Picatos are old style flats - fairly stiff, thuddy....just like they (actually) made them in the 60's. Great if you like that style of string, and pretty good value in Europe (not sure how pricey they are in the USA).
I had a set of of the 5 string flatwound delivered on Monday the 11th Jan', put hem on,,,,,,,,,,B string dead and un tuneable, E string dead. Called Strings direct, was promised replacements, still waitin , Used almost every set of strings available over 45 years of playing, and i have to say these are the worst i have ever tried, may have well used wool!!. Do yourself a favour, stay away from Picato, Fender flat wounds are cheaper and better, pity they don't do 5 string sets.
I have to stick up for Picato. I used the nickel wounds for years. I tried a set of D'Addario a while ago and got the same tone as I had from the Picatos, but they do last longer and have a smoother feel to them. If D'Addario stopped making the XL's I would be straight back to using Picato strings.
I've been trying to find Picato round wounds. Not too available in the USA. I used them in the '70's.
