Flats and Rounds for versatility

[jar546]

I know this is subjective but I am looking for input to see which setup would be more versatile. I have an SR5HH and a P-Bass. Right now, the P has rounds and the SR5HH has flats but I was thinking about switching that around.

A) Flats on P Bass and Rounds on SR5HH?

B) Flats on SR5HH and Rounds on P Bass?

My thought process is that the rounds will sound better on the SR5HH because it is already versatile and the B string may sound better with a brighter string like a round.

I am using a Mesa Boogie 400+ and would think that the P-Bass combo with the flats would be warmer.

What are your opinions?

Thanks,
Jeff

[jasper383]

A P with flats gives you "that" sound. Countless recordings and the archetype bass sound in most of our heads.

The SR5 with rounds would serve the characteristic nature of that bass best; an active, powerful, grindy sound.

The most obvious solution is flats on the P, rounds on the SR5. You would probably get the most sound options that way as well.

But sometimes, doing exactly the opposite of convention is the way to go.

What kind of music do you play?

[jar546]

Thanks Jasper.

We play classic rock, rock & a country song or two.

Matchbox 20
Neil Young
ZZ Top
Joan Jett
Pat Benetar
Johnny Cash
Willie Nelson
Rolling Stones

I can keep going but you get the picture. Again, thanks for the opinion. I share your opinion.

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by jasper383

A P with flats gives you "that" sound. Countless recordings and the archetype bass sound in most of our heads.

The SR5 with rounds would serve the characteristic nature of that bass best; an active, powerful, grindy sound.

The most obvious solution is flats on the P, rounds on the SR5. You would probably get the most sound options that way as well.

But sometimes, doing exactly the opposite of convention is the way to go.

What kind of music do you play?

+1

P with flats is absolutely delicious.

[fretlessguy]

I think your reasoning for the switch is quite good, and as that certain SciFi charater said, "Quite logical."

[Darkstrike]

Put two flats and two rounds on each bass.........................








Sorry, seriously, Flats + P, Rounds + 'Ray, seems best to me.

[ljazz]

I agree on the P with flats... MM with the rounds.

One thing that I find is that while the P with flats is not very versatile as far as number of different sounds you have, the little bit it does have works with everything except for slap stuff. You may find yourself doing all the fingerstyle stuff on the P.

Ljazz