Sustain - Flatwound vs Roundwound

alembicbassist · #1 05-21-2002, 01:45 PM

I have been using GHS flatwounds for a while, but recently put on an older set of GHS roundwound Boomers. Other than the obvious tone differences, the sustain of notes seemed much greater, especially on the B and E strings.

Is this other's experiences with flatwounds versus roundwounds or is it just the particular brand (GHS) and some combination of the Bass woods and neck/body joint itself?

Michael Jewels · #2 05-21-2002, 03:22 PM

[quote]Originally posted by alembicbassist
[b]Other than the obvious tone differences, the sustain of notes seemed much greater, especially on the B and E strings.

You pretty much hit it on the head. Rounds give long sustain while flats give you that thump. I don't think there's one flatwound that can out last a roundy.

Mike J.

bassmonkeee · #3 05-21-2002, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Jewels
[B
You pretty much hit it on the head. Rounds give long sustain while flats give you that thump. I don't think there's one flatwound that can out last a roundy.

Mike J. [/b]

I don't know about that. I've got TI Jazz Flats on my US Curbow 5 string that are 15 months old, and they sustain into next week. Loud, punchy, clear, warm. And, no fret noise--bonus!

Michael Jewels · #4 05-22-2002, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bassmonkeee

I don't know about that. I've got TI Jazz Flats on my US Curbow 5 string that are 15 months old, and they sustain into next week. Loud, punchy, clear, warm. And, no fret noise--bonus!

I must try these strings. I'm hearing too many good things about 'em.

Mike J.

alembicbassist · #5 05-24-2002, 01:21 PM

Yah, I agree. After having the roundwounds back on for a while, the only thing I like about them is the sustain, so if the TI flatwounds have such great sustain, I'll have to give them a try too.