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Supposing(and I mean JUST supposing)...
- Thread starter TrevorG
- Start date
I'd try it on the cheap bass first and see what you think.
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My rationale is that if you are gigging, keep your main bass the way it is until you decide if you like flats or not
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My rationale is that if you are gigging, keep your main bass the way it is until you decide if you like flats or not
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Could it be just as simple as putting the preferred strings on the lighter bass for gigs?
I don't think so. Depending on what you are using now, flats will probably be darker and thumpier. That will show through on any bass
I stopped using anything besides flats years ago and I don't miss rounds at all. For the round sound I can use pedals to lighten my sound but I really just love the feel of them on my fingers.
Personally, as a PB player since 1976, IMO they sound much better with rounds. True, they sing more than thud, but with the right EQ, they thud just as well using good muting technique. I haven’t bought a set of flats since the 70’s and nobody has ever objected. In fact, I get a lot of comments about other bassists and their flats that are not real positive, especially from sound engineers.
No wrong answer. If it were me I'd agree with @MobileHolmes if you are used to rounds. Flats sound a little different and feel a lot different and you may find it takes a week or so (don't let that deter you). If you put them on the bass you use less today for gigs or other you won't put yourself in the position of having to make drastic changes while you make the transition. Have fun.
Get another the same. That way you can have a spare. I have an SR300E for practicing and an SR600E for gigging.
Keep whatever you have on your current bass and put some GHS black tapewounds on one of these.
Black tapewounds have enhanced every "cheap" bass I've ever owned.
Black tapewounds have enhanced every "cheap" bass I've ever owned.
Put the flats on the cheap bass. Then...switch the flats to the better bass and put the rounds on the cheap bass. Then....get a different set of flats for the good bass. Then....switch them again. Then.....get a different set of rounds and try them on both basses. Then...get a P/J and start over. Eventually....get a Jazz and put rounds on it. Then try flats on the Jazz. Then.....
I think there is great virtue in having at least two basses so you have a backup.
To me, "cheap" would be a good used Squier or similar, for under $200 if possible. And I'll bet that with a good setup it will play as well as your #1 bass.
And the strings are simple for me, because I play flats, so I'd put them on both. Otherwise, put the strings you play most often on the "better" bass and the strings you play less on the "cheaper" bass.
To me, "cheap" would be a good used Squier or similar, for under $200 if possible. And I'll bet that with a good setup it will play as well as your #1 bass.
And the strings are simple for me, because I play flats, so I'd put them on both. Otherwise, put the strings you play most often on the "better" bass and the strings you play less on the "cheaper" bass.
I will second jd56hawk's suggestion: Tapewounds are very cool - smooth to the touch and bright to the ears - as long as you don't miss the string ground (EMG actives are my workaround for that...)
I put El Cheapo flats (Addagio) on an El Gheapo bass (Costway), and that particular bass now sounds absolutely fabulous. Especially with a bit of foam at the bridge.
