Confessions of a flatwound convert pt 2.

[Surly]

I've heard TI flats sound much like rounds. I think Chromes sound a lot like rounds until you apply a pick to them, that is. I'm just implying that they're quite bright and punchy. I really think they do their job and shine in a mix. I play rock, punk, classic rock, etc.

[daniva]

flatwounds have more low end like a fender rhodes tone a la xilophone bass sound, with roundwounds you got of tone similar to a brass instrument..like a tuba or a bassoon

[Sundogue]

Originally Posted by tZer

There's a really special quality that is unique to flats that you really can't imitate with rounds.

That is an idea lost on a lot of people.

I can understand (having come from 30+ years of playing rounds) why if a player only has one bass and needs to be versatile, they would choose rounds. But just like there is a character to roundwounds flats can't achieve, the same can be said for flats that rounds just won't do.

I read your posts in the "Beatles" thread and one thing you brought up really explains where I'm coming from with flats...

Having been a longtime user of rounds and after years of getting into the likes of Squire, Entwistle and Geddy Lee, the struggle to emulate that tone left me feeling a bit empty with my music. The more I matured musically (and personally), the more I appreciated music of an earlier time that I hadn't previously. I kind of came full circle where I now appreciate the simplicity of bass in a way that flats fulfill more for me.

Kind of like finding something the last place you'd look...and here it was all along.

[engedi1]

Originally Posted by Sundogue

I'm working (slowly) on a custom build of a fretless Precision with a Jazz neck for my flats.

I'll probably string my Washburn up with rounds when that other bass is done.

I've mentioned it numerous times, but in my defense I'll repeat it again. I LOVE the sound of rounds. I'm working on a smaller, quieter gig where volume is not an issue. Very subdued and I'd love to play around in that setting with some rounds. But then again, it's different music and with it being such a quiet setting, the subtleties of rounds will really shine.

No shame brother! When I get my G and L in order, I plan to put rounds on it, and keep flats on my Sad, or vice versa.

[TobyBrodel]

Originally Posted by Sundogue

I've used distortion, chorus, flanger and a variety of other effects with my Chromes and honestly I've had quite a few bass players talk with me between sets or after a gig and they are flat out shocked I'm not using rounds.

Of course, Chromes are quite a different kind of flat. They aren't your daddy's (or granddad's) flats, that's for sure. All they really lack in comparison to rounds is that zingy bright piano-like tone. They are punchy, bright and have a clarity that one would be hard pressed to think they are actually flats. Then again, anyone can make any flats or rounds sound dull if they want to.

I use labella flats and I'm in love. but I just can't get the bark or grit I want.

but I'm fatally allergic to the piano tone, ss strings are the devil as are new strings. I NEVER change strings unless I pop one, almost got my d'addario nickels to their two year anniversary.

I think I'm looking for the grandpa tone with my flats, the brightness I've read about with chromes has turned me off investing in them in the past.

[JasonKain]

Alright, I'm currently in a battle with flats and I figure I should ask some people with a little more experience in the area than me.

I started playing in '08. The first bass I bought was, of course, strung up with rounds. An '08 Dean Playmate. Now, having just started, I found rounds to be a bit harsh on my fingers. After a couple months, I got my callouses going and they didn't bother me as much, but it still bothered me a little. Read up a little on flats, and got a set of Chromes. I enjoyed the smooth feel, but the tension compared to the rounds I was used to seemed a bit high. Finally, the tone. It was warm, full, but it seemed to be lacking punch, and was really zingy to start out. After a few weeks(I was a light player back then), it mellowed the zing out, but there was still a lack of some type of punch. This could have been caused by the pickup config. See, the bass had a single soapbar pickup, placed slightly closer to the neck than the average P pickup placement.

Later, I acquired a few other basses: An active double humbucker, a passive PJ, and a T-40. All of them were strung with rounds, mainly because I was exploring my options. I've gone through DR Fat Beams, Dunlop Nickels, and Rotosound Swing 66s. I liked the loose feel of all of them, but disliked the roughness.

So, my T-40 is looking for a new set, and I'm thinking about giving flats another shot. With the experiences I've described so far, can anyone point me towards a flatwound set that has a looser feel, like the roundwounds I've had experience with?

[bassdaddyfive]

La Bella flats, smooth, full, and deep. Enough said.

[thrashingbass]

Again, don't be put off by Chromes, or Roto 77s for that matter, as being too zingy or bright. They are bright for flats. Fear not, they are both flats, and sound accordingly. Moreover, both will mellow out with time.

IME, both Chromes and Rotos are not screechingly bright. As Sundogue has stated, they might be good to try for a first time user accustomed to rounds because they are brighter than most.

[thrashingbass]

Originally Posted by JasonKain

Alright, I'm currently in a battle with flats and I figure I should ask some people with a little more experience in the area than me.

