Flatwound vs. Roundwound poll

[experimental bassist]

I used flatwounds in a former band. Had three guitarists and an occasional keyboardist, the flats gave me that perfect fundamental to keep me "below" the mix.

Switched back to rounds for my current band - blues, rock, with occasional pop/dance tunes. One guitarist, plenty of room for my full Precision roundwound tone in all its glory.

I sorta miss flatwounds as far as economy, maybe a bit pricey on the front end, but since they last for years without having to be changed they actually become the cheapest strings I could get. By comparison I change my rounds every couple of months.

I still use flatwounds on my ABG though.

I say use whichever gives you the tone you need.

 

[Dug2]

there is a conception here like... you are so cool, so groovy, so "bassist" if you play flats, believing flatwounds have a kind of magic mojo...

I find them useless for almost anything...

this right here brothers and sistas!!! right on

 

[gregmon79]

What would you guys say is the most aggressive flatwound out there??

 

[Pandastylebass]

 

[Pimmsley]

Nothing sounds as good as a GHS P flat for dub/drum n bass/electronic styles IMO, but I use rounds in other styles from funk to heavy rock... So both kinds.

 

[Pimmsley]

What would you guys say is the most aggressive flatwound out there??

I've got GHS P's on one bass, Chromes on another and Fenders on another again...
IMO the fenders have the most bite, and aggressive sound of those three, and all three sound and feel different

All other basses have rotosound rounds...

 

[Bisounourse]

I use both, but mostly play basses with (LaBella) flats... (the first bass I ever bought was strung with flats, maybe that has something to do with it).

On another level: nobody has raised the fundamental question; which type is best for metal?

 

[cv115505]

I use both... I prefer flats, but it's just a preference

 

[Session1969]

After comparing pre-production recordings, I prefer the Chromes over the rounds I have on my other basses. It's weird though, they feel and sound a little sluggish compared to rounds(blue label stainless and sunbeams) but not on the recordings.

 

[GregT]

Not to hijack this thread, but since it is recent, alive and viable, and as I don't want to wreak havoc from the TB hallway monitors for starting another thread about the bass strings we all find so necessary for daily life: I have a flatwound question: I have always used TI JF344 strings. Which of the La Bella Deep Talking Flat strings come closest to the feel and comfort of those. I am not concerned with the tone; I do understand they sound great and at about half the price, I want to try them. I know there are some of you who have tried way more strings than I care to purchase. I appreciate some experienced guidance.

 

[vin*tone]

None. Labellas are waaaay tighter than TIs.

 

[GregT]

None. Labellas are waaaay tighter than TIs.

Thank you. I really do appreciate that.

 

[Jbassrockboy]

Ti flats are pricey up front but they last so you don't need to replace them so often

 

[Jbassrockboy]

I use both, but mostly play basses with (LaBella) flats... (the first bass I ever bought was strung with flats, maybe that has something to do with it).

On another level: nobody has raised the fundamental question; which type is best for metal?

Rounds if you want to capture. 'Dark' and maintain all the upper harmonics but having said that flats if your guitarist and sound guy is burying you in the mix

 

[Texas twelve]

I played bass off and on for over 15 years. I always thought the flat vs round was a bit like the tone-wood arguments that I heard guitarist argue.

Well, about a few weeks ago I got some Labella flats. I was sold almost instantly. They just seemed to have a more resonant, deeper, thumpish sound. I am not putting down rounds; I played them for years and was fine with the sound. Yet, the flats just have a different feel.

Which is another reason. I was really pleasantly surprised by how they felt on my fingers. Rounds always have that file-like ridge, but the flats just have more of a smooth slide. Even if they sounded mostly the same, I think I would stick with flats just because they feel more comfortable to my fingers.

 

[Arvin]

Pressure wounds. They sit "right in the middle" between flats and rounds, with awesome deep thump, serious midrange grunt, and a little dusting of zing on top, too. I love those strings, especially on a Precision Bass.

 

[Smit_Dogg]

I like them both, they can compliment different instruments/pickup configs. my Lakland 4402 has bright electronics so it sounds great with flats on it to give it a warm edge to it. With my fender precision - again - I like flats on that, they just marry so well to it. On the victor Bailey I'm currently considering buying off a friend, with it having a really deep powerful sound, stainless steels (elixirs) give it a great sound. Same with my MIJ jazz, I have prosteels on that...

 

[Jeff K]

Viva le difference'!; To each his own; etc., etc. Play whatever you like.

My preference has been flats for many years. I just love everything about them. But others feel the same way about rounds, so nobody is going to "convert" anybody. Just embrace whichever you like.

I will say that when I played strictly rounds, I liked them much better when they got old. What others would consider "dead" sounded good to my ears.

 

[Steve]

Every bass player needs a Jazz bass with flats on it.
Every bass player needs a Jazz bass with rounds on it.

everything else is negotiable.

 

[Baird6869]

I don't really like flats but I always keep my 1974 P bass strung with old flatwounds and have for almost a decade. They are a necessary evil for certain songs/types of music.

Love em or hate em, flats are they only way to get that Motown and old blues thump. Rolling off the treble and mids with new rounds does give one a cool reggae tone, but don't sound like flats IME/IMO at all.