Flats sit better in the mix. There I said it...again.
Of course, like EVERYTHING in life it depends on the context. And since I started this thread and made that comment many, many times throughout (and still feel it is true) I should point out that my feelings on the subject are based on me playing in a traditional classic rock band and my personal tonal goals are anything but old, traditional flatwound "thud". All things being equal, it was the string change that made the difference. After years of swapping out cabs, ampheads, basses, and every damn set of roundwounds ever made in 30 years of playing, it was the change to flatwounds that made the difference...for me.
Now, I should also point out that I'm using Chromes...a decidedly different kind of cat for a flatwound. In fact I've had the same set on my bass for almost a year and a half now and they still sound bright.
I would have had a minimum of 9 string changes in that time using rounds, and aside from when rounds were brand new, these Chromes are brighter than week old rounds...still after all this time. They just aren't "zingy bright".
I was playing a gig a couple of weeks back and another band was in the audience as well as a couple of lone guitarists who might audition for an opening. I had played a set where I just felt like doing some slapping (which I seldom do). Man the sound was so rich and clean, yet very tight and well defined. During the break I had three guys all ask me about my setup (with one being strictly a bass player). All three were shocked that I used flats. In fact each had to physically check my bass to see I was indeed using flats (much less ones over a year old).
My Chromes are still rockin' it and while I can't get as bright or zingy as rounds, they are as bright as I need or want them to be AND I don't have to change my strings anymore. And they are rock solid deep down, and IMO (like it were anything but) they do sit in the mix better than any rounds I've ever used. Pretty flippin' cool if you ask me.
Of course, like EVERYTHING in life it depends on the context. And since I started this thread and made that comment many, many times throughout (and still feel it is true) I should point out that my feelings on the subject are based on me playing in a traditional classic rock band and my personal tonal goals are anything but old, traditional flatwound "thud". All things being equal, it was the string change that made the difference. After years of swapping out cabs, ampheads, basses, and every damn set of roundwounds ever made in 30 years of playing, it was the change to flatwounds that made the difference...for me.
Now, I should also point out that I'm using Chromes...a decidedly different kind of cat for a flatwound. In fact I've had the same set on my bass for almost a year and a half now and they still sound bright.
I would have had a minimum of 9 string changes in that time using rounds, and aside from when rounds were brand new, these Chromes are brighter than week old rounds...still after all this time. They just aren't "zingy bright".I was playing a gig a couple of weeks back and another band was in the audience as well as a couple of lone guitarists who might audition for an opening. I had played a set where I just felt like doing some slapping (which I seldom do). Man the sound was so rich and clean, yet very tight and well defined. During the break I had three guys all ask me about my setup (with one being strictly a bass player). All three were shocked that I used flats. In fact each had to physically check my bass to see I was indeed using flats (much less ones over a year old).
My Chromes are still rockin' it and while I can't get as bright or zingy as rounds, they are as bright as I need or want them to be AND I don't have to change my strings anymore. And they are rock solid deep down, and IMO (like it were anything but) they do sit in the mix better than any rounds I've ever used. Pretty flippin' cool if you ask me.
