• 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.

Flatwounds for Rock

#81
I've used primarily flatwounds for all sorts of rock, punk/hardcore, metal for many years now. I love the punch/thump I can get from flats that sit me right where I want to be above the bass drum, and with the right strings and signal path I can get plenty of upper-mid cut as well. My favorite flats for these genres are the discontinued Sadowsky Black Label flats (fortunately I hoarded a handful of sets before they disappeared), but the modern Fender flats and EB Cobalt Slinky flats are both great choices too. I go back and forth on loving the TI Jazz Flats but don't think they punch quite as well as the others I mentioned (they do have a uniquely rich midrange thing that is fantastic in its own right for sitting in a mix)
 
  • Like
Reactions: HowieD72, Kyle_S, edmidlifecrisis and 2 others
#82
Memphis Soul said:
Does anyone use flatwounds for rock? I only have one bass which is set up with La Bella flatwounds for that soul/Motown sound. I am thinking about buying another bass to keep roundwounds on but don’t particularly like the sound or feel of roundwounds. Not gigging at the moment but thinking of starting back and this will be the first time gigging on bass. (30 yrs as a guitarist). Could I pull this off or do I need to get the second bass?
Click to expand...
I really like Ernie Ball Slinky (Cobalt) flatwounds and D'Addario Chromes for rock music.
They're both on the brighter end of flatwound strings, but they break in nicely and I like being able to slap and have a little bit of brightness.

They remind me of dead nickel rounds, which I also like tone-wise.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Memphis Soul
#83
LadyLoveStingRay5 said:
Try some Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Flats.
Click to expand...

Yes, these strings are fantastic, I have a set on my Precision right now.

I've used Chromes, DR Legends, Fender 9050s, and the cobalt flats in a rock setting, and all of them will work. It's really going to come down to personal preference.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ThudThudThud, LadyLoveStingRay5, DustyBottom and 3 others
#84
shirojiro said:
I really like Ernie Ball Slinky (Cobalt) flatwounds and D'Addario Chromes for rock music.
They're both on the brighter end of flatwound strings, but they break in nicely and I like being able to slap and have a little bit of brightness.

They remind me of dead nickel rounds, which I also like tone-wise.
Click to expand...
I like the cobalt flats too. First flats I've actually liked after years of trying. I have them right now on a Harley Benton PB-50 which is an early Telebass single coil repro and they match perfectly. I have another set but haven't decided which bass to try it on. I also have some Fender 9050 Flats which, surprising for me, are pretty nice, too. My other issue with flats is the higher tension takes some getting used to and also requires re-adjusting the setup. I've tried DHS, Chromes, and LaBella, as well as several others over the years and didn't like the sounds. I guess it's so personal and depends on the individual's touch. And ears. Nice to have so many choices and all of them are good strings, however trying them all is an expensive experiment!!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Memphis Soul
#86
Memphis Soul said:
Does anyone use flatwounds for rock? I only have one bass which is set up with La Bella flatwounds for that soul/Motown sound. I am thinking about buying another bass to keep roundwounds on but don’t particularly like the sound or feel of roundwounds. Not gigging at the moment but thinking of starting back and this will be the first time gigging on bass. (30 yrs as a guitarist). Could I pull this off or do I need to get the second bass?
Click to expand...
Yes, Ernie Ball cobalt flats with a pick, killer tone and feel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Memphis Soul
#87
1738948649802.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Memphis Soul and crucislancer
#88
michael_t said:
I personally like the sound of flats in rock played with a pick. Rounds for finger style.
Click to expand...
^^^^ this! Both of my basses are strung with rounds right now, but flats work great for rock with a pick. Especially on a short scale. There's nothing like the clicky thud of a flat played with a pick locking in with a kick drum.

Here's how I contextualize flat wounds vs. round wounds for rock: when you are playing with a loud rock band, your bass sound can be overtly bright and crunchy, but when the rest of the band comes in, the bass sounds like a regular bass. Flats sound much more similar before and after the rest of the band comes in; the sound is darker overall, but there's much less masking from the guitars.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back