Flats that work well with a pick?

[sevenyearsdown]

Due to some recent injuries and health problems I have problems finger picking now. I've been forced to do mostly pick playing now. Although I used to do primarily pick playing years ago in rock bands, I haven't done much in a long time.

Made the switch to flats years ago as well, but never really played pick style with them but for a song here and there - so I never really cared about overall tone from a pick/flat then. Now my situation has changed, and I'm not sold on my DR's for pick style.

I play an american fender precision, and I have a bunch of different amps. I've tried roto's trubass coated, and hated them. I like the feel of my DR HiBeam Flats, but just looking for a change.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[mazdah]

Well broken in La Bellas 760 flats sounds great with a pick played above the pickup on my P-bass.
Higly recommended!

[hdracer]

I use LaBella's & Chromes on my basses with a pick. The Chromes are brighter.

[sevenyearsdown]

Are the LaBellas poolished smooth like DR's? I really like the feel on them because you can't tell the windings are even present.

[mazdah]

Yes, they are super smooth, very dark, yet articulate sounding. I've tried changing them, tried a lot of different brands, rounds and flats but I'm addicted - 760FL for life.

[daniva]

really good flats to play with a pick, labellas are the flatwound standard

[bassist4dalord]

I love the Chromes with a pick sound. I don't use a pick too often, but I love the sound.

EDIT: That's on my Squier Affinity P-Bass.

[Andysalina5]

you probably won't be able to achieve that finger picking sound but try to set up your eq or try using different settings on your bass.

[PaulNYC]

TI sounds great with a pick.

[BBKINGBASS]

chromes on all my basses and I play primarily with a pick. Sometimes they can be bright but only if I'm running DI and not through my amp with IEM. Through my 810 they sound fantastic with the ton fully open. I always like the option of having a bit brighter sound and using my tone than being too dark and not being able to get articulation.

[lunarpollen]

Personally, I think all flats work well with a pick. My faves are Pyramid Gold.

[Alex E]

Don't think you can go wrong with either TI JF344s (lower tension) or LaBella Deep Talkin Flats ( a bit higher tension) for pricier flats. Both sound good with pick or fingerstyle.

A good sounding less expensive flat would be the GHS Flats. Not the bright flats though, the other ones.

[lmfreeman9]

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

Personally, I think all flats work well with a pick. My faves are Pyramid Gold.

Ditto.

[mwesth]

D'addario Chromes sound great with Dunlop Ultex..

[travatron4000]

Used chromes with a pick for long time in a rock setting. Really liked the sound an feel. Good thump and you can dial in some bright grit with the eq

[kenkell]

Been using chromes (the same set) on my Reverend since 2003. They always sound good. I rarely use a pick - but when I do, I love the sound. A little palm-mute and they give a bass-drum-with-frequency thump.

[sevenyearsdown]

The Labellas seem like a good option for a P-bass. On order! Thanks guys.

I'm thinking the Labellas, p-bass, through my Ampeg B100R should work.

[dperry]

Flatword LaBellas are the best with a pick. That was Joe Osborn's formula, and nobody had a better tone than him

[mccartneyman]

Originally Posted by dperry

Flatword LaBellas are the best with a pick. That was Joe Osborn's formula, and nobody had a better tone than him

Sadowsky flats sound great with a regualar palstic pick, but they don't have the lows of LaBellas. The Roto flats on my Squier VM Jag sound pretty good with a pick, too.

[lowselfesteem]

I have used chromes and LaBellas on Jazzes and P's with a pick extensively and was very happy with both. I think playing with a pick is ideal for flats.