• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Flatwound vs Roundwound

#41
Consider the Sadowsky Flats...perhaps more slapworthy than most flats, although still a very different sound than rounds...but the Sadowskys have a brighter tone and tighter attack than most flats I've played or heard over the years. I've had a set on a P/J 5 for a year now, and they are excellent strings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dave Reichle
#45
lmfreeman9 said:
Don't do it.
Flats are not good for slapping.
Flats do somewhat limit the versatility of a jazz bass.
I play flats, but I like Precision style basses which matchup well with flatwounds.
If by the sliding sound of nickels, you mean finger noise-it goes with the territory and if you can learn to be more careful, you can limit the noise in between the notes.
I recommend trying other rounds like Sunbeams, Low Riders and stainless steel, but I think they are harder on the fingers.
I use nickel rounds.

There are dozens of very long threads on the subject. Use the search function to find them.

Like these: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f16/confessions-flatwound-convert-pt-2-a-685391/
Click to expand...

Yeah, in a way, flats aren't so great for slapping, at least in the modern sense of "today's slapping".

But originally, back in the 70s when slapping was born, flats were slapped and it sounded pretty nice!

Also, there are some pretty bright and snappy sounding flats on the market and would sound OK for slapping.

Actually, a bassist can slap whatever kind of strings he or she wants to! There are no rules!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dave Reichle
#47
Linnin said:
It's not a case of either/or, you really need both flats and rounds
Click to expand...

I agree with this except needing two basses. I found a way to make the switch at gigs or in the studio in 5-10 minutes. Choose a quick load bridge like a Hipshot and its too easy to switch if needed.

Some string combinations I found that work without truss rod changes are DR Hi-Beams 45-105 and Chromes 45-100. For me anyways, YMMV. I'm able to go back and forth between GHS precision flats 45-105 and D'addario XL170BT Balanced Tension strings as well.
 
#49
DavidWann said:
Anyone familer with D'Addario ENR71 Half Rounds Bass, Regular Light, 45-100? Good, bad, ugly? Yea or nay?
Click to expand...

I found them annoyingly sticky, but I'm sure that goes away after a while. I have a very old set of discontinued steel halfrounds that are the best strings ever. If I ever break one ill probably give the new ones another chance.
 
#50
Tab92 said:
I enjoy slapping and generally getting a nice booming sound
Click to expand...

Then the last thing you want are flats.

If you are still curious about flats, then my advice is to try out a cheap set. Then you wont be down too much money if/when you decide you dont like them.

Some people love flats, others hate them. The only way to find out what category you fall into is to try a set.
 
#52
I use both, because i think that for every occasion you need a different sound. As for the flats, i used Chromes on my P bass and they sounded ok, even for slapping, it's just another sound and feeling. But, for the heavier Music i prefer rounds ,so it comes again to what sound you want everytime ;)
 
#53
I am just the opposite.
Been playing flats for 45 years. Every now and then I think, "I should try some rounds".
I buy a set, put them on, become unhappy, and remove them.
I mainly play a Lakland 44-02 with Fender SS Flats and don't slap.
I find that for me the flats are really comfortable.
I play, on average, 5 hours a day and have no calluses to speak of.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back