/ Register

Hard Rock vs. Flats

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by Warpeg, May 6, 2019.

Tags:
  1. May 6, 2019 #1
    Warpeg

    Warpeg

    Jun 20, 2005
    Ohio
    Background: My main player is a Fender AVRI '63 P-bass that I've kept rounds on since I got it 4-5 years ago. In fact, I've used rounds about 95% of the time since I started playing 25+ years ago. I generally play all sorts of genres at home, but mainly Hard Rock (eg. Foo Fighters, Tool, etc.) in my band.

    Q: I've been interested in getting a set of flats for my P-bass, but I'm still on the fence about it. Have any rounds-playing hard rockers out there made the switch to flats and remained happy with your tone?
     
    Last edited: May 6, 2019
  2. May 6, 2019 #2
    Mike N

    Mike N Missing the old TB Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 28, 2001
    Spencerport, New York
    Ive got flats on my 95 MIA P and we play Dio, Slayer, Megadeth, Maiden etc..... Other than my 20 year old strings (TI flats) going dead suddenly, I love the feel and tone of a P Bass with flats.
     
  3. May 6, 2019 #3
    bass40hz

    bass40hz Cigar smoker, scotch drinker, American Patriot Supporting Member

    Aug 13, 2014
    Richlands, NC
    I have a USA P-bass, think its a 2013, I use Rotosound Steve Harris signatures on it set up as BEAD, I tracked a super heavy song with it, of course I ran it through my Helix like I always do to get my signature tone, but for this song, it sounded better than my Spectors...and I am a Spector guy through and through...it was massive and brutal...flats on a P for hard rock...Steve Harris and Iron Maiden...'nuff said...but I use them too on my P and only on the P...all my other basses wear SS rounds ;-)
    Rock on.
     
  4. May 6, 2019 #4
    rob_thebassman

    rob_thebassman

    Jul 26, 2010
    Normanton, UK
    playing bass since 2005
    Cliff burton used flats for kill em all, if it sounds good, use em :p
     
  5. May 6, 2019 #5
    mouthmw

    mouthmw

    Jul 19, 2009
    Croatia
    Yup. Over 4 years now. P with flats (La Bella 760FS). Previously rounds (nickel). Hard rock (super loud heavy hitters) but mostly vintage-retro type of hard rock (Led Zep, Cream, Hendrix, Wolfmother, The Cult etc). I’m flats for life on this P bass and I’ll never go back to rounds for this particular need. Our tone is extremely important part of our sound and we’re known sticklers for that around here (and being loud).
     
    lizardking837 likes this.