• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Confessions of a Flatwound convert...

Status
Not open for further replies.
#701
Alright, I'm in. I have one particular bass (I won't name it in case I ever sell it) that I like a lot, but it's always been a little too bright and clicky-clacky, no matter what [roundwound] strings I put on it. Dialing back the VTC helps, but that affects the bass' tone in some ways I do not want, just to tame the excessive brightness.

I just put on some Sadowsky flats; we'll see how it goes. The challenge will be for me to feel confident enough to take it out alone to a gig.
 
#702
Sundogue said:
Congrats!

Could it be that you were better? Though perhaps it was just the strings.

(refer to the pie with the sly grin). :D

Sunbeams are my favorite roundwound string.
Click to expand...

I am not going to say I was the "Better" player (I try not to think like that),the other guy was a great player. We both played through the same rig,Ampeg BR2E (I think ?),and an Ampeg 4/10 cabinet. I think he went in trying to sound too much like Jamerson. My Jazz with DR Sunbeams just sat right in the mix. I don't think it's the DR's though,D'addario XL's don't sound much different to me.I did have my '73 Fender (GHS Flats) with me,but it never left the case. Steve
 
#703
p-bass said:
I am not going to say I was the "Better" player (I try not to think like that),the other guy was a great player. We both played through the same rig,Ampeg BR2E (I think ?),and an Ampeg 4/10 cabinet. I think he went in trying to sound too much like Jamerson. My Jazz with DR Sunbeams just sat right in the mix. I don't think it's the DR's though,D'addario XL's don't sound much different to me.I did have my '73 Fender (GHS Flats) with me,but it never left the case. Steve
Click to expand...

So the strings got you the gig and not your playing? ;)
 
#706
I recently purchased a Lakland Skyline Duck Dunn P bass strung with flats from Elderly Music. I never have been a fan of flats or P basses, not from lack of trying, but this thumps and has tone. My boutique basses are getting some time off while I enjoy my new found girth! BTW, the flats on this Lakland have blue silk wrap on the ends. I really like the sound of these and was wondering if anyone could identify the brand. I bought the bass used so I'm not sure if they are what was installed originally by Lakland.:cool:
 
#708
tommy gilstrap said:
I recently purchased a Lakland Skyline Duck Dunn P bass strung with flats from Elderly Music. I never have been a fan of flats or P basses, not from lack of trying, but this thumps and has tone. My boutique basses are getting some time off while I enjoy my new found girth! BTW, the flats on this Lakland have blue silk wrap on the ends. I really like the sound of these and was wondering if anyone could identify the brand. I bought the bass used so I'm not sure if they are what was installed originally by Lakland.:cool:
Click to expand...

I have heard the Lakland strings are made by GHS. Not sure though ?
 
#709
tommy gilstrap said:
I recently purchased a Lakland Skyline Duck Dunn P bass strung with flats from Elderly Music. I never have been a fan of flats or P basses, not from lack of trying, but this thumps and has tone. My boutique basses are getting some time off while I enjoy my new found girth! BTW, the flats on this Lakland have blue silk wrap on the ends. I really like the sound of these and was wondering if anyone could identify the brand. I bought the bass used so I'm not sure if they are what was installed originally by Lakland.:cool:
Click to expand...

They are D'Addario Chromes. Lakland's flats have black silk.
 
#711
Hey guys...I need some support here.

My name is Sundogue, and I'm a Roundaholic.

I fell off the wagon and put some rounds on my bass!!! :eek: :help:

My band hasn't played in almost a month and every week rehearsals have been getting canceled for various reasons. We don't play for another two weeks when our summer schedule is jam packed (pun intended). In the meantime, my other two bands aren't doing anything either as they were only part time, once in a while get togethers anyway and the other guys are busy doing other things lately.

So...I've been left playing bass on my own and not even using my amp at full gig/practice volume...only my Tascam bass trainer and headphones. And those that have followed this thread already know how I feel about flats in the context of playing with the band versus playing alone. I've been digging the rounds lately playing on my own...much like an addict that is jonesing for his fix and finally gets it. It's been an ah-h-h-h feeling and I'm drunk with tonal clarity and piano like brilliance.

But I just know that this feeling is also like an addiction in that I shouldn't be doing this because it could lead to me getting drunk on rounds every day saying it's no big deal and I could quit them any day. But I just can't. :spit: :crying:

GOD I NEED A GIG!!!!!!!!!!!! :bassist: :help:

I know if I could just get playing on a gig with the full band again I wouldn't need these wussy, twangy strings that make me feel so good at the moment.

A little support here guys. I realize that I am just having a weak moment here, but I just can't go back to flats on my own. The rounds sound too good right now. I think I'll go pick up my bass and wail away on some funky slap numbers or maybe put on some Yes and play along.

