I want to love flats, but can't commit

[Linnin]

Have you heard anything about what kind of changes they are going to make for the American Professional Series? My guess is they won't be too major. In other words, a P Bass will still basically be a P Bass, right?

What I hope will happen is that the compound radius necks and new truss rod adjusters will become the standard neck for all American made instruments. The Elites being active, the American Professionals should be passive. There will still be AVRI's and Artist Signature instruments with there own set of specifications. There will be a Fender for everyone.

 

[Thuddy Waters]

There will be a Fender for everyone.

And a chicken in every pot! But seriously, I wish I knew what changes they were going to make. Now I'm thinking about buying another American Standard P Bass before the change happens just in case I don't like the new American Professionals.

 

[ValeriusCrow]

Just commit. There is no other way, really.

Rounds on the left, flats on the right.

Flats are Thomastiks, aren't they?

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

two basses. The only real solution here.

 

[shoot-r]

I've always loved the tone of flats; most of my favorite bassists seem to use flatwound strings (particularly McCartney). So a while ago I put flats on my bass for the first time, expecting to love it. I do like the tone and I absolutely love the feel of the strings (they feel so much nicer than rounds), but I often find myself longing for the tone of rounds. I guess the ideal solution would be to have two basses, one with each type of strings, but with only one bass I think rounds are more versatile for me.

As much as I love the thump and feel, sometimes I need the brighter longer sustained tone of rounds, and with only one bass it's hard to sacrifice that for flats. I think I'll switch back to rounds; someday I'll have two basses, one with rounds and one with flats, but for now I'll be sticking with rounds.

Has anyone else experienced this? I really wanna be a flatwound guy, but I can't fully commit.

+1.....

I've always loved the sound of flats..........when another player is using them!

When the "flat" mood hits, I put flats on my back-up jazz bass (but keep Dunlop Super Bright Nickel rounds on my gigging jazz bass), use the flat strung bass for two or three songs at a gig.....and I'm cured for awhile.....I've always taken the flats back off as soon as time permits.

I keep a set of flats around (Chromes) for when my ears start thinking they need to hear a change, usually doesn't last long.....




....

 

[ak56]

Flats on my passive 4.
Rounds on my active 5.

 

[lexefx]

I have found that flats have this high mid thing that cuts in the mix. I have been able to make up for alot of what flats lacked.by running a completely different EQ on my amps compared to rounds. I have this feeling that flats keep me so honest. They expose any miniature flubs you make make. Hearing that and cleaning it up makes me a better bass player.

 

[Green Lantern]

Just took my Chromes off my 2nd bass and put back on DAddario round wounds. Much happier. I am sure when the time is right the Chromes will go back on

 

[eldoryder]

If you're ever going to try flats, try these. If THESE don't do it for you.....then you're not a "flats guy" (or gal). But please DO try these before making an ultimate decision about flats. I have these on all but one bass I own. Never looking back.

 

[JRA]

for the first time: i'm trying out TI jazz rounds on my mains: to me, they feel a lot like like the way i remember flats = kind of 'slick' to the touch. IMO: they don't have that 'zingy' thing (maybe for a few hours, after stringing) after settling in. i am trying them based on TB send ups. since they're so expensive: i'm trying to love them (i do like them, but i might miss the roto swing bass rounds...).

but for those of you who are ambivalent: the TI jazz rounds seem to lend some attributes of both types. what i'm sure i like about them is the 'feel' of the string tension: they are not stiff (if you like stiff strings: these are not for you). also, they are light gauge, so that might be a no-go for some flats players. but, for a few of the posters: they might be worth checking out if my description serves. and although they are expensive (and like others have reported), they seem to retain their 'inherent' qualities for quite some time: probably making them comparable to any other string set, in cost, over the long run.

although i might play around with pick ups and pre amps for different reasons (fun), i think strings have more to do with sound/tone than other variables...at least in my case. i don't like flats because of the sound: however, i realize that many of you like them just for that reason: it's neat/interesting to have varied opinions and experiences on the subject!

 

[michael_t]

If you're ever going to try flats, try these. If THESE don't do it for you.....then you're not a "flats guy" (or gal). But please DO try these before making an ultimate decision about flats. I have these on all but one bass I own. Never looking back.

One word of caution to the OP...

As @eldoryder has suggested, the Fender 9050CL are indeed an excellent choice for "affordable, all-purpose, middle-of-the-road" flats to try. But, like any flats, make sure to give them enough time (2-3 mths) to settle before passing any judgement.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Today I picked up a bass with rounds on it & they felt weird, clingy!

At the same time I like the timbre with those, and wish I could get my chrome flats to accomplish sounds like Butler did on old Sabbath records or McKagan on Appetite for Destruction.

 

[FunkHead]

Just commit. There is no other way, really.
View attachment 982931

Rounds on the left, flats on the right.
View attachment 982932
Photograph Copyright © Jeffrey P. Scott 2015 All rights reserved.

Have you tried Chromes on a Ric? Thanks, FH

 

[Thuddy Waters]

Today I picked up a bass with rounds on it & they felt weird, clingy!

At the same time I like the timbre with those, and wish I could get my chrome flats to accomplish sounds like Butler did on old Sabbath records or McKagan on Appetite for Destruction.

I know what you mean. Rounds always feel so cheap and weak to me for some reason. Flats feel so solid and substantial by comparison. Do you happen to know what type of flats Geezer used? Also, what strings did Duff use?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

No, I haven't investigated that, but it's probably documented someplace.

 

[40Hz]

I
Has anyone else experienced this? I really wanna be a flatwound guy, but I can't fully commit.

I was never able to settle on one type of string. The minute I finally got a second bass I always had one with rounds and the other with flats. And now that I've discovered LaBella's copper white nylon tapewounds I absolutely insist on owning at least three basses.

But I'm an American. So I think like our government does when they ask: "Why settle on having only one of something when you can just as easily have three - for three times as much money?"

 

[FunkHead]

I have used flats for 20 years, now, although I don't have a set on a bass, at the moment (I have an old set that was on my former Stingray for awhile). I used them on my '98 4001V63, and my '67 4005WB.

Here is a live recording of the V63 with the Chromes on it.

Awesome!

 

[FunkHead]

Here is a photo of the 4005WB with the Chromes on it. And, a live recording of it, not the greatest audio quality given it came of the PA board so not balanced very well.

View attachment 1002459

Photograph Copyright © SAW 2006 All rights reserved.

The Chromes sound great on the 4005WB. . I'm going to have to put them on my 4003. I always love hearing you play...Thanks