My apologies for this topic: Flats or Rounds?

[Pichy]

I need to start thinking about this since I just moved into playing bass, and there is a lot I need to learn. So, which one is better for (the basses I am considering or have are Fender GL Jazz, Fender American Special P):

Rock?
Pop?
Jazz?
Reduce finger noise?
Your fingers?
Durability?

Thanks!!!

I am sure this topic has been discussed in hundreds of threads, yet I am new to this Forum and I do not have the time to search them all.

Thanks again!

[fearceol]

It all depends on the tone you want, i.e. bright.. or warm and mellow, not unlike a double bass.

The rounds will give you the former (brightness fades with time), and flats will give the latter. There is a lot less finger noise with flats, but dont use this as an excuse not to have good technique. For durability, is has to be flats. They can last as long as ten years, still retaining there tone.

While both types can be used in all types of music, generally rounds are used in rock (though early rock probably had flats). Flats are generally more suited to jazz and blues IMO.

Flats are easier on your fingers and the frets themselves.

Dont forget that both take a while to break in, depending on how long you play. So whatever you choose, give them time, before you jump to a definitive conclusion about them.

[gary m]

Fenders love GHS Precision Flats, and the price is right. Try the 45-105 gauge set.

[JimmyM]

There are 5000 different opinions for every set of strings on the market. Make up your own mind.

[Gintaras]

The almighty string hunt is never ending. Everytime I get a new bass it starts all over. For my Jazz type bass I use DR Fat beams. On my Peavey Fury which is a P type bass I use Webstrings Detroit Flats. I also have a set of GHS Precision flats on a hollow body and TI Acousticores on my acoustic. I have gone through at least 3 different sets of strings for each bass.

My string searches always start in the string section of this forum. At the end it is all about what you like!!!

[Pilgrim]

If you don't have time to search them all, then all of US should take our time to respond?

I don't think so.

[bumperbass]

This is a question that has no answer, or a million answers, depending on how you see it. You can spend 24 hours a day on here and you might not be any closer than you are right now in deciding.
You can only generalize after reading thousands of threads.
You won't know what you like if you're just getting started. Seems to me you'll actually need to pay your dues and try flats and rounds, and then, and only then, you may POSSIBLY narrow your search for a specific brand and type.
Man, you have a long road ahead of you. There'll be a lot of ruts, but no WRONG turns, really. It's just that it might take you longer to get there, depending on which road you take.
Right now, you don't even have a map, so git in yer car and start learning the area.

[fu22ba55]

Any strings will "work" on any bass. Most people start with rounds nowadays, but flats are having a resurgence. All basses you mentioned will work fine w rounds or flats. Your bass will probably have rounds on it when you buy it.

Flats can be a bit easier on your fingers, but you'll need to develop calluses sooner or later, so don't avoid rounds on those grounds.

They sound different:
--Flats sound more rubbery and thump-y, less sustain.
--Rounds sound brighter, more aggressive, more sustain.

Flats: Gang of Four: Ether
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7sNfbprnKU

Flats: Sly & Family Stone: Luv n Haight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciqyopH_tHg

Rounds: The Who: Boris the Spider
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvFuUaCe8eY

Rounds: Cheap Trick: Daddy Should Have Stayed in High School
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE9ewbmCxsg

[eddododo]

If you dont have time to post a response then dont.

This is a forum; I am sick and tired of reading and occasionally receiving the 'do a search' response.

There is a lot of marginal information in old threads, hidden in a plethora of ****** opinions, antiquated misinformation, and just plain garbage.

If you dont think that someone should be able to have their own fresh exploration, guided by their personal questions, and responded to by possibly new information, then shut the whole site down and archive it.


You all knew what the thread would be.. So why take time to open it if you have no input.






To the OP
flats are great for deep, bassy sound (check out alot of motown) and rounds have more bright, upper harmonic potential with typically increased finger noise.
Your best bet is to snag a few of both and try them in different genres and settings, because this IS a very opinionated subject

[bumperbass]

Originally Posted by eddododo

If you dont have time to post a response then dont.

This is a forum; I am sick and tired of reading and occasionally receiving the 'do a search' response.

There is a lot of marginal information in old threads, hidden in a plethora of ****** opinions, antiquated misinformation, and just plain garbage.

