times, but with rounds. Many modern worship songs sound good when you can drop some low D, C, and B bombs from time to time. Also the singers request some odd keys like Eb which the five string makes much easier to navigate. I have flats always on my P-bass and had flats on one of my stingray style basses recently but changed back to rounds on that one.
I've had GHS Precision flats on one of my 5s for years. I usually prefer rounds live, but I've use that bass on stage a few times and it was fine sounding. The bass with the flats is my main practice bass at home. It's getting Alumitones soon so the little bit of top end loss might come back with them, but the flats are much nicer on the fingers, especially for longer sets. I wish I'd used them when 4hrs a set 2 or 3 nights a week was the norm.
Looking at you on stage, all I could think was "get a haircut, hippie". LOL. I'm as bald as Kojak.
Very clean sounding... almost too clean for my tastes. I like a little growl; grit; bite and hiss, but that's the metalhead in me. Even outside of metal, I love anything slap and pop -- anything where the bassist cuts through a wall of sound. This tone seems perfect for Motown/funk/soul/jazz/cleaner fusion, etc.
Hey I know Shawn. He and I subbed in Doug Lane's band together.
Whenever I think of Flatwounds and extended range basses I think of Thundercat and John Patitucci
I use LaBella flats on a 5-string fretless. If I need vintage, that's my go-to...
question is just a matter of getting the correct gauge then put them on. do they cause more tension on the neck. ie re setup intonate etc. I have a four string thanks
The B string in BB's always sound so muddy, round or flatwound. Idk why that is, but compared to other 5 strings the B string lose a lot of definition.
9:48 stanky leg alert
I don't have a 5 string, but a 5er will prob be my next bass. I feel like I am at my limit at 34" scale, but I hear 34" B strings are floppy. Since flats are generally stiffer than rounds, do you fine that a flatwound B string solves that problem?
I’ve never had an issue with floppy B strings on 34” scale basses. Maybe I’m just not that picky. I think the stiffness of flats is not super noticeable, but YMMV.
When I almost exclusively played with a pick, I would complain about a 34" being too floppy for the low B. However, I have since learned that you cannot expect bass strings to react the same way as guitar strings (I'm primarily a guitarist). Since playing more with my fingers, I really don't think tension is the problem at all, but setup and varying the technique, but tone is unique for a thicker string. Granted I have never played flats, so your mileage will vary.
Fiddle at 8:55 what are you doing dude?
I tried flats on my Pbass and fretless basses. I still can’t get into the tone of them. It seems that I like the sound when I hear others play them. But for me, It’s not for me. If that makes any sense. I like them, but not on my basses.
Maybe you just bought the wrong type of flats. Like Anrew said, there are brighter and softer flats... if you want something bright I suggest Pyramid Golds or Thomastik Infeld flats which are my favorites (they're quite the investment, but then you only need to buy them once), or if you want something darker then I suggest LaBella's Deep Talkin strings (used them before, but like I said I prefer a brighter tone) or even tapewounds if you want to really go there.
I had the same experience. I bought LaBellas for my P and couldn't get what I wanted. The note bloom and decay didn't work for me. I put some D'addario half rounds on and tuned down to E flat. It is just amazing. My Pbass went from a rarely played piece of wall art to my #1 couch buddy that always sits on my lap.