Confessions of a Flatwound convert...

[Sundogue]

Any of you recent Flatwound converts notice an hand injuries or soreness ariving with your flatwounds.? I've had some right hand soreness that seens to have come along with the arrival my flatwounds. Was thinking it might be the strings. They are stiffer and can be a bit sticky. I used a bass with rounds for 2 gigs last week and no problems. Used the flats last night and my wrist is very sore today.

Yes, I have actually. But I think it stems more from the mental aspect. I found myself playing harder and digging in more when I first switched to flats, simply because I was striving to somehow get more roundwound tone out of them because I've played rounds for 30 years...as if something was missing and playing the flats harder would bring more out of them. It does take some acclimating to a completely different tone when switching to flats.

My advice is to relax (your mind as well as your body) and just let the strings do what they do best. You can EQ more hi-mids in to get a bit more snap out of the sound, and perhaps boost your volume a bit more as well to get you to back off. I had a tendency to play harder, but if I turned up more it forced me to back off, and then I just enjoyed what the flats give me. No more issues for me.

Flats aren't for everyone. If they don't work out for you, you can always go back to rounds and move to LA. I hear they just go gaga over roundwound strings out there.

 

[sixway]

Any of you recent Flatwound converts notice an hand injuries or soreness ariving with your flatwounds.? I've had some right hand soreness that seens to have come along with the arrival my flatwounds. Was thinking it might be the strings. They are stiffer and can be a bit sticky. I used a bass with rounds for 2 gigs last week and no problems. Used the flats last night and my wrist is very sore today.

You are right about the sticky part - flats have more surface area so they grab more of your fingertip, so it takes a bit more effort to overcome the friction to pluck the string.

I've compensated by turning up more, using a lighter touch,and using a string lubricant when needed.

My hand got used to making the extra effort, and now I don't notice it anymore. It's just a matter of adjusting, and making your hand/wrist stronger, which will come from playing.

Hang in their a little bit longer before you hang up the flats!

Ian

 

[pc]

GHS precision flats have blown me away. Never thought I would like a set of flats more than Rotosound 77s. Still like my nickel rounds on one P and steel rounds on a J, but my T-40 (which I just put them on) and my other P are both going to be GHS Precision flat heaven.

+1

Just recieved my set yesterday (6 strings) and I really loved how their lows are strong. And they are still fresh strings!!!

I simply loved the amazing low bar when I boost the mids and roll the balance towards the bridge pickup!

I'm aware I'll lose on the slapping side (they are still kinda happening, but they were less than 2 hours old ) but I'm nos a real slapper and on the other hand I'm able to sound like I really wouldn't with rounds.

As for the tension, they have a similar feel to the Hi-beams previously installed. They didn't fell stiffer at all, although they are. The strings looked a tad higher, and I'll check the trussrod tonight.

I have a reharsal on sunday, when I'll be able to confirm my expectations. I'll let you guys know

 

[Sundogue]

I had my last rehearsal with the band Wednesday night before our gig this weekend. The Chromes are settling in beautifully where they've become so even and smooth sounding across all strings and notes. Even all of the notes on the D and G strings sound solid and have as much impact as the lower notes of the E and A strings. No more thin, tinny sound from the D and G strings where in the past with other strings, playing on the D and G seemed like the bass dropped out. Best strings I've used to get that solid bass sound back on those smaller strings (rounds or flats). Much better than even the TI's. I'm really loving the Chromes.

I've even been able to cut the low end on my amp's EQ when using the Chromes...not just flat, but CUT and still have a great, tight, solid, yet powerful low end. It sure makes my amp run easier with the lows cut, and the overall sound of my bass with the whole band is just perfect. I NEVER have a problem hearing my bass on any song, in any part, playing with two guitarists, keyboardist and the drummer. EVERY note is distinct, even when playing up higher or very low on the E or low B strings. Typically, every bass or string I've ever played, the middle of the neck has always given me the tightest, punchiest bass sound. So I've tended to play more there when possible. But with the Chromes playing anywhere on the neck gives me good, strong distinct bass tones. Everywhere there is power without mud, and a fuller high end that doesn't sound sterile or weak. And my bass sounds like a bass without any crossover into the guitars' sound.

It's almost like I have a natural compression to my sound with the Chromes. I think with the flats having less sustain, harmonics and overtones than rounds, the Chromes just punch you with every note. Man, for all the years I've wanted my bass to stand out, I never thought flats would give me that. It's just the sound I've been after...hearing my bass clearly without playing the whole volume war with the guitarists, and standing out yet lying back with the drummer sonically.

