I'm thinking about switching from rotosound roundwounds to flats, just as an experiment for a few months. I'm wondering if I should go for it. I have no complaints now, but want to see how flats sound. Should I blow the cash and see? I play blues, contemporary gospel, ska, reggea, and classic rock.
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P Bass: Flat or roundwound strings?
- Thread starter de la mocha
- Start date
I think everybody ought to try flats at least once. You may not like them, they're not for everyone, but then you know. The first time I tried them I just didn't like the feel or the tone and took them off after a couple of weeks, but I had them on another bass within a year.
I use Fender 9050 flats on my P-Basses and D'Addario Chromes on the rest of the family. P-Bass + flats = classic tone.
Particle Man said:
I tried flats before and I love them! But I never had them on my precision. I have a 5 string fretless! But I never put them on my Precision before.
Basically it's like this. My fretless has the warm, organic and beautiful tone, and my precision with the rotosounds has an aggressive, obnoxiously billigerent tone! But I'm torn between keeping it blood thirsty, or slapping on some flats to see how it sounds. But then, that means both of my basses will have flats, kind of limitating.
But on the other hand, I see people posting about that infamous P bass tone with flats..... so I have much to contemplate.....
P_bass said:
You're right, I didn't include half rounds. But at the moment, I'm currently torn between flats and rounds right now....
I have owned several Fender basses but the P bass that I presently own with the flat wounds have that vintage sound. I get a kick out of Fender copy in their catalog that states a bass has "vintage tone" or "traditional P bass tone" (page 144, 2006 catalog) then they ship it with round wounds. The rounds are too bright for the deep thump like on the old Motown or Reggae recordings. When I want bright I switch over to my Warwick thumb bass with round wounds but for any deep, thumping bass I use the P bass with the flat wounds.
I just recently tried flats on my 4003 & they only lasted about 3 weeks. (thud thud click click).
I do want to try flats on my P-Bass sometime, but after the last experiment I'm very hesitant.
I think I'm just a roundwound guy.
I do want to try flats on my P-Bass sometime, but after the last experiment I'm very hesitant.
I think I'm just a roundwound guy.
Flats on a P-bass are the bomb.
I like TI-flats, or GHS-flats.
Save your roundwound strings for your Jazz bass.
de la mocha said:
everything but the gospel would sound awesome. and even that will sound good but maybe a little weird
Hey guys, thanks for the responses! I think I'm gonna go for it. Should I use the fender flats since it is a fender bass? That would only make sense, right?
I'll keep you guys updated, I'm gonna do it tommorow!
I'll keep you guys updated, I'm gonna do it tommorow!
- May 2, 2004
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no use LaBella... Actually use whatever you want! Labella tapewounds are awesome too.. but a slightly different animal. I think somewhere inbetween. They are my string of choice and don't seem to ever die...experiment some.de la mocha said:Hey guys, thanks for the responses! I think I'm gonna go for it. Should I use the fender flats since it is a fender bass? That would only make sense, right?
I'll keep you guys updated, I'm gonna do it tommorow!
Do not try flats if you plan on going back to rounds. You won't want to go back, trust me!de la mocha said:
canopener said:
Pttth!
Lies! My 'new-to-me' Pbass came with flats and I took them off, no tears! I am happier playing rounds; your experience may vary!
XL Chromes on my 57 ... GHS Pressurewounds on the 68.
I went with the flats on the maple board for that classic tone it really helped that bass. But I've used the Pressurewounds for years on the rosewood board 68 ... just the right extra growl.
... Now what to put on my new Darkstar equipped Glaub?
I went with the flats on the maple board for that classic tone it really helped that bass. But I've used the Pressurewounds for years on the rosewood board 68 ... just the right extra growl.
... Now what to put on my new Darkstar equipped Glaub?
I can't decide which I like better. I like the roundwound sound better, but my P sounds better with flats. I just need to get another P. Problem solved
