Old flats vs. old rounds

[Pilgrim]

Most of my basses have flats, and my approach to them is simple: never change 'em unless one breaks. And I've never had one break, so the oldest set I have is 30+ years old.

But I'm a newcomer to rounds. I have one set on a 2000 Jazz, and I believe they're the original rounds. I like their sound and see no reason to change them, either - and they're only 7 years old.



Anyone else like and use old roundwounds? If so, on what basses, and how old?

[Mojo-Man]

I to never change strings once they go on a bass.

Flats, or Rounds.

If your not a big slapper, to me, it makes no difference.

I like how, string ages, and becomes more fundamental in tone.
Mellower, warmer, suttle.

[milhouse]

I like old rounds, but they don't sound like new rounds.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by milhouse

I like old rounds, but they don't sound like new rounds.

I think that's a good thing!

[david fitch]

Old Rounds ? I love them ! I like D'addario XL Nickel Rounds about six months to a year old. Nice and warm but still cut.After about a year I change them and have to deal with the "New String Sound" for awhile but they mellow out and I am happy again.

[ducknturtle]

The sound does change over time. They gradually loose the high end sizzle and get warmer. If they sound good to you why change em'.

[Lokire]

I love 'em. I've got a set of DR Hi-Beams on my Ken Lawrence that are about 2 years old now.

TI Jazz flats on my DeArmond that are about a year old.

TI Jazz rounds on my '66 Guild Starfire hollowbody, over a year old.

TI Jazz rounds on my Stambaugh, about 8-10 months old.

TI Acousticores on my Kinal acoustic that are a little over a year old I think. Sounding better every day!

Can't stand new strings. Though the TI Jazz Rounds start out sounding pretty nice and mellow, compared to any other strings I've tried

[SGT. Pepper]

I like old rounds too, especially nickels.
They get smoother as they age and retain sustain but loose the twang and zing. Old flats sound like an upright, very quick decay. Flats are good if you like to play a lot of notes.

[bgavin]

I have a 7 year old set of TI Jazz Flats. They seem to get "woodier" as they get older. They are heading for a defretted P-bass with vintage SPB-1 Duncan thumper. I'm hoping to emulate an upright.

On the flip side, I changed the original 30-year old strings on my Gibson Mastertone 5-string banjo, and the new ones don't sound any better.

[dave64o]

I like the sound of rounds once they've lost their zinginess and I don't think I've ever changed a set of strings. When I get a new bass I'll get it set up, put on a new set of stainless steel rounds, and let the strings age right along with me.

[steve21]

I for one love the sound and feel of old flats... and old rounds aren't bad. But new (stainless steel) rounds are it for me.

[midopa]

I loves me some old and "dead" roundwounds. The high-end and zing are gone and there sounds to be a slight bump in the low-mids in tone.