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Rounds which sound like flats
- Thread starter 4StringDave
- Start date
I think that SS rounds as they break in roll off the highs smoothly, like turning down a tone control, but NPS strings as they break in *keep* some of the high highs (and I don't like that, myself).
So, surprisingly, SS rounds, even Roto 66, get closer to what the OP asked for.
And Hi-Beams better for this than Sunbeams, etc.
So, surprisingly, SS rounds, even Roto 66, get closer to what the OP asked for.
And Hi-Beams better for this than Sunbeams, etc.
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I don't understand the issue to be honest. I find flats to be superior in every way but understand that some people don't like the tone. But the idea of wanting the tone but not the feel? Flats last years and the stickiness goes away after a couple hours of playing in my experience so...
Chromes and Fender 9050s are similar but I find the Fenders less sticky, so if you already find the Fenders too sticky I don't know what to recommend.
Chromes and Fender 9050s are similar but I find the Fenders less sticky, so if you already find the Fenders too sticky I don't know what to recommend.
Maybe try something like this. Certainly cheaper than trying different strings, and you get to use whatever strings you know you like. Tone Finger-Ease String Lubricant Spray
EB Cobalt flat and Ti flat has larger winding ribbon gap. Less sticky feel atleast on my situation.
More smooth and glassy on string surface , more sticky feel on fretting finger. Nose oil do help when you jam on stage.
Dead rounds and a foam mute (+ technique) will get you close...It won't really feel like flats though.
' . . . . my first try at a Relic job ! Whaddya think? I just LOVE these vintage Gibsons ! . . . . '
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
eat some oily fried chicken for supper, don't wash your hands, then play your bass for 2 hours ... your rounds will sound like flats ...
or get tapewound strings
That is true, but EB Cobalt flats sound nothing like any normal, standard or traditional flatwound, so probably not what OP is looking for.
Being a longtime Roto 66 user, I agree that even dead rotos can be made to sound like flats (foam mute helps).
My old Labella 1954s on my other bass never ever felt sticky and got better and better over years. I found Chromes and others could be sticky. My new Pyramids which I have fallen in love with were sticky out of the pack but clean wipes and marathon woodshedding fixed that.
Rub your strings with rubbing alcohol/isopropyl alcohol. Stickiness will be gone.
Very true. My stainless steel round wounds can sound very warm & mellow if I need them to.
I love the feel & tone of flats, but if I could use only one string, it’d be SS rounds.
Thank you.
@Root 5, have you ever noticed what I described here?
For me, half of my previous dislike of rounds was due to this; as soon as I identified it I switched to SS. The other half - the rough surface - I have gotten used to.
An advantage to Roto 66 for *this* is that they start breaking in quickly.
I just posted this same issue with stickiness.. I don’t like to rely on anything to keep them smooth even nose grease. Went back to old set of Dunlop super bright nickel’s.. couldn’t be happier
There are legends about fried chicken grease deadening strings QUOTE]
That's disgusting...
Plus, I have ocd about washing my hands, and I'm vegan, so it's not going to work...
