which flatwounds for heavy rock?

burno70 · #1 11-05-2009, 02:48 PM

I want to try flatwounds to see if they'll add something different. I wanted to buy some La Bella's as they seem more hyped than the others but I can't find any in stock in the UK.

Can anyone name an alternative brand of flats that they have had good experiences with - in a heavy rock band band.

Thanks

BritPicker · #2 11-05-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burno70

I want to try flatwounds to see if they'll add something different. I wanted to buy some La Bella's as they seem more hyped than the others but I can't find any in stock in the UK.

Can anyone name an alternative brand of flats that they have had good experiences with - in a heavy rock band band.

Thanks

I'm using a Sadowski set at the moment. In my set up (on a Jazz bass), they sound just fine. Plenty of treble, but no scratchiness, obviously. I never have any problem hearing them 'cut thru' the guitars and drums.

In fact, I haven't found the differences between brands to be that great, compared to the tonal variability of different rooms/stages etc, so I wouldn't sweat it too much.

I think Rotosound make a 'Steve Harris' (Iron Maiden) flatwound set. Maybe you should check those out.

Mastermold · #3 11-05-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BritPicker

I think Rotosound make a 'Steve Harris' (Iron Maiden) flatwound set. Maybe you should check those out.

That's what I was thinking.

Jammin_Bass · #4 11-05-2009, 05:59 PM

D'Addario Chromes!!

dnarock · #5 11-05-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

That's what I was thinking.

Do they make a flatwound SH set too ?
I have tried the round wound set and it was really deep sounding loved'em

mcm · #6 11-05-2009, 06:21 PM

chromes

mcapote · #7 11-05-2009, 07:11 PM

Im using Rotosound RS77LD on an ibanez SRX590 and love the sound with bush, greenday, local H covers, not sure if they fall under hardrock???

Mastermold · #8 11-05-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnarock

Do they make a flatwound SH set too ?
I have tried the round wound set and it was really deep sounding loved'em

The only Steve Harris set I know of is flats:

http://www.juststrings.com/rts-sh77.html

I bet these would be the ticket.

62Jazzbass · #9 11-05-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcapote

Im using Rotosound RS77LD

+1

I use these as well. The Steve Harris set is essentially this same string (monel flats), but his own custom gauges.

FWIW - This is the set JPJ used on his jazz bass for all the early Zep stuff (contrary to what some think, and even JPJ has said recently).

Rawkabilly · #10 11-05-2009, 07:24 PM

I use D'addario Chromes and I play a lot of heavy stuff. They work great and last forever, literally years.
TI Jazz Flats are good if you can deal with the ultra-low tension.
I'm not a fan of Rotosound flats. They sound like rounds for a few hours, then they tame down and are actually quite "thumpy". They're also really high tension.
LaBella's are also more of an "old school" flat tone. They're great for what they are, but definitely not my first choice for hard rock.

Double Agent · #11 11-05-2009, 07:30 PM

Chromes FTW

Remember, Harris changes his strings every show. I'm sure his strings do not sound that bright once broken in. That doesn't mean they sound bad though, just temper the expectations a little. Chromes have a big, low-mid oriented bump and enough high end to cut through the mix, I like them for everything.

Darkstrike · #12 11-05-2009, 07:32 PM

Probably go with Rotos for hard rock.

Surly · #13 11-05-2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Agent

Chromes FTW

Remember, Harris changes his strings every show. I'm sure his strings do not sound that bright once broken in. That doesn't mean they sound bad though, just temper the expectations a little. Chromes have a big, low-mid oriented bump and enough high end to cut through the mix, I like them for everything.

Chromes are good if you want a bright flat for rock. I can't always hear myself in a rock mix with them however (I use a pick). I have switched back to rounds...YMMV

Mastermold · #14 11-05-2009, 10:25 PM

I like Chromes for most anything. Great all purpose flatwound IMO.

rhapbus · #15 11-06-2009, 08:50 AM

The steve harris set is just the rotosound 77's with a bigger price tag.

I use Fender 9050M stainless flats, they sound really good. and are pretty cheap for flatwounds (Some Costing up to 60$ a set, these cost 20$)

burno70 · #16 11-06-2009, 10:53 AM

Hey thanks for the responses. I think I'll pop into the local music shop and see what they have to offer.

I just didn't want to get a make that was wrong for me and then dismiss all flats 'out of hand' if you know what I mean.