Lighter Touch For Flatwounds???

[ogrossman]

I've recently switched over from D'Addario semi-flatwound strings to GHS stainless steel precision flatwounds. I read in one of the recent threads that they might make me sit better in the mix.

The main thing I've noticed is that I like the tone of the flatwounds better when I play with a very light touch on the strings (I play exclusively finger style). With the semi-flats I had more of a tendency to dig into the strings.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Or am I just growing up as a bass player?

[bassist4dalord]

No, I know what you mean. I had the same adjustment when I had my first set. Rounds are more dynamic IME, and thus digging in changes the sounds more than with flats. IMO and IME.

[JimmyM]

Everyone's different. Flatwounds actually make me want to play slightly harder since they're usually stiffer and darker sounding and don't get all boingy sounding like rounds. But a light touch is not a bad thing on bass. I use a light touch most of the time, and a lot of educated bassists recommend a light touch. Keeps the fret clanking down, doesn't tire out your hand as bad, and makes you more nimble. I also like to dig in when appropriate, but it's generally agreed that a lighter touch is not a bad thing by any means, so keep it up.