Halfrounds/groundwounds and fretted guitars

[MascisMan]

Everyone talks about how good their Halfrounds sound on their fretless basses but what about on fretted basses?

Im looking for strings for a new bass that is being built for me. It is basically a P-bass copy. I know tons of people prefer Flatwounds on their P-basses for the thump factor but how do the Halfwounds sound? I play in a melodic southern rock/alt. country band and was wondering what I should be putting on my new P-bass. I usually use roundwounds on my J-bass and this will be my first P-bass. Im worried that Flatwounds wont have the sustain I want so Im looking at Halfrounds now.

[jive1]

I use GHS half rounds on my Warwick Corvette Fretless, and my Fretted Essex J bass. They sound great for both.

The groundwounds/half wounds are going to lie sonically somewhere in between flatwounds and roundwounds.

- More sustain than flats, but not as much overtones and ring as rounds.
- They feel more like flats than rounds
- They are brighter than the flats, but not as bright as rounds
- Don't have as much bounce or liveliness that rounds have, but definitely more than flats.

But since there are different types and brands of rounds/grounds/flats, your experiences may vary.

[MascisMan]

I see, thanks Jive. Yeah it sounds like something I definitely want to try on the new P-bass. Anyone have any soundclips with halfrounds on their basses? Preferrably P-Basses?

[Only]

Rather than list all the things that jive1 said, here's my experience with halfrounds:

They sound like roundwounds lightly palm-muted.

On my P-bass they sound absolutely beautiful. Old-school thump, but they've still got tone.

Highly recommended from me.

[murdermilk]

Do they last as long as flats? I've had the same flats on my bass for about 8 months, and I'm really starting to notice how much money I am saving.

[lonote]

I used them on my P-clone for a while and liked them. I only put flats on it for a bit more "thump" and a bit less sustain. As they age, they develop more of a "flatwound" character. As far as how long they last, it depends on what you're looking for...if you want "thump" they last a long time but if you want "zing" then they don't last too long. They deliver, more or less, what you'd expect: a compromise between flatwound and roundwound characteristics.

[MascisMan]

anyone have any recordings of halfwounds vs. flatwounds vs. roundwounds?

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by MascisMan

anyone have any recordings of halfwounds vs. flatwounds vs. roundwounds?

slapped
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I think they last fine... I've had a set on my Hamer since Oct 2002 and they still sound killer!!!

[MascisMan]

awesome I'll check these out when I get home. Im assuming these are halfround?

[bazzanderson]

I think Speddling is using SIT Power Flats, Correct Speddling? I put some of these on my EB SUB5 (left the stock B string on there). I love them. Smooth feel, no fret noise but still plenty of bite to them. Also....not too high tension like a lot of flats and halves out there. They are tighter than rounds but not by much.
-Bazz-

[Mon Rominee]

I have halfrounds on my Epi Rivoli II and I love them. Nice percussive thump with some brightness, and no finger squeak.

I like them so much, I may put some on my Italia.

Mine have lasted quite a long time. Just wipe them down religiously.

[MascisMan]

anyone use halfrounds here for rock?

[bazzanderson]

SIT Power Flats are 1/2 rounds. I play in a punk band ala The Clash. I've used GHS Brite Flats as well for metal and punk.
-Bazz-

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by bazzanderson

I think Speddling is using SIT Power Flats, Correct Speddling? I put some of these on my EB SUB5 (left the stock B string on there). I love them. Smooth feel, no fret noise but still plenty of bite to them. Also....not too high tension like a lot of flats and halves out there. They are tighter than rounds but not by much.
-Bazz-

yup! SIT Power Flats are nickel groundwounds... Thick & Thumpy, but still sustain nicely.

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by MascisMan

anyone use halfrounds here for rock?

mine ain't rock enough???

[adouglas]

I was just wandering around at juststrings.com and it seems as if nobody makes groundwound or halfround sets for 5 string basses.

Can anyone recommend a good set for a 5?

[bazzanderson]

you could take the cheap way out and just replace your E through G strings with 1/2 rounds. Keeping your B a round wound.

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by adouglas

I was just wandering around at juststrings.com and it seems as if nobody makes groundwound or halfround sets for 5 string basses.

Can anyone recommend a good set for a 5?

I get mine from Brian Barrett @ http://www.thelowend.net

I've got them on a 4 string fretted, a 5 string fretted, a 5 string fretless and a 6 string fretless!

the PowerFlat B is Thunderous!!!!

[atldeadhead]

I use Ken Smith Slick Rounds. Slick round is just a fancy name for the same old 1/2 wound or ground wound. I love 'em. They sound great on my Modulus Q5. I use them for rock and my church gig. You can get them at juststrings.com. What you have to do is order the 4 string set and then go to single string section and order a B string.

[MascisMan]

Originally Posted by speddling

mine ain't rock enough???

I havent been home to listen to them yet