MEDIUM VS SOFT

[JamForChrist]

im a fairly new bass player and im wondering what would the difference be in these two.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Elixir-Nanoweb-Bass-Medium-Strings?sku=101552

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Elixir-Nanoweb-Bass-Soft-Strings?sku=101540

im assuming the medium would be better for slap bass which im real into right? in that case id want those. but if for some one reason theyre just as good for slap whats up with the softs?

also, im wondering can you slap with flatwound strings?
THANKS

 

[Maladroit1]

I cant answer you question from experience because I have only used the mediums but I think the "Softs" may actually just be lighter gauge strings. It's a personal preference thing. I just ordered some of the Softs to try on one of my basses but can tell you that the Mediums are great in my opinion.

 

[XylemBassGuitar]

I've never heard of them referred to as "softs" but like Maladoit1 says, they are probably just a lighter gauge set of strings.

I think that it's a personal preference as to which gauges are better for slapping. For example, Les Claypool is rumored to use two A strings and two G strings (making his E and D strings much lighter than even super-light gauge strings) on his four-string.

All things being equal, lighter gauge strings will feel "floppier," may be easier to press down, and will be under less tension than the heavier gauge strings, which will feel tighter.

You can slap with any string but overall, flatwounds sound a bit mellower than roundwounds. Thus, most people stick with roudwounds for a punchier slap tone, but you can really do anything you want.

Finally, keep in mind that some basses (but not all) will require a basic setup after you change string gauges.