Flats better for pick playing?

[parrott]

During a discussion with a bass playing instrument technician at college, this came up; he mentioned that flats are better for playing with a pick.

Is there anything behind this?

[tallguybcs]

if you want to use a pick and not get a clangy sound, but dont want to use an eq, flats are GREAT.

That said, rounds can sound like flats, flats cant sound like rounds.

[Rob W]

Originally posted by tallguybcs
That said, rounds can sound like flats, flats cant sound like rounds.

I find rounds don't cut and project as well as flats, especially with a pick. Flats with a pick can give a very full yet clear tone. Rounds can sort of emulate a flat sound on occasion but they rarely sound as full and warm.

An important thing to remember about flats especially is that you should evaluate their tone while mixed into a group setting. They often don't sound especially pleasing when you play solo, but mixed in to a group they can sound really great.