Flatwounders, In What Context Would You NOT Use Flats?

[Beginner Bass]

The title pretty much says it all. In what musical context would you rather use rounds then flats. This is for those who typically use FW, or FWs and RWs. That is outside of Stanley Clarke.

 

[Nashrakh]

I would rather use Roundwounds if I were to use a distortion.

That's pretty much a matter of taste though, I think the added top end on RWs makes it shine.

And I would rather use RWs if I were into chordal playing... same reason, top end clarity makes it sound better, in my opinion.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I always use rounds. Always.

I recently started using DR FatBeams and *love* them. Not too much zing, lots of roar...

If I want a muted tone, I turn down my tone control or I mute the strings.

 

[whitedk57]

I always use flats

 

[5StringBlues]

Prince/Level 42/RHCP cover band.

 

[TRichardsbass]

I hop back and forth, but I use rounds mostly now. Flats still on my Kramer 650B, which without them rings like a bad phone but with them is like a grand piano. Also, good flats are getting more and more expensive. TI's are the best IMHO, and have great feel, but set you back a ton compared to say D'Addario Chromes.

I recently put all my Danelectro's back on D'Addario XL155s, as they are a ton cheaper and consistent. I used to use LaBella flats specifically for Danos but had problems with windings coming loose and with inconsistency between strings. And they cost $40 where the XL155's you can get for $10 or less.

I have learned to live with more finger noise...

 

[Mr. Mig]

Of my seven basses 2 of them have rounds. I generally like flats.

 

[5StringBlues]

Did anyone actually read the thread title?

 

[bassbully]

Punk rock or pick heavy rock that I want that aggressive grind.

 

[Mr. Mig]

When it comes to slap playing I like to use roundwound. That is just my preference.

 

[FritoBandito]

Punk rock or pick heavy rock that I want that aggressive grind.

+1 RW's are only for punk with a pick!

 

[IPA]

Hey, Round Rock! I know that place! (I'm in Austin)

I use em both, I don't play the most diverse selection of music but I'll play rounds or flats with any song. Flats work for punk with a pick, good Simonon thump.

 

[engedi1]

I use TI flats on my Sadowsky for most everything. This is a more modern sounding flat than normal, and has a lot of sustain, so it performs more like a broken in round, with more thump. I have found these work great for rock, blues, country, r and b. I would not use them in any band where slap was needed, or in a band that simply required a really modern sound.

 

[jaywa]

Played my 78 P with GHS Precision Flats on a jazz standards / Motown cover gig Friday night, and my Ibanez BTB with Ernie Ball Slinky rounds Sunday morning for my worship band, and each was the perfect choice for the job. I also use the Ibby for my variety cover band that has 3 guitars (all electric)... gotta have that zing to cut thru all the midrange.

 

[whitedk57]

Did anyone actually read the thread title?

yes, and I thought my answer was appropriate.

 

[R. Laevinus]

I have one bass with flats and one with rounds. I used to be an all-flat guy, but recently slapped a set of steel rounds on my AmStand, and here's why:

For solo practicing.

That's really it. I use flats with every band I've ever played with, I use flats to record my own solo material, and I just generally love them. However, a bit of top-end zing helps to liven up practicing alone, and the magnified finger and fret noise I feel contributes to my precision and control, making my practice time more effective.

Hope this helps.

 

[jaywa]

and the magnified finger and fret noise I feel contributes to my precision and control, making my practice time more effective.

Excellent point, and one I had never considered before. For me at least, I could see it being easy for me to get lazy and sloppy in my technique if I only played flats all the time.

 

[CBgaragebassist]

In a context that i would actually play, none really. But if i had more of lead bass type of role ala Les Claypool, I'd go for rounds. Mostly for ease in chording. But for everything I actually do, flats suit my needs. Side note, I actually prefer flats if I'm using fuzz.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I always use flats. Always.

I recently started using Chromes and *love* them. Not too much suck, lots of awesome...

FYP

 

[Stranger Danger]

Seriously dude, phlats are good for everything. Unless you can find the best bass for metal. Then you should use rounds.