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love Flats but need more agressiveness- brighter flat, or compression/half-wound?

BenWigler

BenWigler

Nov 18, 2008
29
10
www.edensongtheband.com
Disclosures
I use exclusively Birdsong basses - my hands are tiny, but my fingers are nimble
#1
Hi folks. I somewhat recently acquired one of my dream basses (see profile pick)- a dual darkstar geddy lee Jazz. I had every intention of stringing it up with round wounds as my main band requires a big, articulate Chris Squire type of a tone... however, as soon as I got the guitar, I got an R&B gig for a show on Oprah Winfrey's new network... I decided to give the flats a try and absolutely just fell in love.

Since adopting flats, I've been able to explore other styles and have actually gotten quite a bit of work as a result. Even the playing in my main project, a progressive/orchestral heavy rock outfit called Edensong, was improved as the feel of flats just let my left hand soar. And while I think the flatwound sound is very interesting in the context of Edensong, there is no doubt that a brighter, more aggressive sound will be more appropriate.

I'm not a newb to bass playing or bass gear selecting, but I've never experimented with strings. I've been playing steel rounds my entire life, so could really benefit from your knowledge! I've looked up similar threads and couldn't quite get the input I was looking for so here goes...

I don't want to give up the feel of the flatwound, and I also want to be able to rely on my Jazz to take to my non-prog gigs, but I need to be able to get a more meaty, grindy tone. I play with a pick (in Edensong), and if I can get closer to my Chris Squire sound, it'll help the band a lot.

So here is my question... do I try to find a more aggressive flat wound string (does such a thing exist? maybe the Iron Maiden roto strings?), or do I go the halfsy approach and start experimenting with D'add half wounds, or Ken Smith compressors, etc.?
 
#3
What kind of flatwounds are you using right now? My favorite bass string is D'Addario Chromes. They have a really good mid-range presence, and I'm not the only who thinks that. They are pretty bright for the first week of use, then they mellow out a little. However, no matter the age, they can sound pretty aggressive. I have them on 2/3 of my basses, and I can't look back to rounds. The Chromes can be dialed to be fat, warm and dubby or bright and punchy, all by adjusting right hand technique, EQ, and adjusting the tone knob.

I don't have any experience with the Rotos, but I've heard that they are pretty aggressive. Keep in mind that Steve Harris changed his flats quite often, resulting in that fresh sound.

Hope this helps. Let's see some pics of this bass!!
 
#8
Unfortunately I don't even know what these strings are!! They just came with the bass. I would guess they are Chromes, because they do seem fairly versatile. I just played the best prog gig of my life a few nights ago with these strings, so there really is no "problem" - I just know I'll be doing the band a favor by getting a little more aggression in the string.

From what I've read on TI flats - there might be a problem with 'digging in'? I remember seeing a thread about this subject.

I will look into the Sadowsky and Roto options before checking out the KS Compressors I think... and then if all else fails, I'll start using my backup bass (an Alembic which I guess should be 'nicer' than my jazz) as a go-to round wound for songs that really need it. I just don't want to give up the left hand freedom I feel with flats if I don't have to...
 
#9
Do your current strings have blue felt at the top? If so they are probably Chromes. I am kind of in the same boat. Im trying to differentiate my frequency range from the two guitars and keys in my band, so Im experimenting with the flats. Ive always played rounds but I love the feel of flats. Ive heard Ken Smith slick rounds are a good compromise and might check those out.
 
#10
Yar, they be Chromes it seems. I like them but I don't lurrrve them. Let me know if you find the answer, jgroh!

Someone in another thread described the Ken Smith Slicks as "sticky" which probably wouldn't be good for me since I tend to have sweaty hands when I play... unless that person was just describing the overall feel of a flatwound style string, in which case, that's just the kind of sticky I like! If it gets stickier than the Chrome though... we have a problem.
 
#16
I really like chromes too, but I'm using the Slick Rounds on both of my electric basses. They have a bit of thump and also a bit of round wound sizzle. I'm really in to having a nice single coil gowl, and I get them with the Slick rounds. As far as the feel, they break in and feel fine after a while. Greasy or sweaty hands will probably quicken the break in.

I hope this helps - Todd
 
#18
Yep - 'twas the very one you saw most likely. It's a monster.

I think I might check out a set of the Ken Smith strings and get a fresh set of Chromes (I've learned that these are Chromes 'very light') in case the KS's just don't fit the bill. I've heard that the Chromes keep their brightness better than just about any other flat... but perhaps a brand new set will do what I need them to do.

Anybody want to recommend the Compressor vs. the slick round given the context of the post?
 
#20
I would have to suggest GHS Brite flats. They are ground down roudwounds. They have the feel of flats but with a bit more edge to them. You can get them from Link Removed for a pretty good price. Other than those, I'd also recommend D'Addario Chromes in a light gauge.
 

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