I started playing in '08. The first bass I bought was, of course, strung up with rounds. An '08 Dean Playmate. Now, having just started, I found rounds to be a bit harsh on my fingers. After a couple months, I got my callouses going and they didn't bother me as much, but it still bothered me a little. Read up a little on flats, and got a set of Chromes. I enjoyed the smooth feel, but the tension compared to the rounds I was used to seemed a bit high. Finally, the tone. It was warm, full, but it seemed to be lacking punch, and was really zingy to start out. After a few weeks(I was a light player back then), it mellowed the zing out, but there was still a lack of some type of punch. This could have been caused by the pickup config. See, the bass had a single soapbar pickup, placed slightly closer to the neck than the average P pickup placement.

Later, I acquired a few other basses: An active double humbucker, a passive PJ, and a T-40. All of them were strung with rounds, mainly because I was exploring my options. I've gone through DR Fat Beams, Dunlop Nickels, and Rotosound Swing 66s. I liked the loose feel of all of them, but disliked the roughness.

So, my T-40 is looking for a new set, and I'm thinking about giving flats another shot. With the experiences I've described so far, can anyone point me towards a flatwound set that has a looser feel, like the roundwounds I've had experience with?

Many will recommend TIs to you, because they seem to have a "looser" feel. If you didn't like Chromes, try a lighter tension Chromes set, or a Rotosound SM77 set (light tension Jazz 77 flats).

[blowabs]

Originally Posted by daniva

flatwounds have more low end like a fender rhodes tone a la xilophone bass sound, with roundwounds you got of tone similar to a brass instrument..like a tuba or a bassoon

..hmmmmmmmmmm.... I feel it is quite the opposite....?...

[totallyfrozen]

Originally Posted by daniva

flatwounds have more low end like a fender rhodes tone a la xilophone bass sound, with roundwounds you got of tone similar to a brass instrument..like a tuba or a bassoon

LOL! Good night! check your amp! If your bass sounds like a tuba, you've got some problems to look at. LMAO!

[2400]

I've just made the switch from flats back to rounds. I've no complaints about the flats (105 Chromes), in fact I loved them! But I played a loaned bass at a blues jam and it infected me with the round sound. This is the sixth time that's happened in a two year period. I love both sounds (flats for the clarity in a mix, rounds for the way they make my jazz sparkle) and I just can't make up my mind!

Anyone else like that around here?

[smemm]

I completely understand. I have been flip flopping back and forth between Rotosound steels and Chromes so many times I've lost track. I love what they do on my 4003 and no, a second rick just for the strings is not an option. Arrrgh somebody help me!!!

[Kal Al]

It's my opinion that there are few scenarios where rounds/flats NEED to be used (i.e. playing with a pick and/or with distortion and high presence for rounds and thumping/super warm bass for flats). In the vast majority of situations I think flats and rounds do an equal job.

Personally I never play with a pick or with distortion, and if I'm playing with high presence I'm usually trying to get a Steve Harris sound (and he uses flats). Of course there are other exceptions to this rule for me, but for the most part flats cover more of my favorite styles better than rounds.

[JSK5String]

Originally Posted by Kal Al

It's my opinion that there are few scenarios where rounds/flats NEED to be used (i.e. playing with a pick and/or with distortion and high presence for rounds and thumping/super warm bass for flats). In the vast majority of situations I think flats and rounds do an equal job.

????? You're theory contradicts itself, as your two sentances are stating opposite opinions. My brain hurts.

[Oraflora]

Originally Posted by JSK5String

????? You're theory contradicts itself, as your two sentances are stating opposite opinions. My brain hurts.

No, not really contradicting, but maybe kind of saying... "I like blondes, and I like brunettes too."

[JSK5String]

That makes sense.

[christle]

Just to keep this thread alive, I have been playing with rounds for years but have always had something with flats around at one time or another. Recently I put half-wounds on one Precision and was enjoying them, but not totally sold on them either. However the band seemed to really like the sound and I traditionally play Jazzes strung with hi-beams in that band. Tonight I put TI Jazz Flats on my 50's Classic Precision. I found a flat I truly love! They really brought that bass to life and I think I will order a set for the other Precision and dump the half wounds. I had a blast playing the bass with the TI's on there. Tried Chromes and they are OK but for me TI's are the stuff. I am going to keep the Hi-Beams on the Jazzes though...nice to have variety.

[totallyfrozen]

This is one of the all-time BEST THREADS on TB!
Informative, educational, enlightening, interesting...all the things that make a discussion a total winner.

[engedi1]

I am going to record 5 tracks tomorrow and for the first time ever I am going to record using the Ti flats on my sadowsky instead of my usually stainless rounds. I am glad that the producer is willing to trust my judgement and give em a shot. I'll post some clips when I get em.