From Flats to Rounds..

fourstringdrums · #1 10-22-2011, 06:17 PM

I've used flats for years and will still have them on my Lakland P but on my Decade I think I want that roundwound tone again for extra versatility.

What strings would you guys recommend that will still give a dark, mellow tone that is an easy transition from flats? I'm partial to DR and Labella.

I used to use DR Fat Beams and I really liked those, but it's been like 6 years so I don't even remember what they sound like. Would those fit the bill?

NOVAX · #2 10-22-2011, 06:21 PM

Nickel wound Rotos RN66 I believe. IMO

soulman969 · #3 10-22-2011, 07:53 PM

Try a set of GHS Pressure Wounds. It's a round wound string pressure wrapped so that the finish it far smoother in feel than a round but still maintains that piano like clarity of a round even in low register. I just put a set on my Jazz Bass and it came alive. The tone pot does work after all.

After I mentioned my preference in tone and my playing style to him they were recommended to me by Jason at bassstringsonline.com and he made a great recommendation. It's the best money I've ever spent improving a basses tone.

fourstringdrums · #4 10-22-2011, 07:55 PM

I ordered a set of fat beams. I just remember I really liked them years ago before I started using flats. I live close to juststrings so I'll pick them up monday.

madmatt · #5 10-22-2011, 08:05 PM

Dang I wish I had the PERFECT answer.
I have been using regular Slinky's lately. I like them, plus they are cheap. If you want dark turn the tone knob down.
I have to admit, my mid-80's E serial P-bass with a BAII bridge is so kind to strings, they last forever.

Slackerprince · #6 10-22-2011, 11:17 PM

I'm making this move, too.
Been using Chromes on my P and J, and put some Slinkys on my J and it's like it turned into an active bass!
So bright and bouncy and Funky.
I love the smoothness of Chromes but I was ready for something new.
Alot of string noise with the Slinkys, so I'm getting some SIT Silencer strings.
Should be here next week.
Check them out.

S

Kenova · #7 10-23-2011, 12:26 AM

I'm sugesting you to try DR sunbeams, it nails your description.

Double Agent · #8 10-23-2011, 09:25 AM

Like Kenova, I recommend Sunbeams. I went from flats to Sunbeams on my P-bass and I'm very happy with them. I don't feel like I've lost any of the things I love about flats, but the Sunbeams are easier to play (less tension than most flats) and give you some roundwound zing when you play harder or use a pick. I can't see ever going back to flats, or any other string for that matter, on my P-bass. I'm actually thinking about using them on my Jazz too.

CamiloDíaz · #9 10-25-2011, 07:53 PM

I took the same step, but I chose coated strings. Black Beauties. They are absolutely perfect. S
Not harsh sounding and great feel too!

hellboy · #10 10-28-2011, 12:36 PM

Ahem:

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

Agreed. I started playing them a few years ago and I will never go back to roundwound.

03-26-2011, 11:38 AM

8-O

:-D :-D :-D

fourstringdrums · #11 10-28-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellboy

Ahem:

03-26-2011, 11:38 AM

8-O

:-D :-D :-D

what's more sad? The fact that I said that or the fact that you searched for it?

hellboy · #12 10-31-2011, 02:44 PM

The only thing that's sad is that you didn't realize I was teasing you!

Be cool Floyd man, I wasn't fact-checking you, I was reading up on flats and these two threads just happened to end up in adjacent tabs. Thought the striking contrast was funny.

(The internet: if you want it, the site is 404; if you don't, it's in the archives forever.)

fourstringdrums · #13 10-31-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellboy

The only thing that's sad is that you didn't realize I was teasing you!

Be cool Floyd man, I wasn't fact-checking you, I was reading up on flats and these two threads just happened to end up in adjacent tabs. Thought the striking contrast was funny.

(The internet: if you want it, the site is 404; if you don't, it's in the archives forever.)

I know you were teasing me, I forgot to add a

to my response lol I actually re-read it today and was like "man I hope he doesn't think I'm annoyed..." lol

Funny thing is, it's not the first time I've put my foot in my mouth.

hellboy · #14 10-31-2011, 05:53 PM

Heheheh ok good. I thought for a minute I didn't use enough emoticons.

old-fashioned · #15 10-31-2011, 06:00 PM

GHS pressurewounds

fourstringdrums · #16 11-10-2011, 07:48 PM

From Flats to Fats. I got a set of Fatbeams a few days after posting this and there it is...I'm not used to the string squeak but they're not overly bright and nice and growly. I actually find it has made the Lakland Decade I put them on a little more versatile. I'm very happy with them.

MarkusBass · #17 11-11-2011, 06:22 PM

I find myself going to pressurewounds on a lot of my basses...including my Decade.

Ric5 · #18 11-11-2011, 06:25 PM

From Flats to Rounds..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I made that transition in 1973 ...

darkstorm · #19 11-11-2011, 08:22 PM

Dr sunbeams gets another vote.

MarkusBass · #20 11-11-2011, 08:23 PM

I like those too....and Dunlops for rounds.