Bandmates complain about flatwound sound

[makz]

As a experiment I put D'addario chrome flatwounds on my HB-4 bass, but on the last rehearsal my bandmates complain that "we can't hear the bass notes clearly, we just hear a big ball of bass and the clack clack of your fingers on the fretboard".

Previously I used GHS pressurewounds, my guess is that they just are not used to the more "mellow" sound of these strings as opposed to the more bright pressurewounds, but maybe this is also an EQ issue, I'm boosting the mid range, as always.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Actually, they might be right. One reason I stopped using chromes was because the E string had zero definition in a mix. They definitely filled the band, but they weren't a string I'd recommend if your lines have a lot of movement and require definition.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

For the record though, I used to use TI's on my Precision, and they're my go to flat because they are very well balanced and very well defined in a band mix. I'd suggest trying them out sometime if you have the cash.

 

[Dark Horse]

I've never had an issue with Chromes (or any other flat, for that matter)... in fact I even did a heavy rock album a couple years ago on Universal with Mudrock (Godsmack, Powerman 5000, Avenged Sevenfold, Chimaira, etc) and I asked if he wanted me to change to rounds...he didn't....he said he preferred flats, as it was easier to get a good sound in the mix. I only used rounds on one song. Anyway, that's just my experience...yours , of course, may vary ...there's no right or wrong, only different interpretations of music....

 

[azureblue]

try Fender 9050 flats. more definition and punch than chromes

 

[darkstorm]

Your bandmates are correct. Flats are flat and dull sounding compared to rounds. Not an appropirate bass sound except for stuff that really calls for that type of old style sound. flats lack difinition, and sare more about thud thud, woomp sound rather then articulate exciting defined bass.

 

[lowfreq33]

Contrary to what you'll hear around TB, flats aren't the be all end all for every situation. Try playing with the eq, but rounds might be better for your situation. It really depends on how the rest of your band sounds. If there's a lot of low end going on you'll need the upper mids to cut through.

 

[bassbully]

I also had never had this issue and my Chromes cut thru with definition. Try working your EQ or maybe the strings are too close to the pups? I would rather be in the mix with less defintion then not to be heard in the mix at all. With rounds that was the case.

 

[Gab124]

My band never notices when I change different brands or gauges of ROUNDwound. Every time I try to sneek in some flats I get a bunch of flak about how it does not sound lively. I have done Sadowsky, Chromes and TI's. One thing I have found is that a good round will put a very nice fundamental in the mix and a nice articulate overtone rich sound when in solo or low key sections. My .02 YMMV and all that. I will eventually go back to a flat at some point, and like always come back to rounds. It is a never ending cycle in my playing career.

 

[Triangle]

D'addario Half-rounds to save the day!!

 

[Marty Forrer]

TI Jazz Flats are my only flats. I've tried most other brands, including Chromes, GHS and LaBellas, and they lack the midrange definition and complexity that TIs have. My TIs are around 12 years old, have done a LOT of gigs, and I'm still waiting for them to lose their zing.

 

[Lazarus.Bird]

I use chromes on all my basses. Used them in my last stoner metal band, use them in my current stoner rock band. I cut through like a chainsaw being operated by a thousand angry bees.

 

[JazznFunk]

Hmm... Ben Kenney (Incubus) would most likely disagree with you on that one. He's using GHS flats here on his custom Lakland...

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I would also disagree. I have plenty of recordings with flats on my basses that are punchy and present... it's all in how you EQ the bass and also how you play the bass. Not all flats are created equal, either. Some are brighter than others, some are *intentionally* more thuddy/dark for that true old-school sound. YMMV depending on the brand/gauge.

Your bandmates are correct. Flats are flat and dull sounding compared to rounds. Not an appropirate bass sound except for stuff that really calls for that type of old style sound. flats lack difinition, and sare more about thud thud, woomp sound rather then articulate exciting defined bass.

 

[armybass]

1. Your band is listening to you = good

2. They are listening to your tone = better

3. They are probably right = not all flats are created equally!


As others have stated, flats are not for every gig. I also agree that D Addario Chromes are not really great strings. I am inclined to agree that as far as nice articulation and a sound that sets well in the mix, TI Jazz Flats really excell. I have them on a few basses. I have LaBellas on my P Bass but that is only for Motown and Country in my book.

 

[Gab124]

Hmm... Ben Kenney (Incubus) would most likely disagree with you on that one. He's using GHS flats here on his custom Lakland...

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Maybe, it sounds good and I have listened to that video many times (and one of my favorite bands). I kind of wonder if I heard the same song performed with rounds if I wouldn't like it better. In the end they are all good stings and proper bass playing and performance are more important. And, it takes all kinds for sure.

 

[otherclef]

For the record though, I used to use TI's on my Precision, and they're my go to flat because they are very well balanced and very well defined in a band mix. I'd suggest trying them out sometime if you have the cash.

+1 on the TIs
I tried the JF344 and LOVE them. They do sound diff from the POWERBASS but are still very present in the mix.

What pups are you using??

 

[MatticusMania]

I use chromes on all my basses. Used them in my last stoner metal band, use them in my current stoner rock band. I cut through like a chainsaw being operated by a thousand angry bees.

Same here. Perhaps it is the OPs EQ, or just the way his pickups respond tot he flats?
Ive never had trouble sitting nicely in the mix with my flats.

 

[Luckydog]

Contrary to what some here say, not all flats are dull sounding. TIxflats will absolutely let you stand out in the mix with a rich defined tone, not a dead thump...and they will provide a thick foundation for the rest of the band. I've used most flats and most rounds so I am saying this from practical experience, not TI fanboi talk.

 

[elavate7]

thats why i dont use flats, but it all depends on the type of music you play. for some styles of music and in some bands, the mellow sound of flats is desireable. in others, you may need rounds for more definition. i love flats, but they tend to be too mellow and fuzy

 

[prd004]

First I am surprised that your bandmates actually listen too and have an opinion about your bass tone.

Not all flats are created equal, Rotosound flats will give you a presence and attack that will be heard, I love the tone and use them in all types of bands.

Lastly, band dialect is a good thing as long as it's productive and respectful. It also has to go any and all ways. I haven't met too many guitarists over the years that would alter their tone because bandmates thought it should sound different! But if the person criticizing your tone is the primary songwriter/bandleader then you may have to alter your sound or move on.

Give those Roto's a run!