Flats or rounds for PJ?

williamk · #1 08-07-2010, 01:01 PM

I'm the new owner of an aerodyne jazz bass and the strings on her are cheap (I think they are the factory strings). I'm wondering what strings I should put on her, and I usually am a roundwounds guy BUT I know alot of you out here say the a precision with flats is the best a man can get. However, I had recently put flats on my rickenbacker and hated them, even in a band context. Also, the aerodyne has a jazz pickup too, and I don't know if a jazz with flats sounds as good as a precision with flats...
Will a PJ bass sound dull with flats? I don't just want the precision pickup to sound good, and I haven't heard as many comments out there saying that a jazz pickup with flats is amazing. Should I just stick with rounds? I'm trying give flats a second chance...but maybe it's useless.

kreider204 · #2 08-07-2010, 01:04 PM

How about half-rounds (aka ground wounds)? I just put some on my Aerodyne P/J Jazz Bass a couple of days ago, and I'm in heaven!

gidbass · #3 08-07-2010, 01:07 PM

What flats did you try before? I recently switched from RS66's to Chromes and haven't looked back.

williamk · #4 08-07-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gidbass

What flats did you try before? I recently switched from RS66's to Chromes and haven't looked back.

I think they were fender strings. I also think I don't like the ric/flats combination...I've heard precision basses with flats and they do sound amazing.

kreider204 · #5 08-07-2010, 01:15 PM

Gidbass: Those are the D'Addario flats, yes? What gauge? And do you find them to have overly high tension?

**butchblack** · #6 08-07-2010, 01:20 PM

I have a Jazz with humbuckers and TI flats and it sounds great. The TI's are a bit more middy then a lot of flats. I didn't like Fender flats that much. You didn't mention what sound you're going for. Flats are good for an "old school sound" that blends in well with the mix. If you're looking for a more out front sound you may not like flats. TI's aren't cheap but it may be worth it to try a set and see if you like them, if that's the sound you're going for.

gidbass · #7 08-07-2010, 01:21 PM

yup, the flats. they are the regular light gauge (45 - 100) and the do have higher tension than most rounds (most flats do) but they are not as high tension as the rotosound flats IMO. I play with a very light touch now so they feel great to me. The other advantage of the higher tension (and light touch) is i can have my action set stupid low without buzzing. All of these make it easier for me to play longer...

EDIT: I checked out this post before I switched and it helped answer some of my questions

Confessions of a Flatwound convert...

Good Luck!

ajunea3 · #8 08-07-2010, 01:24 PM

I've tried several sets of flats on my P, and to my ears nothing sounds as delicious as LaBella Deep Talkin Flats. Give 'em a go. My second favorites are Chromes. It sounds like these may be the ones you want to try if you can't decide between flats and round. They are especially bright for flats.

kreider204 · #9 08-07-2010, 01:25 PM

Thanks, gid - I'll be looking for flats once I get a fretless, those sound good.

Back to our regularly scheduled thread topic ...

williamk · #10 08-07-2010, 01:28 PM

Ok, I'll give flats another go. Will the jazz pickup sound good too, though? Can flats be slapped?

gidbass · #11 08-07-2010, 01:41 PM

I am not a slapper, but i'll post my opinion, which isn't based on any credible experience....

I think all strings can be slapped, it is a question of sound and difficulty....flats being slapped won't sound like rounds being slapped, and I would imagine that the higher tension may make popping more difficult, so you may want to get the lightest gauge of flats you can when you decide on a brand.

Check out this link I just found, from Ed Friedland, maybe this will help answer your question....

http://www.thebasswhisperer.com/tonetest_lakie.html