Change to flats?

zeppelinbass95 · #1 02-09-2009, 01:25 PM

I've got a few questions about changing to flatwounds. i have heard they sound good for a lot of styles. I play classic rock(zeppelin, wolfmother) hard rock(sabbath, acdc) and blues. I have to questions.
1. How do they sound?(btw I play a squier vintage mod. j bass fretted with dimarzio j's)
2. How hard is it to get used to the feel of flats(I have only been laying for 14 months so I dont know if it will be a huge change)

zeppelinbass95 · #2 02-09-2009, 01:35 PM

What kind of flat would you recomend

zeppelinbass95 · #3 02-09-2009, 01:50 PM

nightcityburn · #4 02-09-2009, 01:59 PM

I will tell you, I am not a fan of flats. I have them on my American J, and it is far too muddy for my sound. It doesn't have enough bite to really drive.

I switched back to my roundwounds. I am thinking of trying ground wounds.

zeppelinbass95 · #5 02-09-2009, 02:04 PM

cool thanks

Tony-bobs · #6 02-09-2009, 02:11 PM

I have flats on my SX PJ and I love them. I bought a set from webstrings.com and have no regrets. Very thumpy, tho I'll agree that you loose a little note definition. I play with a pick tho, and that helps a bit. I've been playing bass for almost 8 years on nothing but rounds and had no problem switching to flats. Its more a personal pref thing, no right or wrong answer to your question...

Gintaras · #7 02-09-2009, 03:08 PM

I grew up on flats but know typically use rounds, both nickel and stainless. The only flats that I have come even close to liking lately is the Chromes and DR's. I am getting ready to try the GHS stainless flats on my ABG because of a few recommendations. I like a lot of growl and bite. Of course I have read a lot of love for flats on this forum and there must be a reason.
Flats are smoother and don't think that you would have a problem getting used to them. There is a possibility that you might have to do some truss rod tweaking when switching strings.