Does anyone use flatwounds on a precision bass, but don't play mo-town?

BassSurfer · #1 08-06-2009, 09:21 AM

I searched a few minutes but found nothing in the search engine, as the title says really, basically I've been playing flats on my precision bass for a few months now and LOVE them on there. I never really play any Mo-Town or anything, basically just Rock, grunge, hard rock etc.. and things like that...so my question is, as the title says, does anyone else do this as well?

This may seem like a "dumb" question to some, but I just would like to find out who else does this because whenever I see Flats, they are always on there for other purposes.

dmusic148 · #2 08-06-2009, 09:23 AM

Yes, lots and lots of folks do this. Maybe search 'flatwounds.'

jimmy rocket · #3 08-06-2009, 09:24 AM

I use flats on a precision and I play primarily indie rock. I used to think I needed rounds for the rock growl, but I threw some chromes on my P and it cut through in a way that I never expected. I'm in love.

I also use flats on my Jazz (Fender 9050L)

My L2.5k is my only bass that still sports rounds.

jmceachern36 · #4 08-06-2009, 09:25 AM

I use flatwounds for everything. I think they just sound like bass.

BassSurfer · #5 08-06-2009, 09:25 AM

I know, I know, I just wanted to get some input on it. Maybe which strings are best for this as opposed to which flats are the best for the low end jazz material..

EDIT: in response to dmusic..

bassforce · #6 08-06-2009, 09:29 AM

I do. Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNZV...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30HpH...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhE3o...e=channel_page

NickInMesa · #7 08-06-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassforce

I do. Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNZV...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30HpH...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhE3o...e=channel_page

That Cult cover band is more than decent.

And I am a flatwounds convert as well.

p0werslav3 · #8 08-06-2009, 09:36 AM

I use my flats on my P bass for the Motown sound but I'm a metal head at heart and can only say.......Steve Harris

My P is a Motown/Metal hybrid

bassforce · #9 08-06-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

That Cult cover band is more than decent.

Thanks

I play in that band

You can hear more at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/mazdah (older clips, not so good sounding, with rounds)
http://www.youtube.com/user/BelvisB (more clips in better quality, clips older than 8 months are with roundwound strings)

Echovox · #10 08-06-2009, 09:45 AM

I use SIT Powerflats .050- .105 and love them!
You lose a little of that clicky fret noise that you get with round wounds, and I have found that you get a much smoother bassy sound with the flats.

BassSurfer · #11 08-06-2009, 09:57 AM

Thanks for all the responses guys!...just what I wanted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassforce

I do. Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNZV...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30HpH...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhE3o...e=channel_page

Sounds GREAT btw..

scottbass · #12 08-06-2009, 10:01 AM

I have two distinct basses for two distinct sounds. I use T-I Jazz flats on my P bass for about 90% of what I play - classic rock, vintage rock, blues, blues rock. For music that demands a more modern sound, which I define as a more crystal-sharp attack and more highs in the overall EQ envelope, I use roundwounds on a StingRay. I consider it to be roughly like comparing the sounds of Jamerson and Entwistle, although my vintage sound isn't exactly Jamerson and my modern sound isn't exactly Entwistle.

Phalex · #13 08-06-2009, 10:02 AM

Flats rock! That's what I use em for anywho..

Dave Vader · #14 08-06-2009, 10:05 AM

I was thinking about putting flats on my P, primarily because I wanted to get rid of the clickyness, how well does it get rid of the click (bearing in mind I already have the tone rolled back about halfway)?

bobTHEbasser · #15 08-06-2009, 10:12 AM

clickyness?? are you using a pick or hitting the strings too hard with your fingers causing them to hit the fingerboard?

edmonstg · #16 08-06-2009, 10:14 AM

TI Flats with a .100 E-string.

George

scottbass · #17 08-06-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Vader

I was thinking about putting flats on my P, primarily because I wanted to get rid of the clickyness, how well does it get rid of the click (bearing in mind I already have the tone rolled back about halfway)?

IME flats help a lot with the clickyness. My P bass came with Fender rounds - I played those for a few months and I usually rolled the tone back halfway. I put on T-I flats. They were kinda bright sounding at first, but it only took a few weeks of playing before they settled down. Since then I run my tone dimed and there is still much less click. Perfect, to my way of thinking!

Also, you need to pay attention to your technique. Don't be lazy - get the forearm of your plucking hand up and off the bass so your fingers pluck the strings in a more horizontal mode (across the face of the pickup) rather than the more vertical mode which approaches tapping.

Flabass · #18 08-06-2009, 10:22 AM

D'Addario Chromes on my G&L Legacy (P Bass).

Dave Vader · #19 08-06-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobTHEbasser

clickyness?? are you using a pick or hitting the strings too hard with your fingers causing them to hit the fingerboard?

It's all heavy fingers, I know, I can get away with it on my rickenfaker and my roadstar, but the P is a lot less forgiving, can't get the tension between the pup and the neck, so I'm playing in the bridgey zone, not good, might try heavy gauge flats?

bobTHEbasser · #20 08-06-2009, 10:31 AM

the higher tension might help. i use chromes on my vox. it has a p-type pup but its waaay back near the bridge and i still get clicking. you could try modding your finger attack but i think its gonna be hard to avoid playing at speed.