Flatwound = lower volume?

[4senuff]

I put my first set of flats (Sadowsky's) on my 79 p bass and it seems to have lost some volume output,is that possible or is it just me?

[ghiadub]

Welcome to talkbass!!

You might try adjusting your pickup height or your bridge. If you old strings were taperwound, putting on flats might have raised your action.

If not, it might be due to different metal content. Either way, just turn up the pre-gain on your amp and be happy that your bass is equipped with some great strings that will last for years.

[Jonathan1990]

^This, and acoustically, all flats sound more quiet than rounds.

[4senuff]

Thank you, I will lower the action a bit and see what I get.
BTW I love the sound,if I get used to the feel and sort out the volume issue I will be a flats fan from here on.

[JustDavid]

Might be due to the Flats giving less mids & hence seeming quieter.

[Emibass]

I strung mine with sadowsky flats and I noticed an increase in volume...maybe it´s me

[fretlessguy]

I put a set of TI Jazz flats on my 54 Sting Reissue, and they virtually explode when amplified. They are very loud. It could be the strings themselves or pehaps a combination of them and that single coil pup.
I have had other flats on different basses of mine from time to time, and like roundwounds, their volume levels are different, and probably vary due to differences in the strings, materials they are made with, and what bass they are used on.

[motionkid]

I modified my original Fender J to a fretless and put some flats on there and havent lost any volume... then again maybe its something to do with the fact I slapped a set of active EMGs in there while I was at it XD

[eyecandy]

depends on string height, thickness of the strings and how you pluck them..