Who believes that its all about the tone?

[JimmyM]

Sarcasm? Absolutely not. Flats sit under a mix far nicer than rounds. Ask anyone who plays them…

i play flats and rounds and they can both be made to sit in the mix very nicely.

 

[CapnSev]

i play flats and rounds and they can both be made to sit in the mix very nicely.

+1 they are both perfectly capable of creating a mix.

I personally feel that flats help me find my sonic space in the mix a little easier.

 

[All_¥our_Bass]

Let's take this a little further. While a good tone is important, it's even more important that it sits good in the mix. You know that "scooped" sound we like so much when we practice alone at home? Chances are that live IME that your band and you will sound like dirt (assuming that you'll even be able to here any bass,) because the highs are drown out by cymbals, the top 3 guitar strings, and possibly a whiney lead singer. The lows are being filled by the bass drum and maybe synths.What's always worked for me was a relatively flat eq with a bit of top end "grind" (I play metal.) Just remember that what you consider a good tone at home or even in your band's practice room might not sound very good live. The best tone in the world is no good if it can't hold it's own within the context of a band.

Ugh, I hate that scooped sound.
I run my tone with minimal low end, as much mids as I can get without sounding honky/nasal/annoying, with just enough treble to get that crispness, clank and definition without being harsh or boosting hiss.
I play better when my tone is how I like it, since I know all of it's quirks and how to use them, and some of the stuff I do doesn't sound good with a smooth, round tone.

I think it's about 50/50 between playing well and good tone, but a great player can shine with not so great tone and a bad player won't be any better with good tone.

 

[dvh]

I personally feel that flats help me find my sonic space in the mix a little easier.

Yes