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Anyone use flats only or mainly?

armybass

armybass

Jul 19, 2001
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#1
And if so, on what bass and what brand? I have flats on one of my Rics and I am thinking of putting them on the other ones too. There are enough different types of flats that offer such a wider variety of tones that I could easily see myself being very satisfied with just using flats for the types of gigs I do. I have enough basses that I could keep some rounds around for an emergency ;)
 
#2
I only own P basses, I have 5 of them. They all range from 1971-2012. While they all have different electronics and things done to them that make them all sound different, thay all have flats.

It's all about preference, I like the way they sounds or feel. I haven't used rounds in 10+ years. Any time I play a bass at a store with rounds, it just doesn't feel right.
 
#6
I've been using flats exclusively for almost two years now. I don't keep rounds as backup as I don't break strings, and don't think that will change anytime soon (I'm using Jamersons, and they could support a bridge!)
 
#7
I have a bass with rounds and another with flats.


I recently put Roto 77's on one of my basses and can't wait to put on something less stiff. TI's are my favorite, but I'm not sure I want to spend the $$.

I need a bass with flats for some gigs and round's for others.

I find it easier to get rid of the zing of the rounds when needed.
 
#9
Chromes. On my Reverend BH5, which is my primary bass at the moment.

I am thinking about putting them on my MTD Heir 5, also - see what that sounds like. I really love the feel and the sound of them.

A few months back I put roundwounds on the BH5 out of curiosity, that didn't last long.
 
#11
I had a MIM J with Fender flats. I never gigged with it, but I brought it to a jam once and everyone thought they were dead roundwounds. I loved the sound though, awesome thump! I ended up selling the bass but kept the strings.
 
#18
I go back and forth. Used Chromes for a couple years, then got a wild hair and used XL's one night a few months ago, and everyone had such a positive reaction to rounds that I switched back. Now I'm feeling like going back to flats, but I don't want to get folks in the band angry ;)

In the end, though, it really doesn't matter. No matter what strings I use, it always sounds like me.

Basses are a 95 P Lyte with EMG's and a modded 76 Precision with passive PJ config.
 
#20
You have Rickenbackers?

I have had La Bella 760FS, Fender 9050CL, the 40-95 set of Chromes, and Pyramid flats on my Ric at one point or another. All sounded great.

Chromes and Fender--brighter than most. most versatile
La Bella--fat and full. probably the richest, most traditional flat sound
Pyramids--thumpy, especially that E string. very McCartney
 

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