Of course, the real test comes Saturday night at gig volume in a bigger room. Big club, great crowd and that room has always presented challenges when I've used rounds. We shall see.

 

[jmceachern36]

Flats aren't for everyone. If they don't work out for you, you can always go back to rounds and move to LA. I hear they just go gaga over roundwound strings out there.

Thanks for the responses. I thought it was just me. The problem now is that I'm totally hooked on the sound. I've been using them for 6 months or more. I seem to play more relaxed when I use the rounds for some reason. Could be a volume thing.

 

[Sundogue]

Thanks for the responses. I thought it was just me. The problem now is that I'm totally hooked on the sound. I've been using them for 6 months or more. I seem to play more relaxed when I use the rounds for some reason. Could be a volume thing.

It could also be string tension and/or gauge. You could use a lighter gauge flat, or go to a lighter tension flat like TI's.

I find I play harder and tense up more when playing heavier gauge, or higher tension strings.

But yes, letting your amp do the work and turning up will force you to play lighter.

And I completely understand being hooked on the sound.

 

[sixway]

But yes, letting your amp do the work and turning up will force you to play lighter.

And I completely understand being hooked on the sound.

Hi Sundogue, you may have noticed through my postings in this thread I've mentioned turning up and playing lighter several times, but I do admit it's not the cure-all for hand pain, or playing flats faster.

Turning up too much becomes difficult to control, or becomes too clanky at times. On the other hand, I'ved noticed a tendency to dig in at times when the music gets loud, because I'm not getting the highs on top like I remember from my rounds. I just have to trust my instincts and play through, because, as you've said, the total sound for the audience is what I'm there for.

And eventually, even rock bands can be trained to use dynamics!

Ian

 

[Sundogue]

Hi Sundogue, you may have noticed through my postings in this thread I've mentioned turning up and playing lighter several times, but I do admit it's not the cure-all for hand pain, or playing flats faster.

Turning up too much becomes difficult to control, or becomes too clanky at times. On the other hand, I'ved noticed a tendency to dig in at times when the music gets loud, because I'm not getting the highs on top like I remember from my rounds. I just have to trust my instincts and play through, because, as you've said, the total sound for the audience is what I'm there for.

And eventually, even rock bands can be trained to use dynamics!

Ian

I hear you. Though I play in a hard rock band, I am always stressing to the others in the band about using dynamics. It isn't that we aren't aware of it at all, but when the adrenaline is pumping and you are rocking out to a large wild crowd, sometimes it gets difficult to hold back.

And it really is a big adjustment for me, going from playing rounds for 30 years (and having THAT sound so ingrained in me) to playing flats that just have their own unique sound that is SO different than roundwounds.

I agree that volume shouldn't be used for overcoming how one plays, but it has helped force me to play lighter simply because if I play hard and dig in (when my volume is already where it needs to be playing light), then I have the whole band on me about it. Really I just use it as a reminder to not play so hard. But again, with the adrenaline flowing in a high energy rock show in front of a frenzied crowd (and some very hot looking women), thinking about technique is the LAST thing on my mind.

Which of course, I understand is totally unprofessional as a musician, and I'd never get away with it in LA. But our fans sure love us cranking out loud, fun rock music and they don't seem to notice the subtleties very much. And THAT's who I'm out to impress, not the musicians in the crowd. Sometimes it's more about the show than the music. Sad, but true.

 

[unclekebm]

Hey Sundogue, what's your problem with LA?
I grew up playing the LA ~ Vegas "rock scene", have used nothing but flats
and have made a good living with steady work...
no-one has EVER not hired me because I use flats or told me to use rounds...
I don't get it...good luck with your "self proclaimed" attitude of some kind of flatwounds expert...

 

[Sundogue]

Hey Sundogue, what's your problem with LA?
I grew up playing the LA ~ Vegas "rock scene", have used nothing but flats
and have made a good living with steady work...
no-one has EVER not hired me because I use flats or told me to use rounds...
I don't get it...good luck with your "self proclaimed" attitude of some kind of flatwounds expert...

You are telling the wrong person. ^^^^^

I don't have a problem with LA at all. I'm just having some fun. Some in this thread know why. I'm sure not dissing you or LA, and I'm no expert on flats at all. My sig is purely tongue-in-cheek. Sincere apologies to you.

The only thing I proclaim myself to be is extremely irritating to a great many people on talkbass. It is what it is.

