I currently play a Fender Precision Standard (MIM) bass. With that in mind, when it comes to strings, would round or flats be better? I have played flats before (Blue Steel's), however switched to rounds (D' Addario's). Possibly going back to flats...good idea for my bass?
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Round or Flats?
- Thread starter klejst
- Start date
Ahh, the eternal question! Rounds or Flats? The answer is a simple one - try both, and play the one you like best. 
Just use the search facilities of this site and you'll be served. Don't blame me that after reading all the stuff written over the years, you still (or even more) are in doubt about this ever lasting question: 'To flat or not to flat...' 
I have four basses. Two strung with flats and two with rounds. I have played both types of strings in a band setting and they both sound good to me. The flats have a punch thump where the rounds have a crystal clarity.
My perferred string is flatwound, because I like the way they feel, that they make less string noise, and last longer than rounds. But for some stuff, rounds seem to sound better to my ears.
When playing with others, I've received more compliments on my tone when playing flats, particularly from the guitar player, as they tend to complete less in his sonic territory (if that makes any sense).
When you are trying out strings, don't judge them by how they sound standalone. Play along with a backing track or a band and judge them. Flats sound dull when played by themselves, but in a band setting, they are marvelous.
My perferred string is flatwound, because I like the way they feel, that they make less string noise, and last longer than rounds. But for some stuff, rounds seem to sound better to my ears.
When playing with others, I've received more compliments on my tone when playing flats, particularly from the guitar player, as they tend to complete less in his sonic territory (if that makes any sense).
When you are trying out strings, don't judge them by how they sound standalone. Play along with a backing track or a band and judge them. Flats sound dull when played by themselves, but in a band setting, they are marvelous.
I like the idea of four basses. 
2 with flats: Fender 9050 (steel), D'Addario Chromes (steel).
2 with rounds: Circle-K (nickle), DR Lo-Rider Steels.
Pretty much covers it all!
2 with flats: Fender 9050 (steel), D'Addario Chromes (steel).
2 with rounds: Circle-K (nickle), DR Lo-Rider Steels.
Pretty much covers it all!
What's your definition of "better"?
Clarify that, and you'll likely get more useful info as you dig into the flats vs rounds debate.
(Remember, you're asking a bunch of TB'ers with varied music tastes, tone preferences, playing experience, and stylistic and technique differences.)
P.S. Flats are better for me, because I prefer flatwound strings' feel on my fretting fingers, and the tone has just a bit milder higher end (one of my tone goals is to avoid competing with guitar frequencies and occupy my own sonic space; gives my rock band -- a trio -- a more balanced attack.). I also like the longevity of flatwound strings compared to rounds.
Personally I keep wanting to like flats. I keep trying them, then once again realizing that they just do not have the sheen or availability of crispness when I need it that I like.
I find it's easier to greatly roll off a set of roundwounds or put foam under them if needed than it is to make a set of Flats sound like Roundwounds if I'd suddenly be stranded with Flats on my bass and need a crisp snappy tone.
IMHO.
I find it's easier to greatly roll off a set of roundwounds or put foam under them if needed than it is to make a set of Flats sound like Roundwounds if I'd suddenly be stranded with Flats on my bass and need a crisp snappy tone.
IMHO.
personally i like tapewounds... if i had to pick between rounds and flats id go flats. flats just sound better to me. i hate the zingy twang of steel rounds. flats r mellow and smooth sounding, and rounds r bright and punchy.
everyone says rounds cut through better than flats but ive heard plenty of flats cut through on bass (not mid or treble like rounds) it all depends on the guitarist of ur band. good band members know how to make the whole band sound good.
keyboardists and guitarist usually add bass to their own sound which does sound good when they play by themselves but end up walkin all over the bassist. i play as low as i can get so they cant even touch it hehe
everyone says rounds cut through better than flats but ive heard plenty of flats cut through on bass (not mid or treble like rounds) it all depends on the guitarist of ur band. good band members know how to make the whole band sound good.
keyboardists and guitarist usually add bass to their own sound which does sound good when they play by themselves but end up walkin all over the bassist. i play as low as i can get so they cant even touch it hehe
I have a jazz and precision and when playing alone in my livingroom flats seems to sound better to me, when playing with a four piece indie rock band flats don't cut it. I prefer pure nickel rounds, broken in.
Nickels kinda have that flat thump but still cut a bit more then flats. With flats in a band setting I just find it to percussive.
Nickels kinda have that flat thump but still cut a bit more then flats. With flats in a band setting I just find it to percussive.
Try some T.I flats. They're brite enough to easily be a 'slappin' style string & Still sound cool, but play softly, fingerstyle & they're a rubbery old school tone.
I'm with BOTH tho. I keep a P with T.I. flats -D'addario Chromes are good too. & a P with rounds for a nice grind tone.
I'm with BOTH tho. I keep a P with T.I. flats -D'addario Chromes are good too. & a P with rounds for a nice grind tone.
I like both and could never use just one or the other. Best thing for you is to try both, and see which you like the feel of better or which has the best tone for what style(s) you play.
