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Flat Wound Strings For Rock

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by kelvinf, Oct 6, 2001.

  1. Oct 6, 2001 #1
    kelvinf

    kelvinf

    Oct 2, 2001
    Meridian,MS
    Hello All,

    I`m very new to playing bass. I`ve seen so many types of strings available and it`s mind boggling. I now have peavey steel rounds on my bass. They sound really bright, almost too bright for my taste. I am looking into getting some flat wounds for a warmer tone. Before i spend the money on these strings,i thought i might get some input from you guys. I (try) to play rock,metal and blues. By the way, will i get less fret noise with flats? Any input would be greatly appreciated.THANKS!!
     
  2. Oct 6, 2001 #2
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    I don't know about the metal part, but I find groundwounds to be a great compromise for blues and rock on my DeA Starfire.

    Much thumpier than roundwounds, but brighter than flats. A good all-around compromise, in my opinion.
     
  3. Oct 6, 2001 #3
    notduane

    notduane

    Nov 24, 2000
    Location
    Good call on the ground-wounds H/D.

    There's GHS Brite Flats, Dean Markley Ground-Round Wounds,
    D'Addario ½-Rounds, and Ken Smith Slick-Rounds.

    Along those lines...there are "compression" wound strings.
    They start out as full-up roundwounds, but are "squished"
    into an oval shape in the winding process. Some of these
    are Ken Smith Compressors, Rotosound Solo Bass 55's, and
    Alembic CX-3's. The Ken Smith's have a great feel.

    Finally :rolleyes:...flatwounds! Medium tension and bright (for flats) -
    GHS Precision Flatwound and Dean Markley -- crosswound
    underwraps and a stainless outerwrap. T/I Jazz Flats --
    round core, Nickel outer wrap, LOW tension. Rotosound RS77
    Jazz and Steve Harris sig set -- "Monel" wrap: `67% nickel,
    28% copper, and 5% other metals` (thanx Flatwound ;) ).
    LaBella's James Jamerson set -- HIGH tension, major thud.

    I seen ya' had all that Peavey gear and then noticed your
    "location" -- you're in Hartley's backyard! Is that Fury string-
    through? If so, you might wanna' consider an extra-long set.
    For instance, T/I 36" or Roto 77 EL (Extra Long). I wouldn't
    know about "fret noise" (strictly fretless :p ). The T/I (nickel)
    Jazz flats are very warm (imo). BUT, if you've got a heavy hand,
    their low tension will take some gettin' used to.

    I can't speak to Elixirs (ain't tried`em...yet). I'm sure somebody
    will chime in.
     
  4. Oct 7, 2001 #4
    kelvinf

    kelvinf

    Oct 2, 2001
    Meridian,MS
    Thanks Guys,

    Your replies are very helpful. I do have a heavy handed technique by the way. I would describe it as very percussive,a slap/pluck with my index and middle fingers for lack of a better description. By the way i do live in Hartley`s back yard, i even worked for him during the late 80`s. Again guys, thanks for the input.
     
  5. Oct 7, 2001 #5
    boogiebass

    boogiebass

    Aug 16, 2000
    You may like GHS Pressurewounds. Great strings with a semi-flat feel and a semi-round sound.
     
  6. Oct 7, 2001 #6
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    They're my normal roundish-wound on my fretted basses - they work great on my Steinie and Ric.
     
  7. Oct 8, 2001 #7
    Chasarms

    Chasarms Casual Observer

    May 24, 2001
    Saint Louis, MO USA
    Flatwound string are very nice for what they do, but IMHO they sound inappropriate for your described style. Flats tend to have sort of a "swell" to they way they develop a note. Not a lot of attack. If you are looking for a little darker sound, I would suggest trying nickel roundwounds first. They are going to respond to your playing style in a matter you are familiar with, but they won't be nearly as bright. IF you are still unsatisified, I would suggest trying some of the hybrid strings suggested here.

    Chas
     
  8. Oct 8, 2001 #8
    playerdelabass

    playerdelabass

    Oct 8, 2001
    SW England
    I just fitted a set of flatwoundsa to my bass this morning, and am finding that there is a better tone, but they are far slower sounding. less attack.

    It must also be noted that I've stepped up a guage to 50 75 95 110, and this also is gonna lessen the attack. But they do sound fantastic...

    I think it's worth playing around. Get into your local music store, and ask to try out some different strings, if they don't have a few types set up, then they're not so great, and I'd take your business elsewhere.
     
  9. Oct 14, 2001 #9
    nanook

    nanook

    Feb 9, 2000
    Alaska
    Pyramid Golds feel flat but sound round..somewhat.

    They pop nicely but lack the tiny ring that slappers like.
     
  10. Oct 25, 2001 #10
    Jman

    Jman

    Mar 24, 2000
    Waterport,NY
    I'll go with Nanook , Pyramids