Roundwound growl, Flatwound thump...how can I get both?

[Jirishman]

As the title says, I'd like to find a string that marries the qualities of both a roundwound and flatwound string. I have tried half-rounds, and while the thump was pretty good, I found they lost that brightness/growl pretty quickly.

One option I've been looking at are GHS Pressurewound strings, or should I try a heavier-gauge roundwound? Any help/advice here would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Gorn]

DR doesn't make halfrounds, but GHS pressurewounds are a great choice.

 

[bolophonic]

I just strung up one of my basses with GHS Pressurewounds and they pretty much sound the way you describe. Very deep, rich, and punchy without too much sizzle on the very top. I am sold on these strings from now on.

 

[Jirishman]

Or should I try a coated roundwound, such as Black Beauties?

 

[Gorn]

Coated roundwounds don't really have any flatwound qualities. They're just coated for longer life. The variations in between rounds and flats are what you're looking for, like halfrounds or pressurewounds.

 

[Pier_]

IMHO the best way to get nearest to "both" is to keep a set of roundwound and use foam mute at the bridge when needed. it's not "the same" as having flats on the bass, but you'll get the short sustain and quick attack.

or just use strings like D'Addario Chromes or other bright and modern flats, that can easilly sound like rounds.

 

[taylor16]

Chromes, homie.

 

[michael_t]

What about the new EB Cobalt Flats that people have been raving about?

New EB Cobalt Flats? | TalkBass.com

 

[Jirishman]

Thanks for your replies, I decided to give the GHS Pressurewounds and SIT compressed strings a try. Excellent deals from bassstringsonline.com.

 

[Linnin]

To try and get both out of a single string set is always a compromise, and GHS Pressurewounds (alloy 52 wrap) or the new Ernie Ball Cobalt flats are your best bets.

String manufacturers have been trying to obtain both for years with half/ground wounds. Some folks love them, but to me they are dismal failures. You may like them.

 

[raventepes]

I generally string all my basses with Pressure Wound's. Great strings. With the right EQ and technique, their tonal palate is endless. Easily the most versatile string I've ever played on.

 

[mpdd]

personally, i use an sb-2 that is on the bright side of the p spectrum with La Bellas

 

[bassburner]

I've settled on Chromes for this sound.

 

[Jon Moody]

String manufacturers have been trying to obtain both for years with half/ground wounds. Some folks love them, but to me they are dismal failures. You may like them.

It took me a while, but I appreciate groundwounds for what they are. But yeah, you have to have THE bass for them, otherwise it just doesn't sound good.

 

[SirMjac28]

I'm having great luck with Warwick EMP's on my Thumb they have a nice flat thump with enough bite to keep that Warwick sound. In the past I have tried different brands of half-rounds and quarter-rounds without any luck I'll check out those pressure rounds for another bass.

 

[bcoomes]

CHROMES

 

[Arvin]

If you want a round that sounds "flat-ish," Pressurewounds.

If you want a flat that sounds "round-ish," EB Cobalt Flats.

Of course, this is oversimplified, because there are issues of string tension, roughness/smoothness of wraps, etc.

 

[Joebone]

I've had excellent results with Sadowsky flats on an ebony fretless board. Not as thumpy as old-school La Bellas, but not bad, and also a surprising amount of presence in the upper mids, and sweet highs. They will growl when I dig in with each hand.

Tension is mid-range - not baseball bats like LaBellas or Chromes, nor floppy like TI Jazz Flats. I will try some on a fretted bass at some point, and am curious how slap-worthy they might be in that context.

Also should try some cobalt flats at some point, but no immediate need to do so.

 

[Rayjay]

I also want to try the EB Slinky Flats but haven't gotten around to it.

I've gotten a similar tone to what you're looking for with Elixer roundwounds. I keep them on for about a year. After they break in they still get a bright tone when you play hard, and I can get a flat-like thump by backing off and finger muting.

 

[Owens W]

Ken Smith round wounds are my favorite.