I have been playing electric bass for the better part of 30 years, mostly rock (Police/U2/Rush/Beatles). I went through my Rickenbacker period for most of the 80s and half the 90s, when I joined an all-original group and switched to a Hofner "Beatle" bass, which fit the sound of that group perfectly. In semi-retirement I joined a corporate variety band, and on any given night might be playing anything from Sinatra to AC/DC, so I opted for a P-Bass, which I liked the sound of but after about a year, switched out for a Geddy Lee Jazz which I really, really like.
I've gone from using Rotos and Ernie Ball roundwounds on the solid body basses over the years, and flats on the Hofner (which I've done at least 500 shows with). If I could get away with just using the Hofner all the time I would, but need a bigger sound with the Jazz Bass sustain. Typically I roll off about half the tone pot so my main sound is sort of "in between" roundwounds and flats. I'm not looking to lug three basses with three different kinds of strings to gigs anymore.
So, getting around to the question, has anyone switched from roundwounds to semi flats or flats? I know others have brought up the issues with neck tension with flats on bass with a neck as thin as the Jazz Bass, but I'm typically adjusting the neck at least once a month anyway. I'm just looking to get back some of that ease of playing with flats without deadening my sound TOO much.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
I've gone from using Rotos and Ernie Ball roundwounds on the solid body basses over the years, and flats on the Hofner (which I've done at least 500 shows with). If I could get away with just using the Hofner all the time I would, but need a bigger sound with the Jazz Bass sustain. Typically I roll off about half the tone pot so my main sound is sort of "in between" roundwounds and flats. I'm not looking to lug three basses with three different kinds of strings to gigs anymore.
So, getting around to the question, has anyone switched from roundwounds to semi flats or flats? I know others have brought up the issues with neck tension with flats on bass with a neck as thin as the Jazz Bass, but I'm typically adjusting the neck at least once a month anyway. I'm just looking to get back some of that ease of playing with flats without deadening my sound TOO much.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
