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From Flats to Rounds..

fourstringdrums

fourstringdrums

Decidedly Indecisive
Supporting Member
Oct 20, 2002
9,722
12,480
45
Massachusetts
#1
I've used flats for years and will still have them on my Lakland P but on my Decade I think I want that roundwound tone again for extra versatility.

What strings would you guys recommend that will still give a dark, mellow tone that is an easy transition from flats? I'm partial to DR and Labella.

I used to use DR Fat Beams and I really liked those, but it's been like 6 years so I don't even remember what they sound like. Would those fit the bill?
 
#3
Try a set of GHS Pressure Wounds. It's a round wound string pressure wrapped so that the finish it far smoother in feel than a round but still maintains that piano like clarity of a round even in low register. I just put a set on my Jazz Bass and it came alive. The tone pot does work after all.

After I mentioned my preference in tone and my playing style to him they were recommended to me by Jason at bassstringsonline.com and he made a great recommendation. It's the best money I've ever spent improving a basses tone.
 
#5
Dang I wish I had the PERFECT answer.
I have been using regular Slinky's lately. I like them, plus they are cheap. If you want dark turn the tone knob down.
I have to admit, my mid-80's E serial P-bass with a BAII bridge is so kind to strings, they last forever.
 
#6
I'm making this move, too.
Been using Chromes on my P and J, and put some Slinkys on my J and it's like it turned into an active bass!
So bright and bouncy and Funky.
I love the smoothness of Chromes but I was ready for something new.
Alot of string noise with the Slinkys, so I'm getting some SIT Silencer strings.
Should be here next week.
Check them out.

S
 
#8
Like Kenova, I recommend Sunbeams. I went from flats to Sunbeams on my P-bass and I'm very happy with them. I don't feel like I've lost any of the things I love about flats, but the Sunbeams are easier to play (less tension than most flats) and give you some roundwound zing when you play harder or use a pick. I can't see ever going back to flats, or any other string for that matter, on my P-bass. I'm actually thinking about using them on my Jazz too.
 
#12
The only thing that's sad is that you didn't realize I was teasing you!

Be cool Floyd man, I wasn't fact-checking you, I was reading up on flats and these two threads just happened to end up in adjacent tabs. Thought the striking contrast was funny.

(The internet: if you want it, the site is 404; if you don't, it's in the archives forever.)
 
#13
hellboy said:
The only thing that's sad is that you didn't realize I was teasing you!

Be cool Floyd man, I wasn't fact-checking you, I was reading up on flats and these two threads just happened to end up in adjacent tabs. Thought the striking contrast was funny.

(The internet: if you want it, the site is 404; if you don't, it's in the archives forever.)
Click to expand...

I know you were teasing me, I forgot to add a :) to my response lol I actually re-read it today and was like "man I hope he doesn't think I'm annoyed..." lol

Funny thing is, it's not the first time I've put my foot in my mouth.
 
#16
From Flats to Fats. I got a set of Fatbeams a few days after posting this and there it is...I'm not used to the string squeak but they're not overly bright and nice and growly. I actually find it has made the Lakland Decade I put them on a little more versatile. I'm very happy with them.
 

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