JMJ Mustang & P-bass

[rr312]

Right now I have a JMJ Mustang with rounds. I've also had Chromes but there was something weird going on with the E string so I switched to rounds for a bit. I'm about to pick up a P-bass and am trying to decide which one to put rounds on and which one to put some Labella flats on. I'm leaning toward rounds on the P and flats on the Mustang but undecided.

I know it's personal preference but what would you do knowing the strengths/differences of each bass? I primarily play dreampop/shoegaze/pop/emo, etc. but I'm copping sounds across the spectrum from bands like Diiv, Beach Fossils, Preoccupations, Radiohead, Tame Impala, Pinback..

 

[ElCrowg]

I keep flats on my JMJ (la bellas), but I think for what you're playing, the character of the JMJ with rounds might be the call- then you've got a classic P sound ready with flats on that if needed.

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Depends on if you want your JMJ to be more on the post-punk/punk/indie gnarlier side (rounds) or on the plucky/thuddy side (flats). To my ear, all Mustangs with newer rounds are a bit light on the fundamental, whereas as soon as you put good flats on, the harmonics chill out and the fundamental focuses up. Hence, when I use my Mustangs live these days with St. Vincent, I play the one with rounds when I want a punchy more mid-forward tone and when I'm not so worried about the biggest bottom...and my P-Bass is there (also with rounds) when I need a more sound fundamental along with the edginess of the rounds. That's all I can really say about it, but essentially you need to F around with trial and error and see which strings/bass scheme you subjectively prefer.