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Bandmates complain about flatwound sound

#21
When I joined the band I am in now, I was using TI flats. After the first rehearsal I was told that the tone is nice, but the sound is not what was expected of me. Oops, I screwed up, all I could do is fix it. I put my go to rounds on and my fingers were tore up for a week, after that it was fine. Just depends on what the goals are.
and +1 on rotosound swing bass rounds, although they tear up my fingers on those 5 hour gigs everytime.
 
#23
If you or your bandmates want better definition and you went from Pressure Wounds to Flats you're going in the wrong direction. PWounds aren't all that bright but they have excellent definition even on an open E and you can wring out every ounce of tonality your bass has in it with them. They are by far the most versatile string I've ever played.
 
#24
I love flats but I don't use them in the cover band I'm in.

IMO you can't just switch over and expect it to work- you have to experiment with EQ, set-up, adjusting your playing style and muting. The quality of your amplification and/or soundman will also affect whether flats will work live for you. It's a challenge to get the clarity and definition to the audience while still retaining the characteristic thump and solid bottom that flats can deliver easily in a recording or solo, IMO.
 
#25
there are so many variable here ... EQ as mentioned, but also guage, Jazz or P type pups, etc, sealed or ported cabs, cab tuning, the resonance you let your notes carry, where you pluck your stings (closer to neck/bridge) .... generally with Chromes I have found on a Jazz with sealed cabs and concentrating on producing sharp notes when needed, it cuts just right, and the low mids let you feel it as well ...JMHO
 
#26
jmattbassplaya said:
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.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I have Chromes on my '51 P and for alt country it was alright, but I just installed a set of TI flats on my Jazz and the sound is far superior. I'm still getting the warmth of the flats but the notes really come through the mix (important in a six/seven piece band). I also really dig the mellow string tension of the TIs.
 
#27
Its not much different than alot of us bass players...are they listening to how your tone is affecting the overall sound of the band, or are they just listening to your individual tone and projecting what they think it should sound like?

I have a love-hate relationship with flats, I think they can add alot to the overall sound of the band but can get frustrated with the lack of sustain compared to rounds. The guitarist of my band used to be the bassist for the band and likes the Ric piano tone, and so do I, but I have really grown to want to support the whole band sound than just MY tone.
 
#28
TIs are amazing for fingerstyle playing, they really are a different kettle of fish. I can't make them work with a pick, though, or else I'd seriously think about using them on my main bass as tonally they cover a lot of the ground rounds do while still having some of the thump of trad flats, as well as the same sonic place in a mix.
 
#29
I've got Chromes on my Jazz-equipped Squier Standard Precision V. I've been loving the sound in the praise and worship (pop-rock/acoustic/Christian Contemporary style) band- full and present while retaining definition. I tried Ernie Ball Slinky rounds band practice and one gig and took them off right after the gig. Put the Chromes back on and I'm happy again.

Again, flats don't always work for every situation. But I gotta say, they sure are workin' for me!

:bassist:
 
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#30
I would at least consider what your bandmates have to say, because you are in this together. They may just be used to your other tone, so they're expecting it, or they may be on to something. The sound you are getting now may not fit your band as it stands. It might not be a brand thing, it might just be the way you're playing on the particular strings you have. There's always a chance that you could find a sound you all like if you tweak your playing.
 
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#32
Don't you mind what they say, Flats and electric bass is a match made in heaven. Even more so through an Ampeg 810. Anyone who says otherwise is ignorant, how else could it be so popular on TB? Keep on tweaking those EQ knobs toward sonic nirvana!
 
#33
markanini said:
Don't you mind what they say, Flats and electric bass is a match made in heaven. Even more so through an Ampeg 810. Anyone who says otherwise is ignorant, how else could it be so popular on TB? Keep on tweaking those EQ knobs toward sonic nirvana!
Click to expand...

If he's playing a Fender with flats through an SVT and 810, then the reason it isn't working is because he bass doesn't have a tort guard.

;)
 
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#34
It's possible it might be them, not you. I used to play with a guitard that insisted on boosting the low mids to get his "tone", problem was that was stepping on the bass too much and it got lost. Throw 2 guitars into the mix makes it that much worse. Just something to consider. :cool:
 
#37
Wow!! a lot more replies than I expected :-)

On our last rehearsal I messed with EQ and tone knobs and I finally got a more defined sound, basically what I did was use the single coil pickups instead of the humbuckers, boosting the hi-meds as someone suggested ant cutting of a bit of the low frequencies.

Even so, for my next string set I will try with bright rounds, but that will be maybe until 2013, I have enough string sets for the whole year.

Thanks for all your suggestions, I've learned a lot.
 
#38
With flats, take all your tone knobs (bass and amp) and set them to the flat (noon) position and if you have a passive bass, turn the tone control wide open - tweek from there with the rest of the band playing. Generally all the clank and gank you have to dial out on the rounds is already gone with the flats.

Of course we don't know what kind of music or bass you are playing, that would help a lot if you want advise from the board.
 
#39
elavate7 said:
...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
Click to expand...

+1 it depends on your band's sound. If you have lots of low mids going on you may need rounds to be heard. I love Chromes at home for practice but it a band situation rounds often work better. btw, Chromes are my favorite. after that clack wears off ( a few weeks) you get years of great tone. No need to role off highs or boost lows. Very balanced with good low-mid gut punch. The TIs are great too, IF you can deal with the low tension.
 

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