Flounds (Rats?)

[JimmyM]

Know what bugs me? After 30 years of using them I hate the sound of rounds but I like how they feel under my fingers a million times more than flats. Now if you want flats that sound like rounds, there are a million options. Halfrounds, Pressure Wounds, Brite Flats, TI Jazz Flats, Rotos...even Labella flats will sound quite a bit like rounds when they're new.

But if you want rounds that sound like flats, you're screwed. The best you can do is let a set of rounds go really dead, but they never lose that edgy roundwound sound on the top strings. You can mute them with a sponge, but that deadens them too much. I like a flat that rings a little before it trails off into nowhere. And I don't want to stick a sponge on my bass. And no, I don't like nylons.

So why can't the string makers make a roundwound that sounds like a flat? What is it about the roundwound construction that won't allow it to sound like a flat even when it's dead? I think it would be a big seller if they could do it. I've already coined a name for them...Flounds - (c) 2009 by Jimmy Miller. I'm willing to let a string maker use the name for the right price (free strings would get it ).

Seriously, why can't it be done?

 

[fuNKmaster83]

for me the pyramid gold flats have a nice sound that is not so dead as most flats, at the same time they are not so glassy as some flats when they are new... as far as my 2 years of using them they sound the same after one week and stay that way till some string breaks... then i change the whole set.
i did some experimenting with pyramid and achieved good results!!!
have you tryed PURE NICKEL round??? you will be surprised at the warmth and roundness... most rounds are wound on hex core... i have found out that hex core gives that snapines and edge... i have pyramid made me custom rounds wound on a round core... i must say i am geting close to that compromise to be able to sound warm with the finger and still be able to slap and pop... just have to get the right gauges for what i want
i have achieved what you crave for... a round that behaves like a flat

one of my friends also likes old rounds... so i give him all my old string sets... he is a happy man

 

[JimmyM]

Too bad Pyramids are like $70-80 in America. Sorry, I'm not paying that for a set of electric bass strings. I barely pay more than that for strings for my upright. Thanks for the idea, though. So you think it's the round core that makes the difference?

 

[Stumbo]

If they get the sound you want and last for years, it's a small price to pay (IMO, of course).

 

[Number27]

status make roundwounds on a round core...

http://www.status-graphite.com/status/frames/index_home.html

only thing is they're stainless...

i actually tried a set, but was unable to form an opinion on them.

 

[fuNKmaster83]

Too bad Pyramids are like $70-80 in America. Sorry, I'm not paying that for a set of electric bass strings. I barely pay more than that for strings for my upright. Thanks for the idea, though. So you think it's the round core that makes the difference?

yeah... i experimented...
pyramid makes rounds only on hex core... they say this is more consistent... they say that round core is a bitch to make... but i insisted any way... so i got two custom sets and the difference was ubelivable...

but be sure to use PURE NICEL wrap cuz stainless or nickel plate just wont give you the warmth you desire!!!

 

[JimmyM]

Interesting. Thx for the tip. I'll look around tonight and see what's out there in the US in a round core nickel.

 

[dorfmeister]

Too bad Pyramids are like $70-80 in America. Sorry, I'm not paying that for a set of electric bass strings. I barely pay more than that for strings for my upright. Thanks for the idea, though. So you think it's the round core that makes the difference?

$60 at Elderly. I just bought a set to put on my Warwick Corvette Standard.

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[edbutler3]

Another nickel round with a round core would be the DR Sunbeams.

 

[dvh]

Another nickel round with a round core would be the DR Sunbeams.

+1 my favourite roundwounds but they are not anything remotely like flats. Warm, maybe, that's about it.

 

[funkytoe]

Doesn't Rocco have a signature string that is nickel on a round core? In fact, aren't they called "NPS Roundcores?"

 

[RONQUITO]

haha! Flounds...

LOL

 

[Sundogue]

Interesting. Thx for the tip. I'll look around tonight and see what's out there in the US in a round core nickel.

DR Sunbeams are round core nickels. My favorite roundwound (not that I use them much anymore...).

 

[ljazz]

TI Super Alloys. The actually come with a lot less zing right out of the pack. And they settle into a nice warm groove. Roll off a touch of tone, and they sound like "flattish".... even more so than broken in Sunbeams. About the only issue I have with them, is that you need a bass that is already a bit bottom heavy, because the mids are very pronounced.

Ljazz

 

[mrkreuzschlitz]

Could anyone send me a sound clip of flats played with a pick?
I might be a convert if you do...

 

[Prof.Dr.Metz]

jimmyM, you should check out GHS pressurewounds. they have that roundwound feel (sort of) but with a flatwound sound. i used to use them on my jazz bass and my frets liked them.

 

[RCCollins]

i've never tried them myself but DR hellborg pure nickel single wrap?

 

[zombywoof5050]

DR Sunbeams don't have a pure nickel wrap, the wrap is nickel-plated.

The TI Jazz Rounds do have a pure nickel wrap on a round core.

 

[JTE]

Could anyone send me a sound clip of flats played with a pick?
I might be a convert if you do...

Go to Carlo Kaye's website. All her stuff is picked flats. Or listen to:

"Aquarius/Let the Sunhine In" by The 5th Dimension (bass by Joe Osborn, 1960 Jazz bass with LaBella Flats)
"Only Livin' Boy In New York", "Bridge Over Troubled Waters", "Cecilia" and "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkle- also Joe Osborn with the same bass and strings.

"Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, "Feelin' Alright" by Joe Cocker, and "The Beat Goes On" by Sonny and Cher- all those tracks are played by Carol Kaye picking a Precision with Fender 850 flats.

There's a ton of others. Thing is that flats were just about the only choice in strings for a LONG time and a lot of session players, especially in LA used a pick.

jte

 

[One Drop]

Sorry Jimmy, I believe you are on a quixotic mission with no possible satisfying outcome. If you are looking for a clean sound that has the attack and decay of flats disappointment will be your only friend.