Learning Lessons and Flatwound Strings

[jmal]

Probably not much interest to anyone here, but yesterday I replaced my La Bella flats with some DR rounds and immediately regretted to the decision. I couldn't get my head around to sound of the rounds, despite the fact that many people sound great with them. Also, once you become accustomed to the supple, smooth feel of a decent set of flats, rounds feel strange and sticky. Obviously, I went right back to my flats. The best thing that came of the brief experiment was a confirmation of my feelings about my own sound and the kind of music that I like to hear/play. It's also nice to realize that I have everything I need already, something that is easy to lose sight of, particularly with all the great gear options available.

Jmal

[DemoEtc]

Yah, rounds feel like you're playing on a matched set of metal files!

But I keep one bass with rounds on it, just so my position shifting doesn't get sloppy. Shrrrreeeeq!

[bazzanderson]

I might be in the same boat as you. I've been playing Chromes on my MIA Jazz V and my Yamaha BB415. I LOVE them. But....never being satisfied I just ordered a set of Nickel Lo-riders that'll be here next week. I might just sit on the DRs for a while. Nothing feels like Chromes once they are broken in.....so smooth.

[jmal]

FWIW, I tried the Lo Riders in the same guage as my LaBellas (45-105) and they felt much lighter, like wimpy rubberbands. As you know, the sound didn't do anything for me either. I'm starting to think my LaBellas are too light. I probably just have dreams of the big bass, which I can't afford at the moment.

JMal

[carved czech]

Hi jmal,
try Fender Flats 9050 (45-105?), I am sticky with them for long time. Playing jazz, big band and dance bands.I hate the rounds,their harshyyyyyyyyyyy sounds and sanding my fingers...

[jamesblue]

I recently switched to Chromes after avoiding flats, man was I wrong to avoid them. Flats are what I and many look for in a bass string, IMO they are seen as "non-modern" or "not as good as" newer string types. BUT they do STILL fit the bill for 80% of songs.

[clockworkwar]

Im a long time user of Rotosound Flatwounds, There is nothing like the warmth from their sound on a P bass or any bass really! Yum!