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Flats with the playability of rounds?

KoalaOnBass

KoalaOnBass

Feb 18, 2016
100
208
#1
So I'm considering putting flats on my precision because I love the smooth and thumpy sound, but I'm hesitant.

I've only ever tried flats once (they came installed on the p when I bought it used) and they were INCREDIBLY difficult to play. They felt so stiff that I couldn't get through a single song without my fretting hand aching and cramping up. I believe they were some kind of Fender flats.

Now, I wonder: is that just how flats are? Or are there models out there that are more comparable to rounds in terms of comfort? I typically play D'addario nickel wound rounds, 45 - 100 or 105, with no issue.

I'd really appreciate suggestions on flats that are in a similar ball park (if they exist) from you guys.:)
 
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#4
DNE

But you can get TI flats. They are lively enough that you can slap/pop without the thud. That’s the closest I’ve ever come. I use flats and rounds on different basses and if I’m practicing on the TI basses I don’t immediately feel like I have to change basses when I change techniques.

I’m not a “flats or nothing” guy. So that’s my position. Rounds and flats are made for different reasons and there is a valid reason why every new bass ships with rounds, but flats have their own magic too. And TI Jazz Flats do a good job splitting the difference. Not cheap. Worth it.
 
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#5
TI also last a very long time so even though they cost more, it’s a break even. Not trying to sell them. I use LB flats on a fretless too. But the TI have a brighter tone. Chromes are quite lively when they are new but after a week or so they mellow. Great flats, high tension. But don’t sound like rounds after they break in.

Another option is TI Jazz Rounds, they have a smoother feel so less fret noise. But round wound.

I will try any set on any bass. So I’ve played a lot of brands. Have fun.
 
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#7
Labella Low Tension will have a similarly easy feel as TI's (from what I've read) but are less-expensive and have more of the traditional flats thud than the more lively TI's (again, from years of hearing about them, not personal experience.

I've really enjoyed the LTFs on my Stingray, but am curious about TI's at some point for a little more mid-presence.
 
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#8
KoalaOnBass said:
Would you say that chromes are significantly harder to play than TI's or rounds?
Click to expand...

The D'A Chromes are known for their stiffness, so if you want to try them, you might want to go light, ie 40-95, which would probably have the same stiffness as the XL Nickel 45-100. Also, their tonal character is less traditional than La Bella.
 
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#9
Killing Floor said:
Rounds and flats are made for different reasons and there is a valid reason why every new bass ships with rounds...
Click to expand...

Yep, price. Larger companies go with what string they can buy in bulk for the best price. Those aren't flats.

Smaller companies rely on price to a point; they understand the end user is most likely going to put on "their brand" of strings as soon as they get the bass. So, why spend the extra for a set of flats if the end user doesn't use them?

Some boutique companies will offer you a choice, but not many.
 
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#12
KoalaOnBass said:
Thanks for the help! I'm seriously considering the TI's now. :thumbsup:

I'm not after the sound of rounds (love the thump of flats), though, just the playability. Would you say that chromes are significantly harder to play than TI's or rounds?
Click to expand...
Absolutely. I just put some medium gauge Chromes on, and they are some CHONKY boyz. TIs are much floppier with solid mids. (Too supple for me, but I have a "dig in" problem.) Labella low tension flats will give you that vintage thump in a more forgiving action as well. The GHS flats get a lot of love around here, but I havent used them
 
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#13
KoalaOnBass said:
So I'm considering putting flats on my precision because I love the smooth and thumpy sound, but I'm hesitant.

I've only ever tried flats once (they came installed on the p when I bought it used) and they were INCREDIBLY difficult to play. They felt so stiff that I couldn't get through a single song without my fretting hand aching and cramping up. I believe they were some kind of Fender flats.

Now, I wonder: is that just how flats are? Or are there models out there that are more comparable to rounds in terms of comfort? I typically play D'addario nickel wound rounds, 45 - 100 or 105, with no issue.

I'd really appreciate suggestions on flats that are in a similar ball park (if they exist) from you guys.:)
Click to expand...
Cobalts. I personally prefer fender though. But, cobalts really do sound like rounds.
 
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#14
KoalaOnBass said:
So I'm considering putting flats on my precision because I love the smooth and thumpy sound, but I'm hesitant.

I've only ever tried flats once (they came installed on the p when I bought it used) and they were INCREDIBLY difficult to play. They felt so stiff that I couldn't get through a single song without my fretting hand aching and cramping up. I believe they were some kind of Fender flats.

Now, I wonder: is that just how flats are? Or are there models out there that are more comparable to rounds in terms of comfort? I typically play D'addario nickel wound rounds, 45 - 100 or 105, with no issue.

I'd really appreciate suggestions on flats that are in a similar ball park (if they exist) from you guys.:)
Click to expand...
Oh, you want the feel. Ghs pressurewounds. Just wear them in a bit.
 
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#15
JeezyMcNuggles said:
Cobalts. I personally prefer fender though. But, cobalts really do sound like rounds.
Click to expand...

JeezyMcNuggles said:
Oh, you want the feel. Ghs pressurewounds. Just wear them in a bit.
Click to expand...

I think the OP wants the traditional flatwound tone with the playablility (stiffness/flexibility) of rounds. Both the Cobalt Flats and the Pressurewounds may be too roundwound in their tonal characters.
 
Last edited:
#18
Jon Moody said:
Yep, price. Larger companies go with what string they can buy in bulk for the best price. Those aren't flats.

Smaller companies rely on price to a point; they understand the end user is most likely going to put on "their brand" of strings as soon as they get the bass. So, why spend the extra for a set of flats if the end user doesn't use them?

Some boutique companies will offer you a choice, but not many.
Click to expand...

I read this and thought of an off-topic question - do flats generally cost more because they are more expensive to make, or is it more of a scalability issue? Just curious - thanks Jon!
 

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