Flats for heavy rock?!

dave120 · #1 08-20-2005, 10:04 AM

So my primary bass (Washburn Taurus) has strings on it that are beyond the dead point. I didn't have time to go buy some and change them before practice yesterday, so I pulled out the trusty SX P bass that I have strung with Fender flats and used it for the entire rehearsal. I have to admit, I got a lot more than I expected out of that thing! Keep in mind I play in a rock/hard rock band that plays a majority in dropped D and E flat tunings, so flatwounds were not in the "usual" formula for this type of music based on what most people say. I played both fingerstyle and with a pick for about half of the time.

Is this really a workable formula for modern heavy rock? A p bass with flats? We play some Velvet Revolver/GNR covers with our originals being mostly in that style. I have to say, my fingers felt a lot better after practice using the flats instead of rounds like I usually use!

Anybody else had experience like this using flats?

phat5 · #2 08-20-2005, 12:24 PM

Great combination! check out what Steve Harris is using.

JimmyM · #3 08-20-2005, 01:00 PM

Use what you want. The audience doesn't care what kind of strings you use.

phat5 · #4 08-20-2005, 01:55 PM

I used LaBella tapes on my fretless active jazz bass........hard rock and classic metal. Here's the fun part; start trying different strings until you find what works best for you. Yes it's pricey, but all the opinions and research for the perfect flat wound may not bring what you want. trial and error...it's an adventure!

dave120 · #5 08-20-2005, 03:47 PM

As far as flats go I like the Fender ones well enough. Not that I've really tried that many, but I like the high tension somewhat. I use Rotosound nickel RS66 on my other basses, which are also sort of high tension which is probably why I like the Fender flats. I was just surprised that they sounded so good for that heavy rock and dropped tunings! This bass was supposed to be my vintage project which I haven't done to it yet, but now I'm tempted to buy another one to use for the band! I also want a Jazz though, maybe I should just buy like 3 or 4 more basses, that should keep me happy for about...2 days!

parttimeluthier · #6 08-21-2005, 10:50 PM

My 17 year old son is in a power trio that plays a blend of punk and edgy alternative. His bass (p-bass type) is strung with fender flats and every time I see his band play I am really happy with how the flatwounds sound when he plays. The lead singer switches between guitar and keyboard and I think that the Flatwounds help stand out from the piano sounds better than roundwounds do.
Generally you wouldnt think of a young punk/alternative band and flatwound bass strings in the same context but it works great for him.
My bass has been strung with Flatwounds for a while now too and everytime I play a bass with roundwounds it sounds kind of funny to me now.

Marcus · #7 08-21-2005, 11:52 PM

Honestly, if you as a player are versatile enough to make it work it can happen.

What matters most is what it sounds like to you.