Flat wound?

[Mr L]

Fretless newbie here!

Got my first fretless recently (SX unlined 4er) and I've heard that they NEED flat wound strings, however flat wounds are no where to be found at my local place of music.

Any suggestions for some cheaper strings to throw on a fretless? Not looking for anything crazy just want some decent strings so I can get jamming!

Thanks

 

[pastorjamesc]

I've had the same problem and found out that www.Bassstringsonline.com ship to Canada for just under $7 for a set. Good prices too.
J

 

[Mr L]

That is awesome! Can't believe I've been missing out on those prices.

Thanks a ton!

 

[onda'bass]

You don't need flats on a fretless... I use steel rounds cause they sound so damn good. I never worry about wear, its the cost of doing business.

 

[TheAnalogKid]

Fretless newbie here!

Got my first fretless recently (SX unlined 4er) and I've heard that they NEED flat wound strings, however flat wounds are no where to be found at my local place of music.

Any suggestions for some cheaper strings to throw on a fretless? Not looking for anything crazy just want some decent strings so I can get jamming!

Thanks

I would be hard pressed to think that you are limited to flatwounds. However, there are "hybrid" options, such as semi-round/ground-rounds which have a flatwound feel with the bite or a round. You also have "pressure wounds" and tape wounds amongst other options. With a fretless, the string world is your oyster!

 

[Pilgrim]

You can use any type of strings you like. Begin experimenting and over time you'll sort it out. I suspect you will find many sounds you like by using many different types of strings.

 

[JimmyM]

I greatly prefer rounds on a fretless, but that's just me. If you want to try them, go ahead. Worst that happens is you go back to rounds (BTW, the SX placeholder rounds suck).

 

[Mr L]

Maybe I'll throw my neons on there when the bass gets here. I love me some funky colors.

 

[tonylevinkix]

With flatwounds you get a nice fretless sound as you move up and down the neck, not the annoying grinding noise of rounds. Flats are easier on your fingers for slides. For an even more upright sound try taped strings by LaBella, Carvin sells them for around $22 plus $10 shipping. If flats sound too dead try half rounds. For a long time played only the taped, I liked the stand up sound, but then they seemed too dead so are started using flats.