choosing between roundwounds and flatwounds...help please!!!

[CidVicous007]

So I recently bought an Ibanez Artcore AGB 200, a medium scale, semi-hollow body bass. After playing around some on the stock strings the bass came with (the gauge being .045, .065, .80, .100), I came the the conclusion that I wanted something that was not quite so brite sounding; something that had a somewhat warmer, deeper tone.

I decided to be adventerous, and bought some flatwound strings. I had never used flatwounds before, and after researching online, flatwounds sounded like what I was looking for. I bought some of LaBella's Deep Talkin' Flatwounds at a medium gauge (the E string was .104). The only problem was that I went from one end of the spectrum to the other. I then found I had a sound that was far too warm (not quite brite enough), and lacked the sustain I was looking for, and sounded somewhat dull (lacking the pop and sound depth I was looking for when I tried playing the strings hard).

I now realize that I am looking for something in the middle (possibly a warmer sounding roundwound) and I was hoping that the people in this community could point me to a type of string that I am looking for based upon the above description. Perhaps some pressurewound strings? If it is any help, I really love the sound of The Who's John Entwhistle (granted, i'm playing a semi-hollowbody and I do not plan on nailing this sound, but just to give you an idea). Any input would be greatly appreciated, as I am not sure where to start. Thanks!!

P.S. The medium scale Flatwound strings that I currently have are about 1 month old and have not been played much. I would be willing to trade as I am broke and do not have the money to experiment with different strings (hence the reason for this post).

[guroove]

In order from duller to brighter, I'd recommend:

D'Addario Chromes, Rotosound Jazz bass flats, Ken Smith Slick Rounds, Ken Smith Compressors.

[RedLeg]

play some nickels for a month.

[mmbongo]

SIT Silencers are the ticket.

[CidVicous007]

Thanks for the assistance guys! I think I am gonna try some medium gauge Kevin Smith slick rounds. However, I was looking online and having a difficult time finding them for a medium scale bass . I have heard mixed things about cutting long scale strings with wire cutters and putting them on shorter scale basses. Do any of you happen to know if that will compromise the sound or even the bass itself? I appreciate the input!

[BigOkie]

I am a GHS Boomers guy. Just a good all-around string. I have not used many of the others mentioned, so I am sure there are some good recommendations in there as well. I have used the D'Addario half-rounds in the past and generally like them, but I like a bit more "twang". Their Pro Steel strings are good also.

You indicated that your budget is a bit tight so that is likely to influence your choice significantly. GHS and D'Addario are like the Nissan Maxima of bass strings in my opinion--there may be better, but how much better and can you afford it?

[RazLDazzle]

i am actually wondering the same thing as Cid here with regards to cutting down longer-scale strings? if i cut down past the grippy ribbony part of a flatwound string, is it just gonna slide around and not stay in tune?

oddly enough i have an AGB 200 too that i am wondering about. what is up with the medium scale, anyway?

[kasbrey]

GHS Pressurewounds or Infeld Superalloys (you'll have to wear them in though)

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by BigOkie

I am a GHS Boomers guy. Just a good all-around string. I have not used many of the others mentioned, so I am sure there are some good recommendations in there as well. I have used the D'Addario half-rounds in the past and generally like them, but I like a bit more "twang". Their Pro Steel strings are good also.

You indicated that your budget is a bit tight so that is likely to influence your choice significantly. GHS and D'Addario are like the Nissan Maxima of bass strings in my opinion--there may be better, but how much better and can you afford it?

Boomers are a highly underrated all-around great round. That is a great suggestion as it the TI Superalloys.

I will also say that if you want to try flats again shoot for TI Jazz Flats. They have a big midrange presence that does not sound like a traditional set of flats.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by CidVicous007

Thanks for the assistance guys! I think I am gonna try some medium gauge Kevin Smith slick rounds. However, I was looking online and having a difficult time finding them for a medium scale bass . I have heard mixed things about cutting long scale strings with wire cutters and putting them on shorter scale basses. Do any of you happen to know if that will compromise the sound or even the bass itself? I appreciate the input!

it can cause possible breakage problems on the E and A string if your posts aren't very thick in diameter. however, if they stay on and will tune to pitch, it won't sound any worse. however, it can cause tuner breakage, so i'd find strings that come in a medium scale.

[iiipopes]

I second the advice to get actual mid-scale strings, at least for the E and A strings so they don't break around the tuner post as you try to string them up.

[dougjwray]

Here's another vote for GHS Boomers (I like the 45-65-85-105 set.) They're the warmest roundwounds I've found... and, anyway, you can experiment with rolling off your tone knob!