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String with flatwound tone and roundwound feel - does it exist?

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by Davo737, Jul 26, 2003.

  1. Jul 26, 2003 #1
    Davo737

    Davo737

    Feb 29, 2000
    Syracuse, NY
    ...if it does, I can't seem to find it. I love the sound of flats, but every set I try starts to feel sticky after about 30 minutes of playing (each time I play, not after 30 minutes of owning them). But with roundwounds, I'm much more comfortable with the feel, but just can't find any with that same low end oomph of flats.

    Off the top of my head I've tried D'Addario XLs, Slowounds and Chromes, DR Sunbeams, Elixir Polywebs, TI Jazz flats and Powerbass, GHS Precision Flats, and a host of others. Those were the most livable, and of those I like Slowounds the best, but I'm not completely happy. I'm starting to think that I'm just going to have to live with one or the other. Does anyone have any suggestions? As always, much thanks...
     
  2. Jul 26, 2003 #2
    bassmonkeee

    bassmonkeee

    Sep 13, 2000
    Decatur, GA
    Give the TI Jazz Rounds a try. I love 'em.

    They have the same warm, gooey goodness of Jazz Flats, but have a little more bite to 'em.

    The tension is a little less than the Jazz Flats, but I find that they are really easy to play on for long periods of time.

    I've currently got them on my 6 string US Curbow fretless, and my new 76 fretless PBass.

    Here's a tune I recorded with the Jazz Flats on my now-departed 75 Jazz Reissue:

    http://www.mindspring.com/~jshew2/TheSunWarmsIt.mp3
     
  3. Jul 26, 2003 #3
    Flatwound

    Flatwound Supporting Member

    Sep 9, 2000
    San Diego
    I've always found Rotosound 66's to be pretty thumpy. Currently, however, I'm using my all-time favorite flats, Fender 9050's. Never had a problem with flats getting sticky, except TI's, and then only a little.
     
  4. Jul 27, 2003 #4
    Davo737

    Davo737

    Feb 29, 2000
    Syracuse, NY
    Thanks for the replies. I really dug the sound of the TI flats, but didn't like hearing the strings clanking against the frets (which is also a problem I have with the Powerbass). Since the Jazz rounds have even less tension, I'm concerned that I'll have the same issue. But, if in the end, they have the tone I'm looking for, I can prolly learn to live with it. Given the price of the Fender flats, it certainly can't hurt to give them a try. After doing a search, people seem to be really happy with them. Thanks again.

    Lates,
    Davo
     
  5. Jul 28, 2003 #5
    DW

    DW

    Jun 22, 2000
    Sorry, the answer is no. You just can't get both in the same string. TI Jazz Rounds sound nothing at all like traditional flats.

    But I've never had a problem with flats feeling sticky.
     
  6. Jul 28, 2003 #6
    PhatBasstard

    PhatBasstard Spector Dissector Supporting Member

    Feb 3, 2002
    Tacoma WA
    Yeah! Real dead/old/dirty roundwounds.;)
     
  7. Jul 28, 2003 #7
    Andrew Jones

    Andrew Jones Inactive

    Feb 28, 2001
    Northampton Mass
    I've used that string stuff in the little spray bottle when that feeling is happening.Just spray a little on a paper towel or any thing rub a small amout on the string for that long blues set. It works but you have to get a little used to it.


    AJ
     
  8. Aug 3, 2003 #8
    DaveB

    DaveB

    Mar 29, 2000
    Toronto Ontario
    I chuckled when I read PhatBasstards reply but when I thought about it he has a point.I tend to change strings like I change socks but I once kept a set of DR Nickel LoRiders on for about six or seven months. After all the top end "zing" left the round punch did start to turn to a flat-like thump.Go figure.
     
  9. Aug 3, 2003 #9
    PhatBasstard

    PhatBasstard Spector Dissector Supporting Member

    Feb 3, 2002
    Tacoma WA
    Just a chuckle?:( ;)

    I hope your second statement says good things about your strings.......not bad things about your socks.:eek: :spit:
     
  10. Aug 4, 2003 #10
    DaveB

    DaveB

    Mar 29, 2000
    Toronto Ontario
    PB - My socks are fine ..I think! My problem is that I have this phobia about my basses. I can't seem to settle on a string until I have tried them all.I go through this with every bass I have ever had.It's a very expensive phobia.
     
  11. Aug 8, 2003 #11
    JimM

    JimM

    Jan 13, 2000
    Northern California
    Nylon Tapewounds wont feel like rounds,but you could try 'em and see if they feel sticky.Or you could just use rounds and put foam between them and the body near the bridge.
     
  12. Aug 8, 2003 #12
    Andrew Jones

    Andrew Jones Inactive

    Feb 28, 2001
    Northampton Mass
    Im haveing my first expirience with with lakland JO flat's thier easy on the hands and really nice sounding.


    AJ
     
  13. Aug 9, 2003 #13
    peaveybassamp88

    peaveybassamp88

    Apr 20, 2003
    Northeast Pennsylvania
    James Jamerson said in this "interview" (see The Bass Player Book for details) that "The crud keeps the funk..." I agree, just plain ol' dead roundwounds with maybe a little EQ adjusting and you should be good.
     
  14. Aug 17, 2003 #14
    Aaron Saunders

    Aaron Saunders

    Apr 27, 2002
    Ontario
    Really, really beaten Ernie Ball rounds. I had some ernie bass slinkies on for about 5 months and restrung with flats -- barely noticed a difference in sound, and the flats had a beautiful smooooooth feel. No stick at all -- sliding was a breeze.