Flatwound on a Fretted? Why not?

[RayO5421]

It really depends on the music you play, the first set of strings I got on my Fender MIM J were flats. I kept them on for the rest of my school year when I played in orchestra. Towards the end of the year I joined a rock band and switched to rounds.
They really are cool to play with and you should really like them, a completely different feel then rounds. I wish that they had a good sound for rock so I could use them all the time but if you're a bass player you really can't be picky can you?
La Bella strings should last a really long time, I've had the same set of Slapper round wounds on since the middle of January with no signs of them dying yet.
I recommend flats for jazz, funk, blues, showtunes, and classical music.

[Gintaras]

I have a set of DR Stainless flats on my latest project bass. It has not left the house yet but I am really impressed with the sound having both body and growl. Tone is smooth across all strings

[Marley's Ghost]

I use the LaBella FL760 Deep Talkin on my SB2 and they are amazing. I had to use some Finger Ease for the first few days cause they grabbed my fingers, but now they are like buttah. The sustain is much more than I expected and I said goodbye to fretbuzz and clangy! Much punchier and thumpier than any rounds I have ever played.

[Incognitus]

I used to use round wounds but combined with the Stingray's active electronics it was just way too cutting and harsh. I like the warmth of the P combined with the aggressive edge that the 'Ray provides. So I decided to switch to Ground wounds and it's been great. Really helped lessen the finger noise on the fretting side and plucking side which always drives me nuts. Next time I change strings (i.e. next time I have 45 minutes and 25$) I am going to go fully flat. Probably D'addario Chromes.

One thing, yes flats are smoother and warmer than roundwounds but I have found them to be punchy when you need them to be. It's nice for me to be able to have that whole tonal range of the warm P to the cutting zing of the 'Ray. I would at least recommend you try it. Who knows? You may like 'em.