If you dont think that someone should be able to have their own fresh exploration, guided by their personal questions, and responded to by possibly new information, then shut the whole site down and archive it.


You all knew what the thread would be.. So why take time to open it if you have no input.






To the OP
flats are great for deep, bassy sound (check out alot of motown) and rounds have more bright, upper harmonic potential with typically increased finger noise.
Your best bet is to snag a few of both and try them in different genres and settings, because this IS a very opinionated subject

Uh, because maybe he should start at the beginning?

STRINGS FAQ + RULES: READ THIS FIRST BEFORE POSTING!!!

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by bumperbass

Uh, because maybe he should start at the beginning?

STRINGS FAQ + RULES: READ THIS FIRST BEFORE POSTING!!!

Exactly. Re-asking in this fashion is rude to forum members, especially when you admit you're too lazy to look it up for yourself!

The acronym RTFM is quite appropriate..

Originally Posted by eddododo

This is a forum; I am sick and tired of reading and occasionally receiving the 'do a search' response.

Then, as the dread pirate Wesley said, get used to disappointment. There are forum rules.

If you don't have 15 minutes to invest in finding an answer that already exists, don't ask the forum to cumulatively invest a couple of hours in re-creating answers that have already been given.

[curbowkid]

Instead of causing a big fuss just give him some advice. He's new. Jeez.

[LeoSash]

Personally I use Nylon tapewounds on my acoustic bass and it sounds really good to me (i'm going for an upright bass sound for my jazz band while i learn an actual upright). I use Rounds on my 6 string.

But to answer your last three questions:

flats are easy on your fingers, reduce noise and last a while longer than rounds (because they don't get grime in there that easily).

but just experiment. No one said playing the bass would be cheap.

[Modern Growl]

I wonder why people even waist the time to write "search for yourself"... you just put a touch of effort into the guys thread - why not write a few words more and be a helpful TB community?

Pichy,
Buy 3 sets of strings and decide for yourself.

D'addario XL Nickels
Dean Markley SR2000
Thomastik Jazz Flats

Those are a great representation of each major string catagory (nickes, stainless, flats).

From there - you'll know which direction you want to pursue.

[TheEmptyCell]

Too many choices. D'addario Chromes are a nice flat, put them on your P bass - classic combo. Put a set of D'addario nickel rounds on the Jazz-another classic combo. Sme players prefer the other way around, some don't like rounds, some don't like flats. As for finger noise, avoid half wounds and stainless steels. If you get a lot of finger squeak with regular nickels, try a set of coated strings like Elixir. Flats will last forever, rounds need replacing when they go dead.

If you want "high end"/boutique sorts strings, Circle K are awesome.

[kevteop]

Flats are great for punk, soul and reggae type sounds, or anywhere that you want a '60s vibe. Rounds are good for everything else.

I keep two basses so I can have one strung with each. Roto RS66 on my Thumb, LaBella FL760 on my Jazz.

[Diesel Kilgore]

IMO, Rounds are more versatile. You can play any style with just some EQ changes.

However, i've never owned a set of flats until recently and they've fit the ticket for me. I mostly play jazz/lounge/big band/oldies style bass lines and the flats can't be beat for what I play.

[Gab124]

Hey Pichy, welcome to Talkbass. Pay no attention to the search nazi's, they are everywhere, but as you get used to this site you will find the search tool very effective, but not always efficient.
Flats or rounds is a topic that many of us have had to go through as well, and to be honest in over 20 years of playing I still don't know my own personal answer. But I can say this. Every time I personally have used flats I have gotten flak from other band members and a few sound guys. They can give you a very solid supporting sound but without the overtones than many people associate bass with. This may be why the vast majority of recordings and performances you will hear have rounds. That is not to say flats are not good, some of the more recent Incubus music is done with flats (just as an example that is not motown, blues or 60's related). I recommend having one bass strung with each for diversity. It will be a personal journey for sure so good luck.

[jacojbass]

I recently took the flat plunge, I love how they sound in a band, deep rich low end. I am using roto 77's and love em.

[shrimpflea]

The answer is simple....get flats...and more specifically get La Bella flatwounds...or just get something entirely different...doesn't matter.