Can I still play aggressively on flats?

[lilbassboi]

I’m joining a praise + worship
And want to find my own sound on bass because so far I’ve only done what I saw and what my father says I should do, I want a warm full sound but my dad says if I use flats for this I won’t be able to play aggressively which I will have to do quite often, what’s the best way for this? I considered getting a PJ and blending the the 2 pickups to get a warm sound and having rounds to have some pop and keep the aggressive ability, I also thought on putting rounds on a jazz bass, or flats on my (or another bc I’ve been looking into other basses) P-bass. And by the way I don’t have lots of money to throw around

 

[lilbassboi]

My apologies, I meant praise + worship band, meaning I’d play at live gigs

 

[michael_t]

I just played my P bass with Ernie Ball Group IV Stainless Steel Flats in church yesterday, which is not something I do on a regular basis as my main basses for church are my two Yamaha 5-string basses with rounds on them.

The reason why I wanted to try the P with flats is it was one of those rare occasions where we didn't have a drummer. The main vocalist on keys with an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar and bass. And I have to say it worked out rather nicely as I was able to focus on laying down the groove for the other three while staying clear out of their sonic spaces.

It all depends on how you want the bass to fit into the whole mix as to whether flats are the right choice or not.

 

[Iristone]

You can. That's what I used to do on my main bass before I switched to rounds

 

[Killing Floor]

Of course.

 

[lilbassboi]

I just played my P bass with Ernie Ball Group IV Stainless Steel Flats in church yesterday, which is not something I do on a regular basis as my main basses for church are my two Yamaha 5-string basses with rounds on them.

The reason why I wanted to try the P with flats is it was one of those rare occasions where we didn't have a drummer. The main vocalist on keys with an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar and bass. And I have to say it worked out rather nicely as I was able to focus on laying down the groove for the other three while staying clear out of their sonic spaces.

It all depends on how you want the bass to fit into the whole mix as to whether flats are the right choice or not.

just to be sure I understood correctly, with the RIGHT flatwounds, I can still play aggressive while getting the warm full sound I want in my bass?

 

[michael_t]

just to be sure I understood correctly, with the RIGHT flatwounds, I can still play aggressive while getting the warm full sound I want in my bass?

When you talk about "playing aggressively", are you talking about "digging in" or "playing hard"? Or, are you talking more about being able to cut through the mix with melodic lines and fills and be heard clearly?

 

[2F/2F]

Hogwash.

Firstly, it’s much more about technique and style than about string selection. Play aggressively, and do it with the right settings, and you’ll sound aggressive, no matter what strings you’re using.

Secondly, flats are actually inherently MORE aggressive in certain ways. They are usually a more massive string that results in more output from the bass, all other things being equal. And one could easily find their attack and decay characteristics more suitably aggressive for many styles of music.

Rounds tend to have different attack and sustain characteristics, and a more metallic tone, all other things being equal. They might be considered more inherently aggressive in some ways, but definitely not across the board.

 

[lilbassboi]

When you talk about "playing aggressively", are you talking about "digging in" or "playing hard"? Or, are you talking more about being able to cut through the mix with melodic lines and fills and be heard clearly?

By “play aggressively” I mean being able to pluck the strings hard and getting a strong/ “loud”, the best way I can sum it up is the harder I pluck the louder it plays and I want to keep that while making the warm sound I mentioned

 

[michael_t]

By “play aggressively” I mean being able to pluck the strings hard and getting a strong/ “loud”, the best way I can sum it up is the harder I pluck the louder it plays and I want to keep that while making the warm sound I mentioned

Then the answer is yes, flats can be played aggressively while keeping the warm sound.

 

[lilbassboi]

I know this is a bit repetitive, but can all flatwounds be “played hard” or certain ones, as I said before my dad told me they sound warm like I want, but sacrifice the aggressiveness that I tend to need in certainty songs in order to get that warmth, is that true or false?

 

[Neon Blues]

Absolutely. I think the deal breaker is how much slap do you do/don't do.

Heaps of worship players are very slap heavy. If that's not your thing, flats will be great.

 

[mikewalker]

I know this is a bit repetitive, but can all flatwounds be “played hard” or certain ones, as I said before my dad told me they sound warm like I want, but sacrifice the aggressiveness that I tend to need in certainty songs in order to get that warmth, is that true or false?

False

 

[John Stephen]

I don’t think aggressiveness is a factor here at all. The harder you pluck, the louder your sound, regardless of string type.

 

[salmon256]

Flats can be aggressive. Some are brighter like chrome's but that it depends on the bass but yes you can dig in play aggressive. I personally struggle to slap flatwounds but everyone is different and I also use fender flats and chromes. With strings for me it all depends on tension, personality etc. everyone is different. Listen to Kainalu who has an aggressive Hofner flatwound tone. He really digs in and picks hard!

On my jazz bass with all knobs on, I can get an aggressive sound and I was able to play metal. I know Steve Harris isn't the best example since his flats are super fresh and borderline bright but he's an example of aggressive flatwound playing and It's 1am for me so I'll come back with many more examples. Enjoy flats dude!
(Personally I can dig in and be more aggressive on lower tension strings but just me personally YMMV.)

Also just want to mention if there's any heavy music you like 60s or pre 60s that's most likely for sure flatwounds (correct me if I'm wrong!)

 

[ximun]

I would suggest Fender 9050 L or M flats as a good compromise, not too expensive and with enough brightness for what you want to do.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I know this is a bit repetitive, but can all flatwounds be “played hard” or certain ones, as I said before my dad told me they sound warm like I want, but sacrifice the aggressiveness that I tend to need in certainty songs in order to get that warmth, is that true or false?

Chromes or cobalts

 

[Meghans Dad]

I've been playing at my churches for about 10 years (about the same time I've played bass) and switched to flats on my 5 string early on. I liked the Fender 9050's but I can't get 5 string sets any more, so I've switched to D'addario's. No complaints from my MD or sound guy. If I want a sharper attack, I move closer to the bridge or switch to a pick.

 

[MtManiac]

I know I do, but if you need further validation, ask Steve Harris.

 

[SLO Surfer]

You can play flats aggressively. They just won’t sound as aggressive as rounds played aggressively.