I like flatwounds

[superhand]

I took off my flats the other day and put on some D'addario 165 XLs and they were ok but I had to put my flats back on. I wanted to try something different but they sounded horrible. Maybe because they were just so new, but the harmonics, especially on the E string were so loud, it kind of took away from the fundamental. There was no EQing around it either.

When I put my flats back on, I thought "now that is what bass should sound like"

I would like to find some rounds that have some nice midrange punch to them that is kind of lacking sometimes in the flats, but not so bright. Maybe half rounds?

[NickInMesa]

What flats do you use? I like the D'Addario, more bassy then the Rotosounds.

As for XL strings, I like the EXL 220. Totally different types of strings.

[superhand]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

What flats do you use? I like the D'Addario, more bassy then the Rotosounds.

As for XL strings, I like the EXL 220. Totally different types of strings.

I use D'addario Chromes .050 - .105, they are the only flats I've tried actually. I think they are great.

I think the EXL 220s would be way to light for me. I like heavier gauge strings. I like the higher tension and they just sound "bigger" to me, because they are I guess.

And from my experience D'addario ( or Ernie Ball, GHS, Elixer, etc.) roundwounds are just way to bright when they are new. Maybe they just need some chicken grease on them or something. That's the part that gets me though, is when I use rounds, I want to crud them up till they sound like flats. Why not just use flats?

[Gearhead43]

I love the D'addario Chromes. They are actually fairly bright for flats, IMO.

[shrimpflea]

Originally Posted by Gearhead43

I love the D'addario Chromes. They are actually fairly bright for flats, IMO.

Agreed....but they do mellow out after a while.....I've had mine on 4 years now and they sound better than ever.

[Magical_Merlin]

Have you tried the half rounds by Daddario?