Fuzz and Overdrive with Flatwounds

stranded horse · #1 02-22-2010, 03:56 PM

Hi people,

I'm seriously GASing for flatwounds. Only problem is that I love my effects, specially my big muff and my jackhammer, and I'm kind of unsure they will coexist nicely with flatwounds...
I have only one main bass, so I don't have the option of using one bass for distorted fuzzy lead parts and another for strict rhythm playing.
Other effects I like to use are the Boss OC-2 Octaver(I think this might actually benefit from flats), the Ibanez SC-10 Chorus (no Idea how this will turn out with flats) and a modified Vox wahwah (lowered freq spectrum)

Might a treble booster improve the overdriven/fuzzed/distorted sound?

best regards,
s.h.

ciledehcysp · #2 02-22-2010, 04:09 PM

I'm using falts with all kinds of distortion including Big Muff, Fuzz Face and some others and they all sound pleasant. The difference with effects is not too big IMO, when switching from rounds to flats.
And I don't think you need to boost the treble, since most of the distortions already like to add treble on their own.

dannybuoy · #3 02-22-2010, 04:18 PM

Flats sound great with overdrive and fuzz. If I want a little more top end, I have rewired the S1 switch on my P-Bass to bypass the tone and volume controls.

mcapote · #4 02-22-2010, 04:21 PM

I use roto 77s with a russian muff no problems on my Ibanez SRX590

stranded horse · #5 02-22-2010, 04:32 PM

Ok, you convinced me.
Only decision left now is: Do I take Pyramid Gold or T.I. Jazz nickel roundcore?

newbold · #6 02-22-2010, 06:00 PM

I use roto88's with fuzz and OD so you should be fine with regular flats.

markjazzbassist · #7 02-22-2010, 06:04 PM

i use flats and have never had a problem with fuzz/OD/dist. in fact i think it sounds better with flats due to the nice low end presence.

Mudfuzz · #8 02-22-2010, 06:04 PM

All I use are flats. So if you have ever came across any of my demos you are hearing flats.

Deluge Of Sound · #9 02-22-2010, 06:07 PM

I prefer rounds, but my fretless is equipped with flats and plays well with muff-based fuzzes.

dannybuoy · #10 02-23-2010, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stranded horse

Ok, you convinced me.
Only decision left now is: Do I take Pyramid Gold or T.I. Jazz nickel roundcore?

If you want an old school Motown vibe go for the Pyramids or some LaBellas. However, it sounds like the TIs might be better for you if you want something a little brighter sounding. GHS Brite Flats are groundwounds but definitely worth checking out if you want a flatwound vibe with a bit more zing. Also you could try some Chromes but they are much higher tension than the TIs.

blendermassacre · #11 02-23-2010, 01:25 AM

My sit silencers are super great with fuzz/od. They're inverse wound strings.

Floyd Eye · #12 02-23-2010, 12:12 PM

Try D'addario Chromes. About $30 and they sound great.

mcapote · #13 02-23-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stranded horse

Ok, you convinced me.
Only decision left now is: Do I take Pyramid Gold or T.I. Jazz nickel roundcore?

never used either, Ive only use chromes and rotosounds and I prefer the rotosounds.

adivin · #14 02-23-2010, 12:17 PM

My favorite is Sadowsky Flats. I even prefer them over Chromes which I do like.

Mudfuzz · #15 02-23-2010, 06:27 PM

Chromes are da'bomb yo!

stranded horse · #16 02-24-2010, 12:44 PM

The TI Jazz strings came today and I'm smitten! I just love them. Feels like to me like they help to bring out the true voice of my instrument. Funny that people describe flatwounds as dull sounding.
I think I will never change these strings

Mudfuzz · #17 02-24-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stranded horse

Feels like to me like they help to bring out the true voice of my instrument. Funny that people describe flatwounds as dull sounding.

Thats how I feel, I've never found them to be dull sounding, me thinks a lack of Q-tips are the real reason...