Thinking of flatwounds

[Gambisk]

Hey guys I'm thinking about replacing my strings on my corvette, I was thinking of puting on some half rounds or maybe even go the whole way and put on flats. I don't think I've ever played these type of strings so im not really to sure where to start or what kinda sound to expect but am willing to expiriment.

She is still strung with the original black label strings from the factory which I'm not a huge fan of as they are very rough on the fingers but sound wise they are grand. Would the half rounds be a major departure from the sound and feel of these strings? I have heard that they are a little easier on the fingers cause there are less groves etc.

Also any recomendations on what brands etc would be welcome as a ex-guitarist I sided with d'addario for 6stringers but from reading here not to many people seem to like them on bass, so I'm not to familiar with what brands are popular I see alot of threads about DR but I didn't see any of their flats at my local store.

All help and advice welcomed!

[ljazz]

The more you read here, the more you realize string choice is extremely subjective.
While the qualities of each type/brand may be quantifiable, how we rank those qualities in our choices is where things get muddy. Take a look at the "rank your flats" thread, which is a few down from this one. Try to filter out the "feelings" and get down to the qualities of each. Then make your choice.

For me, I love the TI Jazz Flats. They are extremely articulate, and mid voiced. Not quite as thumpy as other brands, but not zingy either. The tension is very light, but they do "stiffen up" as they break in. I believe these strings bring out how your bass really sounds. Definitely worth the price, 'cuz they last for ages, and definitely worth the time it takes to get accustomed to the tension.

I've tried virtually every flat out there, and the one thing I've learned is to not make your decision on the string until you've given them a few months of playing time. Flats take a lot of time to break in. The TI's I have on my SB1 started to really sound great after about a month of playing. They've been on it now for about 5 months, and they just keep getting better. A lot of other flats respond the same way.

Ljazz

[lmfreeman9]

I use TI and LaBella Flats and love them, but if YOU like the sound of rounds and only want to change because of finger pain-I'd recommend you build some callouses. Half rounds and Flats will never sound like rounds.

[WayneS]

Depends also on what kind of music you like to play. I like to play rock and metal, so I use Rotosound either SH77 or RS77 flats. The SH's are the Steve Harris signature strings. The RS's are the same thing but with different color silk wrappings and a smaller guage.

These strings sound absolutley fantastic. However, I change them every three or four shows.

[Gambisk]

It's not a pain issue cause I realize that is prob caused by the fact the strings are stainless steel and probably not the best quality at that. I'm more in this to see what new tones i can get and just for the kick of playing something a bit different. While I have no issue with the sound of the current strings I'm open to the idea if finding something different that I may like more

The majority of my playing is done in church but I love to playing rock and some punk covers with my mates when i get a chance.

Is there any real benefit of half rounds over flats? or is it better to go with flats instead of compromising?

[Linkert]

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

I use TI and LaBella Flats and love them, but if YOU like the sound of rounds and only want to change because of finger pain-I'd recommend you build some callouses. Half rounds and Flats will never sound like rounds.

I bought Halfrounds today and they sound like rounds with more bottom...

[Evan_S._Brown]

TI jazz flats are great. grab a set and join the fan club

also labella if you want a cool motown vibe, i really like the joe osborne signature lakland flatwounds too, very similar to the labella flats

[Gambisk]

quick one: The TI's that everybody is talking about are they the same as Thomastic-Infield?

[dbcandle]

The sound of TI Jazz Flats can be good, but the sound is "in a class of its own". It isn't classic "flats" sounding, nor round-wound. Additionally, unless you have a VERY light touch, the "feel" is like playing on wet noodles (very "mushy").

Personally, I like round-wound nickels on a hex-core, and "true" flats like La Bella "Deep Talkin' ".

The rounds and flats are *so* different, though, you may want to consider having a bass with each. To use only one would be like asking "which tool should I build that shed with - a hammer or a saw?"

If you use only 1:
* On rounds, crank-up the power and pluck *very* softly near the neck to get a "flat-like" sound.
* On flats, to get more "attack", try a pick.

[Evan_S._Brown]

Originally Posted by Gambisk

quick one: The TI's that everybody is talking about are they the same as Thomastic-Infield?

yep