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Flats or Round?

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by riffer, Jul 8, 2008.


  1. Jul 8, 2008 #1
    riffer

    riffer

    May 19, 2008
    Calgary, Alberta
    So I'm new to bass strings after playing guitar for 5 years and now deciding to switch over to bass, I've always just played whats on them but I need a new set now.So can you guys explain to me the tone qualities between flat and roundwound? I play mostly metal if that helps.

    Thanks
     
  5. Jul 8, 2008 #2
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    Flats---deeper tone, thumpy and fat
    Rounds---brighter tone with more sustain

    I like both for completely different reasons.
     
  9. Jul 8, 2008 #3
    jayarroz

    jayarroz

    Jul 10, 2007
    Boston
    Endorsing Artist: Glockenklang
    +1 on Jimmy

    and flats get better as they get older, so I never buy new ones!!!
     
  13. Jul 8, 2008 #4
    Bassbasixx

    Bassbasixx

    Feb 3, 2008
    Dana Point Ca
    I vote for rounds I love them after a slight break in , but I have been told several times round wounds are a no no for a fretless bass and will chew fret boards. As for Metal and low tuning, 430, drop D, drop C ect, a heavier gauge can be a big + on a 4 string
     
  18. Jul 8, 2008 #5
    SubXero

    SubXero

    Apr 27, 2008
    Philadelphia
    it seems that most metal players I know usually use rounds. I'm personally a flats guy myself but I think it really depends on your own tastes as well. Flats are smooth and feel a lot different than rounds, they sound much warmer and punchier, rounds sound much brighter and sometimes even twangy. they are sort of opposites but you can always try both and see what you like.
     

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