Flatwounds with a pick?

[nrs7six]

Hi all,

I have always used roundwound strings but have been interested in trying out flatwounds recently.

I play with a pick though, how do they sound with a pick? Am I better off sticking to roundwounds?

 

[ShonenCello]

With the right pick it sounds wonderful.
I use chromes and Clayton picks (the white ones).

 

[Matt O]

Give it a shot, changing strings is about the cheapest way to change up your sound.

How it's going to sound depends on a lot of factors, like which flats you put on. Some flats are almost as bright as rounds, like the chromes mentioned above, IME. There are tons of threads on what diff brands sound like, there's one floating around today...

 

[lfmn16]

Everything sounds better with a pick!

Seriously though, I play a '75 precision with flats and a pick, it sounds fantastic.

 

[Buzz E]

Check out this vid. It's a comparison of a few brands of flats, both finger style and with a pick. I play the TI's with a pick and love 'em!

 

[nrs7six]

I probably like the d'addario and rotosound the best. Do flats keep their tone longer than rounds?

 

[shrimpflea]

Many of the most popular songs from the 50's and 60's were played with flats and a pick...(Carol Kaye, Joe Osborn).

FenderBassPlayer.com

 

[shawshank72]

I play flats with a pick.
Just go for it, its a fantastic sound.

 

[The Regulator]

Not my thing but it worked for Paul McCartney, Sting, Phil Lynott, Roger Waters and plenty of others.

 

[Buzz E]

I probably like the d'addario and rotosound the best. Do flats keep their tone longer than rounds?

Yes, typically. They mellow and set in real well and can last for years.

 

[PSR B1919+21]

I'm using wood picks with labella flats, very nice, warm sound, great with muting also

 

[Doner Designs]

If you want to play with a pick and not sound like it, the best thing I have found is rubber picks. I keep one in my pocket to give my fingers a break once in awhile. To me it sounds more like fingerstyle than picked but it is kinda in between.

 

[DavC]

different picks for different sounds/attacks ... i have thins , mediums ( and what/how they're made changes the sound ) , felt , rubber ...

 

[Kaden Daniels]

I only play flats with a Pick

 

[Illini10]

I play flats with a pick if I feel like the song needs it. It sounds pretty good. Sometimes I play the fretless with flats and a pick too (gasp).

 

[jessicabass]

I only play flats with a Pick

This

 

[Skullie]

D'Addario Chromes and Dunlop Tortex .88's are all I use on my basses.
- Fender Tony Franklin Fretless Precision
- Fender American Standard Fretted Precision
- Fender '51 Reissue Precision
- Gibson ES335

I love the sound of a pick and flatwound strings, especially when I palm mute. I guess I listened to too much of The Police growing up.

 

[Gravy4001]

P with Chromes and a pick about 90% of the time for modern pop, rock, hip hop, etc. really nice for aggressive punchy attack.

 

[Laklandfan]

I play flats with a pick if I feel like the song needs it. It sounds pretty good. Sometimes I play the fretless with flats and a pick too (gasp).

Didn't Rick Danko and maybe sting do the same?

 

[CRAGGAR]

I use TI Jazz flats and play with a pick when appropriate. Sounds great plus the nice smooth, slinky feel and it can growl when you want it to.