Are flats versatile?

[StrudelBass]

I play in a jazz band but I also play in a rock band. If I get flats for my bass, will they work out in both situations?

[James Hart]

yes

[daofktr]

Originally Posted by James Hart

yes

whut he said...

[thisSNsucks]

definatly

[Mudfuzz]

Yep

[Flatwound]

Yeah, but...

Flatwound strings can work for just about any situation, but they won't do what roundwounds will do, just like roundwounds won't quite do what flats will do. They're just different. You can get a really aggressive, or really mellow sound out of either, but they're really different sounds. For instance, with a set of flats, you're not going to sound like Marcus Miller or Mark King. However, flats usually excel at a deep, thumpy sound a la Jamerson.

[FenderP]

I use flats on all my basses - and one of my bands is a Rush tribute band. I can get plenty of bite.

I would agree you're not going to be slap king, so if that's what you're going for ...