 

[unclekebm]

You are telling the wrong person. ^^^^^

I don't have a problem with LA at all. I'm just having some fun. Some in this thread know why. I'm sure not dissing you or LA, and I'm no expert on flats at all. My sig is purely tongue-in-cheek. Sincere apologies to you.

thanks, I never thought you where dissing me...
I was just curious, like I said, I've never had a problem using flats in LA

no need to apologize to me...

cheers

 

[monsterthompson]

Bye Bye

I could not help but pop in here real quick.

 

[monsterthompson]

Funny to many, clever to some, stupid to others... it's such a fine line between stupid, and clever. We are a rock and roll travesty; perhaps roundwounds could fix that, perhaps not.

 

[Sundogue]

I apologize for my contribution to the derailment of my own thread and to all of those who find this thread useful or interesting.

Now back to flatwound strings and what we like/dislike about them, what they do for us or our band's sound, etc.

Personally the Chromes I'm using have really helped me get over this "sound of flats by myself" hangup I've had. I'm really enjoying playing flats...even alone now. Very cool sound to them, now that they've broken in for a few weeks. I think I just never gave flats enough time before. Not enough to really appreciate what they do best. I can't wait to crank it up on the gig this weekend.

 

[Horny Toad]

Very cool. Looking forward to the gig report.

 

[FERNDOGG]

Just switched to FLATS after 20+ years of ROUNDS............ it's like being re-born--yes sir!
Having a ball, the other day my drummer said that when I did a certain something during a song, it felt/sounded like it was coming from his drumset!!!!
.
I laced my Lakland JO4 with some La Bella 760FS strings thru my MESA M-PULSE 600 and I am really enjoying that bridge pickup (full), tone all the way up, and bridge p/u blended in for good measure.......

digging in never felt soooooo good!!!

bottom line: FLATS and ROUNDS= apples and oranges....... can't compare, some people just pick one over the other, that's it.

 

[unclekebm]

I've been using "flats" since time began...

not to long ago I traveled to do a gig and didn't bring my bass
so i borrowed a friends (jazz bass w/rounds), I play a P w/flats...
guess what? we ROCKED, the crowd ROCKED, nobody gave a rats fur what i was playing or what kind of strings i had,
I still got my tone...and feel, although I prefer flats & a fat neck, always have, always will...

Is this thread still about the OP?
+1 to p-bass post #368

word

 

[monsterthompson]

Naw..I can't do this anymore,this an amateurs forum. If any of you do ever get out gigging (real gigs,I'm not talking about the local bar or club),find what works best for you and go with it. I have found I get a gig because I know how to find my place in the music no matter what bass,strings,amp. I am using. Alot of what I do is getting down in the trenches and just playing. I remember reading an interview with James Jamerson many years ago and he said,"it don't matter what kind of strings you use",then again,this is a the greatest electric bass player that ever lived who found it very difficult to get work in L.A. because he used flatwound strings and refused to change his sound,THE GREATEST BASS PLAYER OF ALL TIME. I learned how to read music at a very early age and it has helped me,more than any string I use,I hope you all do the same,it's the most valuable tool. Monsterthompson,I am not a failure and most of all,I do not drink. Sundogue,you say you post on this forum for fun,I believe you play bass just for fun also...good luck,Steve

way to change your post via the edit function.
Link Removed


way to miss the joke: you said "bye" in one post, then jumped back in shortly after that, thus the fail. it had nothing to do with implying you drink; the photo was just a graphic representation of the level of fail you achieved.

...way to continue to tell us that you can't do it anymore and then keep coming back.

i'm sure you are a perfectly fine bassist. this is obviously not your thread. please stop telling us how much you don't like the taste of this thread, yet continue to spoon servings of it onto your plate and eat it.

everybody has made their point and we need to agree to disagree.

now, can we get back to the topic of the awesomeness of
flats in all their glory so it can be helpful to those interested in the subject? if not, can we lock this thread?

 

[RicPlaya]

Wow..what drama

I play bass for fun, I play flats and rounds.

P-Bass I hear ya man, it's about the music not the gear. At the same time not all of us are fortunate to play bass with the pro's.

 

[Sundogue]

Wow..what drama

I play bass for fun, I play flats and rounds.

P-Bass I hear ya man, it's about the music not the gear. At the same time not all of us are fortunate to play bass with the pro's.

Who said it wasn't about the music? I tend to like using gear to play music on. Without it, it's rather quiet.