Flatwounds For Funk?

[Jon Lucas]

What's up guys! Question, so I'm debating on getting some D'Addario Chromes for my 6 string, but I'm concerned that I may not be able to get a good slap sound out of them, because their flats, does anyone know if they are ok for slap? And if not, are there any flatwound sets out there that are? Thanks for reading!

 

[ncapone]

Bernard Edwards used flatwounds, but he didn't slap. I'd try it and if it doesn't work out you'd have a spare set.

 

[Mushroo]

Slap on flats is a unique sound you'll either love or hate. (I hate it, personally, so I just quit slapping rather than go back to rounds )

 

[vin*tone]

eeerg. Pet hate. Funk and slap are different things.

Funk emerged in the late 60s and was all about flatwounds. Slap emerged in the early/mid 70's.

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

Bernard Edwards used flatwounds, but he didn't slap.

Really? You must mean he didn't slap much cuz I've definitely seen videos that would prove otherwise. But with that said, I did not realize that he used flatwounds (edit: that's because he actually didn't...). That's awesome! I really WANT to like flatwounds... but as of yet, I don't. I just bought a stingray actually because Louis Johnson and Bernard Edwards are 2 of my idols and I just joined a funk band (and came across a ridiculous deal... I know that the gear doesn't make the player... but whatever...).

Anyway, there's nothing wrong with flatwounds for funk. But boy... I'd recommend the lightest gauge you're comfortable with if you plan on slapping them. But that is definitely just IMO

 

[Matt R.]

See "Peg". Check out the chorus. Flatwounds, slap, funk. There you go.

 

[digitalmoney]

I got D'Addario chrome flats 4 string for less than 20 bucks
Tried on my Thunderchief did not like them
Switched to my Ibanez I slapped them and was surprised they sounded fine.
Chromes are on the bright side for flats.

 

[king_biscuit]

Really? You must mean he didn't slap much cuz I've definitely seen videos that would prove otherwise. But with that said, I did not realize that he used flatwounds. That's awesome!

I'm not convinced he was using flats all the time on all of his Stingrays. Check out the live version of Family, particularly starting around 3:26. Also notice around 3:35 and it sure like he has non-stock tuners too.

 

[king_biscuit]

For an old school (ish) funk sound, try a dead set of steel rounds.

 

[TigerInATrance]

Maybe try some half rounds instead of true flats and see if you like it... Mike Gordon from Phish slaps on halfs very convincingly...

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Bernard Edwards used flatwounds, but he didn't slap. I'd try it and if it doesn't work out you'd have a spare set.

Not sure I believe this. John Taylor of Duran Duran got his StingRay after he passed, and I'm pretty sure the story goes that John's tech cut Bernard's ancient as heck roundwounds of the bass unbeknownst to John one day.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Maybe try some half rounds instead of true flats and see if you like it... Mike Gordon from Phish slaps on halfs very convincingly...

What kind of strings does he use?

 

[bluesblaster]

Mike gordon uses ken Smith slickrounds.

Chuck Rainey had Labella flats on his P bass for "Peg"

Lots of old funk and disco tunes were played on flats

I use Labellas on a Jazz bass and they sound plenty funky

If you like your slap tone with some zing than flats
probably arent for you, they have there own unique tone.

 

[petrus61]

Just get some TI's and be done with it.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

You can definitly slap flats. Don't listen to what other people say. You won't get the high freq sizzle but you can make it work no problem.

I've said this a million times, Flats sound good for everything.

 

[Spaldo]

eeerg. Pet hate. Funk and slap are different things.

Funk emerged in the late 60s and was all about flatwounds. Slap emerged in the early/mid 70's.

What he said

You don't need thumbs to be funky....

BTW...in the 80's, Bernard was asked in an interview what kind of strings he used. He replied "don't know. What kind of strings come on a Musicman?"

 

[billgwx]

Chromes still have enough brightness to sound good to my ears when slapping on a J-bass, even when broken in, though they certainly won't have the same steely snap you'd get when slapping with stainless steel rounds. They also have a midrange emphasis that you can get away with on a J because it compensates for the midrange scoop you get when both J pickups are on full, but IMO does not work for my ears on a P-bass whose pickups already emphasize the mid-range.

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

Bernard Edwards used flatwounds, but he didn't slap. I'd try it and if it doesn't work out you'd have a spare set.

The problem with the internet is anyone can say things as though it's a fact... Unfortunately, this is wrong on all accounts actually. Not only did Bernard Edwards actually use roundwound strings (all the time, from what I can tell), but here he is just doing a little slap for ya.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[heckraiser]

You might want to try GHS PressureWounds. I use them on my 78' Musicmaster. They are brighter than flats but still give most of the flatwound sound. I use them to tone down the brightness on the Musicmaster and bring more of the low end out.

 

[SquierJazz72]

FWIW, I can slap on Chromes on my Jazz bass. I had to get used to the feel and adjust my technique a bit, but it works. Chromes are brighter than many other flats, but you still won't get that full on, snappy round slap sound. But it is workable.