Flats vs old rounds

capnjim · #1 07-06-2009, 06:01 PM

So I have read to death about flats, and I must admit..I really do like the sound. Yesterday I traded for a really nice '93 MIJ '75 re-issue jazz bass. When I asked the guy what strings were on it, he got a little embarrassed and admitted they were on the bass when he bought it new in 1994. So should I keep them on? They do have a nice mellowness to them...would it be worth it to put on a new set of flats? Are old rounds the same as flats?
Thanks

bassist4dalord · #2 07-06-2009, 07:58 PM

Hmmmm.... I suggest you put some flats on, let them mellow out (~3 months) BUT keep the rounds! That way you can go back. Try D'Addario Chromes. Good luck and rock on!!

Lurker79 · #3 07-06-2009, 08:03 PM

Dead rounds sound dead, flats get better with age.

Drifta · #4 07-06-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurker79

Dead rounds sound dead, flats get better with age.

Man, sometimes i question that... I mean can it just be the ears getting used to flats that cause people to say this? because All i play is flats, and yes after a couple months they lose any zing they could have had, but non the less i dont think they keep getting better with age(except for the fact your wallet is fatter sinc eu arent replacing) my basses with flats strung on em for 4 years sound the same as when it did after 3-4 months.. i just am more comfortable with the tone...

ashtray9 · #5 07-06-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnjim

Are old rounds the same as flats?
Thanks

Of course they wont sound the same, but the rounds used will greatly influence the likeness to flats. For example, very old DR Lowriders (nickel) absolutely slam, which is one of the better qualities to flats.

groooooove · #6 07-06-2009, 08:17 PM

dead rounds can sound very similar. the ones your talking about, are way too old.

i use SIT strings religiously, and when theyre new, they kill- if your into fresh rounds. when they get real old, like months after playing, they have a flat-ish vibe thats really nice. but if they get too old, they loose their touch and just sound too dead.

flats will even out after a few months then stay in that consistant thumpy sweet spot.

capnjim · #7 07-06-2009, 09:12 PM

Thanks guys..Maybe i should give some flats a try.
http://s589.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/Jazz%20bass/

Here's a few pics

Pilgrim · #8 07-06-2009, 10:21 PM

I have an MIM J with the original 9-year-old rounds on it. Sounds a lot like flats to my ear, so I'm gonna say yes.

Except with rounds, you still get that damn "Zing" when you move your fingers along the strings quickly. I dislike that.

markdavid · #9 07-07-2009, 06:29 AM

I personally dont think old rounds sound like flats ,rounds are more percussive in the highs and high mids where as flats are more percussive in the lows and low mids , the highs and high mids on rounds get dulled over time which takes away from their punch when they get old where as with flats when the high end (what high end there is) gets dulled over time it makes them sound more thumpy. To sum it up , the percussive part of the sound is different , with rounds the punch is in the highs and high mids and with flats the punch is more inthe low frequencies.