Flatwounds vs roundwounds

[beelzelboss]

So I have a dilemma. I'm getting a new bass and I don't know what to put on it. Roundwounds, or Flatwounds. I love both, but I don't know what I want to put on it. I like the flatwounds for the their feel and their growl, but i like roundwounds for their bright(er)ness, and tension.....

I want this bass to be more clear I guess. Like more of a piano type tone when I'm tapping and playing in the higher registers, but not losing the growl, while still being a higher tension. Any specific strings that come to mind like this? Can be either flats or rounds, but if they are rounds preferably ss, don't like nickle very much.

[b4nny]

I don't know what you are referring to when you say flatwounds "growl." I would attribute growling to roundwounds and "thud" with flatwounds... Terms like these are pretty subjective.

But, you say piano-type tones. And you say tapping. Those instantly tell me you want roundwounds.

But you also say you think roundwounds have higher tension than flatwounds, which puzzles me yet again.

[beelzelboss]

Yea, but any specific types of rounds?

And maybe its just my bass, but the one with flats on it seems darker almost. I guess that is a better way to put it, as in not very bright.

[CapnSev]

Piano tone and tapping =/= flatwounds. I personally don't think flatwounds growl that much either.

You also say you like SS rounds when it comes to rounds, which is the polar opposite of flats. If I were you, I'd get rounds.

[smeet]

I've just started using DR DDTs, which are a great combination of flat and round characteristics. Lots of thick fundamental like a flat, nice harmonics and very even response. Nice tight feel, good highs but not clanky at all.

[beelzelboss]

I realize they are the polar opposite... Thats why I had two basses strung with them, so I could get a different tone out of each one.... The question still stands... Which type of rounds should I get? There are a lot, and my DR loRiders don't give me that piano type tone I'm looking for.
Any suggestions?

[Ric5]

Rounds!

[paganjack]

It sounds to me like you are looking for rounds too. Have you tried DR SS Lo-Riders? Those are my personal fave for rounds. Individual basses sound better with different strings though- there is no one-size fits all. That wouldn't be any fun anyway

[CapnSev]

I thought you were asking whether to put on flats or rounds on your new bass. If you want SS rounds, then I can's help you because I personally can't stand them.

[paganjack]

well i missed a few posts there- NM about the lo-riders then

[guroove]

It definitely sounds like you want rounds. If you don't want an overly bright string, something with a hex core would fit the bill. I liked GHS Boomers for a darkish sounding roundwound, but I think they have nickel plating on the outer winding.

[Number27]

so you like tapping, piano like tone, and growl? sounds like you'd be into john entwistle's tone then. while he used many different basses and amps he used rotosound strings exclusively for almost his entire career (switching to optima gold at the end).

[ejaggers]

I just put nickle lo-riders on my pbass, and do not like them at all. I just ordered some labella flats to try. Many people on this site swear by them. Seems to me that labella and chromes are the most loved flats on this site.

[bigntasty]

Originally Posted by Number27

so you like tapping, piano like tone, and growl? sounds like you'd be into john entwistle's tone then. while he used many different basses and amps he used rotosound strings exclusively for almost his entire career (switching to optima gold at the end).

+1

[waleross]

Find out for yourself like others do and like I did. Buy 2 sets of rounds and 2 sets of flats, then decide. I used to use the old Fender Flats on my original Jazz Bass then I switched to GHS ......NOw I use round strings ....that growl and eat up my frets................I know its not 1976 but 2010.....have fun

[beelzelboss]

Originally Posted by Number27

so you like tapping, piano like tone, and growl? sounds like you'd be into john entwistle's tone then. while he used many different basses and amps he used rotosound strings exclusively for almost his entire career (switching to optima gold at the end).

Rotosound strings... any specific type? Standard gauge has good tension I'm assuming?

[Mike]

best advice i can give is try both rounds and then flats on the bass. i have 2 basses (SR and Cirrus) that sound horrible with flats and one that sounds awesome with them (my l2k) and, consequently, sports them (d'addario chromes) all the time. the others always have rounds.

[Tim C.]

Originally Posted by beelzelboss

Rotosound strings... any specific type? Standard gauge has good tension I'm assuming?

RS 66 standard gauge. A new set lasts about five or six hours of playing before their signature "zingy" tone is deadened.

[LoveThatBass]

Pianno like tone, growl= DR Highbeams Stainless Rounds. Easy on the frets and fingers for a Round.
Flats will not give you growl and piano like tones like a Rouind will.
Be careful though, some rounds (Roto 66's) are like a rasp file and wear your frets down in short order.

[aznsk1d]

From your description of the sounds you want to achieve and the techniques you want to use, definately Roundwounds over flatwounds, and among the roundwounds, i prefer the Dean Markley Blue Steels myself... go with lighter guage if u wanna slap and pop...i find them rather bright for my application. U didn't mention the type of bass you play, which also contributes to the sound you're getting.. and what tone settings you use, which also will be a factor in getting that tone. I agree with one of the earlier posters... the adjectives you have used seem to be peculiar... flatwounds are usually the higher tension strings (but if u wanna go that route, i'd suggest thomastik)... and growl is definately a roundwound characteristic... flatwound is more associated with "mellow". but having said all that, so much of your tone has to do with your fingers, so dude, if you can make flats growl, all the power to you!