Are flats worth the money?

lkngro · #1 09-12-2010, 06:30 PM

Despite the tonal differences that flatwound strings provide (which, to be honest, I don't know if I like or not), are they really worth the extra cash? I've heard horror stories of basses needing to be completely refretted because of roundwond strings.

Is this a normal-ish problem?

tplyons · #2 09-12-2010, 06:32 PM

Anything will need to be refretted because of roundwounds, or flatwounds for that matter, it's just a matter of time.

They're definitely worth the extra cash for that tone, and they last forever.

muzikman7 · #3 09-12-2010, 06:35 PM

I rarely change my flatwound strings. roundround strings can put wear on your frets.

Kwesi · #4 09-12-2010, 06:36 PM

According to Kwesi, flatwounds suck. Those who are not Kwesi may disagree to varying degrees.

Tommygunn · #5 09-12-2010, 06:37 PM

Only fender flats are

ourworldisgrey · #6 09-12-2010, 06:40 PM

If you're after more vintage thump in your tone, yes they are very worth it. If you like a brighter sound, you will probably not like them.

Tommygunn · #7 09-12-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ourworldisgrey

If you're after more vintage thump in your tone, yes they are very worth it. If you like a brighter sound, you will probably not like them.

I get both with fender flats.

With my tone knob up and mids boosted, I can get a Working Man brightness and clank. With the tone knob all the way down, and amp flat, I can get a very bluesy mellow tone.

Just throwing that out there. And it a pbass, so that might be why!

giacomini · #8 09-12-2010, 06:45 PM

OP's simple question: "Are flats worth the money?"

"A" TB'er simple answer: Yes. They're great!

"B" TB'er simple answer: No. They s*ck.

Bit of post-fighting...

Ends up with TB commom law: Try it out, it really is a matter of taste!

A-Step-Towards · #9 09-12-2010, 06:47 PM

There cheap enough every one should give em a whirl once .

giacomini · #10 09-12-2010, 06:48 PM

No, but seriously, rounds tend to wear down the frets, but if the frets are good souldn't be a concern.

mmbongo · #11 09-12-2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

According to Kwesi, flatwounds suck. .

Kwesi knows what he's talking about.

Kal Al · #12 09-12-2010, 06:48 PM

I used to use Rotosound flats on my P bass for a long time. I only stopped using them because I had forgotten how the bass sounded with roundwounds and my curiosity got the better of me.

They are definitely worth the cash, if not for the sound then primarily because you never have to change them, ever. As far as I can tell, flats do not degenerate in sound as they age. Also, I'm sure that even if you don't immediately love the sound they give, it will grow on you. And if you're like me and play hard rock/metal, you'll get mad respect from people when they notice you use flats.

Darth Tater · #13 09-12-2010, 06:52 PM

Mainly the old dudes like flats, you should ask them. Oh here, I'll do it for you.

Hey old dudes, are flats worth the money??

I said, HEY OLD DUDES! ARE FLATS WORTH THE MONEY??

Oh never mind. They can't hear.

**bassybill** · #14 09-12-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

I get both with fender flats.

Er... no. You don't. Trust me on this one.

Flats are great if you want that sound. They will NOT sound anything like even close to zingy new roundwounds no matter what you do. The flats/rounds difference has a greater effect on your tone than any other single factor, imo. So if you want the sound of roundwounds, you gotta have them and ignore any so-called "wear" issues (never been a major factor for me in over 30 years on the instrument). On the other hand, if you like flats, then great. I use both, although it's definitely not an even split, far more of my stuff has to be done using roundwounds. Did I mention that flats won't get that sound? Oh yeah, I did.

And for the OP - we do have a strings forum here. I'll ask if this can be moved for you.

**pringlw** · #15 09-12-2010, 06:53 PM

Worth the money?

Sure. Give them a whirl.

Good enough for Steve Harris.

Rocky McD · #16 09-12-2010, 06:57 PM

If good flats cost twice as much as good rounds and they last at least 4 times longer, are they worth the difference in cost. This problem may be too difficult for most bass players. The problem is impossible for a g****r player to figure out.
Rocky

giacomini · #17 09-12-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky McD

If good flats cost twice as much as good rounds and they last at least 4 times longer, are they worth the difference in cost. This problem may be too difficult for most bass players. The problem is impossible for a g****r player to figure out.
Rocky

I see something signature-worthy

A-Step-Towards · #18 09-12-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky McD

If good flats cost twice as much as good rounds and they last at least 4 times longer, are they worth the difference in cost. This problem may be too difficult for most bass players. The problem is impossible for a g****r player to figure out.
Rocky

Dont even think about asking a drummer that question

Stanley Pugh · #19 09-12-2010, 07:09 PM

My Peavey Foundation s had rounds on it from new, I dressed the frets about three times in that period, has to be like fifteen years.
I use mostly flats now because I love how they sit in the mix, same frets.
Never had to replace the frets.

totallyfrozen · #20 09-12-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkngro

...are they really worth the extra cash?...

Flatwounds cost a noticable amount MORE than roundwounds?!

I was unaware of that. Bass strings in general cost more than guitar strings. I've seen flats anywhere from around $25 +/- up to $45+

Not sure exactly what you mean when you ask if they are worth the extra expense. I don't think they really cost anymore than rounds, IME.

I like both, but not on the same bass. I like the flats on a P-bass. Rounds on a Musicman Stingray type.