Does this sound like flatwound or roundwound? (clip)

Adelleda · #1 07-10-2009, 11:34 AM

I really like the tone of this guy, but since i have only used the same model of roundwounds, i am clueless string wise as to what sounds like what.

I have read that flats are mellow and rounds are bright, but i have also read that with flats you get a clankyness when you play finger style, which the guy in the video has, but he does not sound mellow, and does not sound as bright as my idea of roundwounds so i am confuuuuuuuuused.

While you are at it, can you tell me what bass is he using?

Here is the clip i am talking about.

Thanks in advance (:.

smeet · #2 07-10-2009, 11:37 AM

Sounds like rounds to me.

lug · #3 07-10-2009, 11:56 AM

Rounds

Kevinmach · #4 07-10-2009, 12:11 PM

Definitely rounds, very bright. The music itself was insufferable though

FYI- I am currently using the DR Highbeams and Rotos (forgot the exact brand) which are both rounds, but I still get clankiness you're referring to (that to be honest with you, I don't much care for-guess that's the trade off for bright tone? But that can be minimized with a little more precision on the plucking hand in particular).

**WoodyG3** · #5 07-12-2009, 08:00 PM

I'm thinking pretty much the opposite of flats, like stainless steel rounds. They may be nickel, but they are quite bright and zingy. Flatwounds are thumpy. Like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s

Tasty warm, sweet, caramel-gooey-thump!

62Start · #6 07-14-2009, 01:53 PM

SS Rounds, bridge pickup, max treble over a clean channel - no question. Was that supposed to be music? I would put them somewhere beneath the worst garage band I have ever heard.

stflbn · #7 07-14-2009, 01:55 PM

Definitely rounds... very likely brand spanking new Stainless Steel Rounds.

62Start · #8 07-14-2009, 02:01 PM

Have you ever tried "half rounds" (we used to call them "ground" rounds). They can be the best of both worlds on the right bass, especially if your right fingering is sloppy and makes a lot of string noise.

I prefer flats on a P bass or on vintage hollow body like a Hofner or VOX.

Craig_S · #9 07-14-2009, 02:13 PM

He's using rounds on a Gibson RD Artist. The brief shine from the strings leads me to believe they are nickel, as opposed to stainess. Stainless strings usually have a duller, (almost) blueish gray finish.