Trying D'Addario Half Wounds On my '51 P Reissue...

[BrentSimons]

Hey Guys,
Though I would give these a try since I'm not quite a flatwound convert. I ordered the ENR71SL Super Long Scale 45-100 set for through the body stringing on my '51 P. My first observations are that they are not quite as smooth as I had hoped for. I had tried GHS Brite Flats in the past on another bass and those felt smoother if I remember. Also, I am surprised by the high tension of these D'Addarios. I have a set of Chromes on my fretless, same gauge. I'll have to do a side by side comparison. Of course I just realized as I was typing that my '51 is strung through the body and my fretless is through the bridge.Hmmm.
However, my whining aside they sound great. Warm but with a touch of briteness.Just what the box says,right but they have a nice "thuwack" sound when the strings hit the frets near the end of the neck a la Steve Harris. Anyway, didn't mean to ramble, I thought I would just share my thought s with those not quite ready to take the flatwound plunge.
B

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by BrentSimons

My first observations are that they are not quite as smooth as I had hoped for.

Hmmm - lookin' for smooth, huh? Sounds like you might want some...flats.

Originally Posted by BrentSimons

but they have a nice "thuwack" sound when the strings hit the frets near the end of the neck a la Steve Harris.

Harris uses flats, BTW...

Sounds like you're more "converted" than you think!

[jasper383]

After a week or so, they will feel smoother. They are very grabby and "sharp" feeling to start. SIT Silencers are the same way.

[BrentSimons]

Good to hear thanks.
Brent

[lug]

Originally Posted by jasper383

After a week or so, they will feel smoother. They are very grabby and "sharp" feeling to start. SIT Silencers are the same way.

Yep, Dean Markleys too. 1/2 round/groundwounds are "stickier" than either flats or rounds. They do sound great, though.