Going back and fourth between flats and rounds?

[Gnal]

I use both, it really depends on the tone you want for any given situation. Currently I've got duplicates of my main basses so that I can string one with flats and one with rounds.

 

[Linnin]

Yes, I do! Almost daily and when playing out most certainly during the set. GHS Precision Flats on my Precision; GHS Pressurewounds on my Jazz, and GHS Bass Boomers on my '54 custom Sting/Precision.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I find rounds just chew up my fingers anymore. Flats all the way for me.

 

[Remus_Redbone]

Yes I do, or more than I ever swapped from rounds to other rounds. I start wanting to hear that bright, ringing, piano tone from my P-bass, so I put on the rounds. In no time, I'm missing the smooth, full thump of flats, so I go back to the flats. I recently put a set of Chromes on my Jazz and I'm enjoying every note, but it's only a matter of time before I want the zing and slap tone of bright rounds. I'm bi-tonal and I don't think there's an effective treatment....

 

[AL_BASS]

I like both and switch constantly these days. I really like this article from Bobby Vega on strings:

Bobby Vega: Strings and Things, Part II

 

[G On Bass]

I have 2 main fretted basses: 1 bass always has flats, the other always rounds. The fretless almost always has tapes.

Each bass is has it's own specific use.

 

[pbass2]

Of course. Depends on what the music requires.

 

[Marko 1]

Nope, just round, hex-core for a slightly stiffer B.

 

[JimmyM]

Not so much on gigs anymore. I tend to stick to rounds, although I'll trot out a flat-strung bass if someone I'm working with could especially use it and I'm not feeling too lazy to bring two basses to a gig.

 

[taylor16]

I go between dark-sounding La Bella flats and brighter-sounding Fender flats and Chromes. Does that count?

 

[pbass2]

I go between dark-sounding La Bella flats and brighter-sounding Fender flats and Chromes. Does that count?

I think Chromes are their own category. The missing link between flats and rounds. Seriously. If I only had one bass, and it had to bring it in multiple genres, it'd have Chromes. Not my favorite string, but the most versatile I've ever come across.

 

[tallboybass]

Yes, right now a Jazz with rounds (Dunlop SBN), a PJ with flats (LaBella DTF) and a Jazz with flats (Chromes). Flats are both super-light gauge, rounds are 105-45.

 

[Justice Graves]

I have a PJ that has flats and rounds on it, I missed rounds on it but still hated the added zing on the higher strings. Since I had the misfortune of breaking another round wound I had an odd set and figured why not. But usually at least one bass has flats and one has rounds.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

For those with two basses and a set on each

Do you find it hard going back and forth?

 

[osonu]

Yep, LaBella flats on the P, DR Pure Blues on the Carvin (it didn't seem to favor flats), and I've still got the rounds on my SR 5 HH, but can't wait to try it with flats.

I prefer flats, but the Carvin just sounds so good with rounds, so versatile, so now I like having both.

 

[michael_t]

For those with two basses and a set on each

Do you find it hard going back and forth?

It was a bit awkward at first when I acquired my second bass and started using one with flats and one with rounds (pressurewounds), but after a while no big deal. I enjoy them both and try to give them equal playing time.

 

[JimmyM]

For those with two basses and a set on each

Do you find it hard going back and forth?

I hate it usually. I'm already going back and forth between electric and upright. I don't need anything complicating the process anymore than it is. But once in a while I like it if I have enough outboard gear to compensate for volume and tonal differences.

 

[Camarillo]

I have flats (TI) on my P, rounds (nickel DR) on my J.
Other 2 basses I don't use so much with rounds, but at least one (hollow body) I will mount flats on. The other is a 5er with rounds, probably I'll keep.
I just ordered a PJ and a new set of cobalt flats are waiting for it. I have high expectant ions on that strings. I love the flats feeling, anyway.

 

[Lowness]

Do any of you go back and forth between rounds and flats?

I have 8 basses. These were exclusively on flats until about a month ago - I am now putting some on rounds.

 

[Bassnomer]

I used flats exclusively for the last couple years, and I went back to rounds (Dunlop Superbrights Stainless Steel) for a metal project, and I think I'm staying with these for the foreseeable future. Very versatile, and I figure I can roll off the tone for songs that you'd use flats for. Thinking of keeping the main bass strung with these and only using flats if it's necessary. The backup may wear a set of nickel rounds just to be more middle-of-the-road!