Yeah you can just do one conversion and stay in Parallel. That’s how I usually choose to go with if it’s an option. This is all parallel on the 5 string StingRays and the Warwick $$ the Yamaha is pretty much equal to the position 4 on the HH.
Yeah for sure though the sustain is less than the standard length B string. I also prefer a bit of a bounce on the B string that I found MultiScale is lacking. I have a couple of 35” scale and it strikes the balance to me as far as feel although the Dusty ends on the D and G strings can get a bit too stiffs or more efforts to pull off the false harmonics.
Here’s the comparison between 23” scale 5 string (Dogal round) 34”, and 35” full graphite neck.
Note the BB745A was on older string set it sounds a bit too warm but the new set I put on is Zingy as it should.
Not Lanny, but I’ve found that the basic tone difference between D’A Chromes and Deep Talkin’ Flats is modern versus vintage.
To me, Chromes are essentially characterless: neither here nor there, tonally. DTBs are old school à la Motown.
You can play whatever you want with either, of course, as is the case with any brand/model of strings. But of the two in question, DTBs have a definite tonal character while Chromes seem to me to be kinda generic modern flats.
The Chromes (to me) have a “brighter” tone than the DTF’s…. Although the DTF’s have pretty much been a go to for me, they do get a bit tone (boring??) for a lack of a better word to use so throwing on a set of chromes kinda scratches that itch for me. I love playing blues using DTF’s, but prefer Chromes when playing some rock/country rock…. Nylon Tapewounds also work well for me when playing blues and gospel….
Chromes are most definitely brighter than DTBs. That’s the “modern” tone that somewhat bridges the gap between classics like DTBs and rounds.
Of all the flats I’ve played, Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats are the clear winners. They sound beautiful, their windings are the smoothest, and they play like a dream. Nothing else I’ve tried comes close.
Yeah, they’re more expensive than the usual, but they last forever. So, it’s buy once, cry never.
Great playing. The Dingwall’s are 37” scale for the B string down to 34” scale for the G string. I see a noticeable difference in sustain and clarity on the Dingwall over my 34” scale Stingray HH, but your mileage may vary. I haven’t had the opportunity to play any other multi-scale instruments to compare unfortunately.
You know the TI jazz flats gets most of the glory and deservedly so, but the rounds are just every bit as amazing for those who prefer slimmer gauges. Definitely thanks to you turning me on to it. Optima gold was my premium rounds of choice but since I’ve been buying the TI jazz round.
Yep, TI Jazz Rounds are fantastic strings. I’ve got them on all but one of my basses. The Cutlass has been wearing TI Jazz Flats for two years.
I don’t use long scale TI Rounds, though, because I prefer a heavier gauge than the JR344. So I use TI Round Jazz Super Long 43-101 (JR364), and I cut them to fit. They play and sound…super.
We all pluck, dig in, slide, finger, and manipulate our strings differently so…. Whatever set or style of strings floats your boat, creams yer jeans, tickles your earbuds, or turn your world upside down in whatever situation….. GO WITH ‘EM!!
Thanks to @Lanny and @Al1885 - I rewired the 35HH to parallel and strung it up with D’A XL flats.
Completely transformed it and sounds SOOOooooo much better now.
Wiring in parallel made a massive difference. Now, all of the switch positions output at the same level. The improved clarity transformed several of the positions, especially Position 3, Both H. Before, it was a muddy mess. Now, it’s clear with a lot of just… anger.
The flats are much better for me to. Going to give it time, but I think the XL Chrome flats are the right choice for me on this. Smoother feel, especially on that B. I’ve got Labella DTB’s on my fretless and my BB, and love that sound on those. I wanted brighter on this one, and the Chromes do that nicely.
If/when you are ready @MikeC and I highly recommend the TI jazz flats, it’s truly is the next level it sounds great right out of the box and continues to improve as you put hours on.
Not to corrupt your mind or plant the inception but if you are ever in the market for a short scale and/ or see one at a great deal consider grabbing the Sterling Short Scale. The pickup and electronic is by far my favorite setup. Selectable Series/phathon coil (noiseless single coil)/ parallel with volume push/push boost in an all passive package awesome instrument for a gig. I own 2 and put a custom Fretless neck on one.
I’ve heard that a lot. Not the answer for this bass. This was a killer deal chance to try out a 5-string and see how I feel about that.
TI’s could be the right answer on my fretless, but the DTB’s are still going strong on that. Maybe on a future instrument, but it’s going to be a while before I spend big money on fancy new gear.
I got accepted to Grad School. I will be starting this fall. My spare money is going to that for the time being.
Even on the Sterling 5s? The factory B string already seems a bit floppy on the 34” scale and I’ve heard the TI Jazz flats typically feel like rubber bands compared to other flats. All hearsay, of course, since I haven’t tried them myself. I was considering putting some flats on for that bit higher tension.
Tension preference comes and goes for the most part. Some session, seasons, mood, you may prefer one over the other. I’m a diehard Round wound but I have way too many that strung up with flats in my shed,
I have had TI Jazz Flats on my EBMM Cutlass (P bass) for well over two years. Their tension is not like DTB, but they have a great feel and they play beautifully.
I’m tempted to just keep rounds on it since of the 3 basses (I know, I gotta pump those numbers up!) I have a P bass I converted to short scale with the La Bella DTB flats, and I’m already planning on changing my other 4 string to the Ernie Ball Cobalt flats that I had purchased a while ago that I was planning on putting on the P bass before I converted it. I almost feel I should keep something with rounds, heh. Probably just different than the factory rounds.
