Flats on a T-Bird?

I've had my Epiphone Thunderbird for almost 2 years now, and I've yet to change the strings. I think it's time though, because they're beyond dead at this point. I use La Bella flats on my Hofner, and they sound great.

I was wondering if anyone uses flats on a t-bird bass? I like a pretty muffled sound, and I thought maybe trying flats would give me something closer to that sound without having to wait months for my strings to 'age.' Any thoughts/experiences?

I think flats on a T-Bird sound great. That's what came on them back in the sixties, and that's the sound I remember when I think about a Bird. I have flats on my 68 Tele and my 62 P, as well as my fretless P (La Bella tapes) and my Rouge Beatle bass La bella). The only ones wearing rounds right now are the 68 Jazz and the Travis Bean, and well OK, the mim P has ground wounds. I say Put Them On!
Ken

I don't see any problem putting flatwounds on your T-Bird. I changed to flatwounds on my short scale bass, and they're on my fretless too (of course!). I really like not just the "fatter" sound, I really like the feel of them. I feel I can play faster and smoother with them.

What they said!

Tim

Cool, I'll give them a try. I was afraid they might sound too muddy, but you're right, the original t-birds from the early 60's had flats. They do feel nice on the fingers too. The sound I'm looking for is McCartney-ish, and I'm guessing he used flats on his Rickenbacker. I like that muted 'thump.'

'Ground wound' always makes me laugh. I picture Elmer Fudd trying to buy hamburger meat. :lol:

Sure, why not? If you are worried about it being too dead, try Rotosound RS77 Jazz Bass strings. I find that they have the great flatwound feel and sound with a little more "zip" up top.

Well I picked up a set of D'Addario .45 Chromes on Ebay, slapped 'em on, and I'm glad I did! It's a great sound on the T-bird! Dark and deep when fingerpicking, and not too dull or too bright with a pick. I've found the tone knob gives me a nice variety of sounds.

I still find myself rolling off most of the treble, but there's plenty of sustain. [This bass, even though it's a bolt-on, has sustain up the yin-yang.] I guess I underestimated the amount of tonal range you can get out of flats. They do help my fingers move around faster, too, and they feel great. Now all I need is a house where the neighbors are a mile away and a 300w Ampeg, instead of an apartment building and a Hartke combo. :mrgreen:

Thanks for the input!