The Chromes are just lying there, all coiled up in their metallic fetal position begging me to pick them up again and I just keep drinking in the sound of the rounds while cursing at myself.

:help:
 
#712
Sundogue said:
Hey guys...I need some support here.

My name is Sundogue, and I'm a Roundaholic.

I fell off the wagon and put some rounds on my bass!!! :eek: :help:

My band hasn't played in almost a month and every week rehearsals have been getting canceled for various reasons. We don't play for another two weeks when our summer schedule is jam packed (pun intended). In the meantime, my other two bands aren't doing anything either as they were only part time, once in a while get togethers anyway and the other guys are busy doing other things lately.

So...I've been left playing bass on my own and not even using my amp at full gig/practice volume...only my Tascam bass trainer and headphones. And those that have followed this thread already know how I feel about flats in the context of playing with the band versus playing alone. I've been digging the rounds lately playing on my own...much like an addict that is jonesing for his fix and finally gets it. It's been an ah-h-h-h feeling and I'm drunk with tonal clarity and piano like brilliance.

But I just know that this feeling is also like an addiction in that I shouldn't be doing this because it could lead to me getting drunk on rounds every day saying it's no big deal and I could quit them any day. But I just can't. :spit: :crying:

GOD I NEED A GIG!!!!!!!!!!!! :bassist: :help:

I know if I could just get playing on a gig with the full band again I wouldn't need these wussy, twangy strings that make me feel so good at the moment.

A little support here guys. I realize that I am just having a weak moment here, but I just can't go back to flats on my own. The rounds sound too good right now. I think I'll go pick up my bass and wail away on some funky slap numbers or maybe put on some Yes and play along.

The Chromes are just lying there, all coiled up in their metallic fetal position begging me to pick them up again and I just keep drinking in the sound of the rounds while cursing at myself.

:help:
Click to expand...

SNAP OUT OF IT!!!! Put the Chromes back on and walk away! Your other band members will thank you.You KNOW I'm right!:D
 
#713
I think I sound and play better when I'm on rounds. ;)

I'm just doing it to relieve some of the stress of not playing out. I can quit any time I want to. Really I can. Just a couple more tunes and I'll stop...I promise. :eyebrow:
 
#714
Sundogue said:
I think I sound and play better when I'm on rounds. ;)

I'm just doing it to relieve some of the stress of not playing out. I can quit any time I want to. Really I can. Just a couple more tunes and I'll stop...I promise. :eyebrow:
Click to expand...


Well, I was suprised when I read your other post, until I realized you were not playing w/ your band right now.

Relax, that's exactly how it works, rounds have all those piano-like twangy highs that sound really good by themself, therefore making them perfect for practicing alone, and most importantly, selling basses that hang in music stores. :)

Once your band fires up, you'll *probably* be ready for that smooth thick "slice of pie" tone that flats deliver.

But if not, that's cool too, bro. ;)

Peace :bassist:
 
#715
I recently just put rounds back on my P-bass after having flats on for quite a while, Chomes to be exact. I feel like my bass can breathe again! Difference between flats and rounds in the mix is that the flats "fill in" but the rounds offer more of a tone that can be heard. This is playing old school rock and punk style music with a pick.
 
#716
Sundogue said:
I think I sound and play better when I'm on rounds. ;)

I'm just doing it to relieve some of the stress of not playing out. I can quit any time I want to. Really I can. Just a couple more tunes and I'll stop...I promise. :eyebrow:
Click to expand...

DogBone said:
Well, I was suprised when I read your other post, until I realized you were not playing w/ your band right now.

Relax, that's exactly how it works, rounds have all those piano-like twangy highs that sound really good by themself, therefore making them perfect for practicing alone, and most importantly, selling basses that hang in music stores. :)

Once your band fires up, you'll *probably* be ready for that smooth thick "slice of pie" tone that flats deliver.

But if not, that's cool too, bro. ;)

Peace :bassist:
Click to expand...



Thats exactly why I say have you cake(or pie, it seems) and eat it too! :D

Get yourself a second bass, cheap but nice, slap some rounds on, perfect practice tool, leave some flats on your main machine, for that awesome mix.
 
#718
I knew I had a problem when I woke up the other day among a pile of empty jewel cases of Rush, Yes and Stanley Clarke, with my ears ringing and sore fingers...and struggling to find MY tone again.

Oh, the hangover rounds leave me with!

I know I need to put the Chromes back on. I don't like this feeling, wondering what kind of stupid things I played while I was in that drunken roundwound stupor. And I know I need to stop before I end up with strained relationships caused by my roundwound addiction, where all I care about is my tone and feeling no responsibility towards my band and the overall sound.

It's a terrible thing. But I know I can kick the habit...I just need a band rehearsal or gig.

I think I'll set up my live rig, slap the Chromes back on and crank it! It might just be the thing to pull me back without needing an intervention!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back