saemola said:I've heard that when it comes to flats a lot of people have a high opinion of Pyramids (but then who would talk s**t about a set you've spent 70$ on? :mrgreen: ), Thomastik, D'Addario (not a big fan of the latter brand overall).
what's your experience?
I´m using Pyramid flats on my DeArmond Starfire. They´re very good but for some reason I´m not 100% happy with them. Their customer service is worth mentioning though. Their standard short scale set is little too short for Starfire, but they were more than happy to make me a special set designed for Starfire. And you can choose gauge for every string separately if you like. I even chose the color of the silk. They´re quite pricey but less than $70 anyway, even the custom made set. If my memory serves me right, it was about €45 including shipping from Germany to Finland.
I´m using TI flats on my J-bass. If you like thick strings with high tension, these are not for you. They´re relatively thin and very low tension, kind of rubber band feel. Sound is great, quality is great. I like them a lot. They´re quite pricey but should last a long time.
I´m using LaBella DTF´s on my Rickenbacker 4003. They´re just great strings! My personal favorite. I´m using 045/065/085/105 (760FS) set and I would say that will fold your Starfire in half. They´re almost as high tension as Rotosound Jazz 77 flats and .110 (James Jamerson) set is even worse. I don´t know if there´s short scale sets available from LaBella. I wish there would because some lighter gauge set of them could be nice for Starfire(?)
That´s just my observation, don´t take it as a rule. You just need to spend some money and try different strings to find your sound. Trust on your own ears more than anything else. Good advises can make the search easier though so it´s always worth asking too.
edit: I forgot to mention that some people say good things about inexpensive Fender flats. Probably worth trying.