Flats for Metal?

[eggfart1]

I got a new MM Ernie Ball Stingray Classic and it came with 45-100's stock strings on them that really hurt my hands. I tend to always use a pick when I play and dig in a lot.

My problem is that my hands sweat a TON so I need something that is a bit smoother feeling on the hands. A warmer sounding string that's perhaps a bit lower tension would be great too while still being clear and good for playing heavy music (Jason Newsted style)

Thanks!

[Joospocks]

Try a set and see if you like them. Maybe mess with overdrive if you want to add some bite back into the sound. If you don't like flats, you can always change back to rounds. I've only tried D'Addario chromes and I liked them on my Precision, but there may be other brands that have lower tension flats.

[gidbass]

Lower tension flats, try TI jazz flats. they are pricy though but they sound awesome, and are very bright for flats. You can usually find a used set here for about 1/2 of the price of new.

Chromes are a great string choice as well. again, very bright for flats. I recently switched from chromes to TI's and i like both, but I am liking the lower tension of the TI's more so i am sticking with them.

Rotosound 77's are an option too (Steve Harris favorite) but they are very high tension but again, they sound great as well.

Good Luck!

[BoomingBass]

I love flats, once you put 'em on, you'll be hooked. You won't be able to use any other string. You'll think you miss rounds, and then you put the rounds back on. But then it just feels like you're missing something.

[FunkyMcNasty]

I think flats would be a better choice than heels if that's what your getting at...much more stability for jumping and moving around the stage. Just make sure they are black.

[BrianVengeance]

Rotos kinda die pretty hard (lose brightness / punch) in my experience. Haven't tried the TIs yet, but Chromes sound great and have mellowed out quite nicely in my experience.

[Bread Knife]

Originally Posted by gidbass

Lower tension flats, try TI jazz flats. they are pricy though but they sound awesome, and are very bright for flats. You can usually find a used set here for about 1/2 of the price of new.

Chromes are a great string choice as well. again, very bright for flats. I recently switched from chromes to TI's and i like both, but I am liking the lower tension of the TI's more so i am sticking with them.

Rotosound 77's are an option too (Steve Harris favorite) but they are very high tension but again, they sound great as well.

Good Luck!

I think that the TIs will be too low in tension for someone who plays hard with a pick. The light gauge Chromes would be a good place to start. They certainly are bright for flats!

[BigOldHarry]

Flats... Metal...

Only if played on a mid '70s Fender - then you'd have the trifecta of stuff that makes me run screaming! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

[mwiles30]

Steve Harris from Iron Maiden uses Rotosound flats. I'm sure you could make it work.