Who's gone back to rounds on their P-types or never left?

[markob]

I jumped on the wagon early on. After many years of playing round wounds on all my basses I started using flats about 10 years ago on my p styles. A few months ago I decided to put a set of rounds on my U.S. Lakland 4451m. So fresh to my ears. Piano like tones that I've missed. The band seemed to notice for the better. (But what do guitar players know) Not saying that I'm back for good. I keep my 72 P with flats for now anyway. But I'm digging the sizzle.

 

[patrickj]

Tried flats, not a fan.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I've been playing a P with rounds for over 15 years. I actually recently got another one to try flats.

 

[Thick McRunfast]

I’ve got one P with flats and one with rounds.

Horses for courses.

 

[JGbassman]

I have both. As I look over at my stand, I have two p basses and a jazz with flats, the other four with SS rounds. I prefer rounds, but love the flats as well. Each have their place.

 

[cataract]

I dig flats but rounds will always be my go-to sound.

 

[ezstep]

Me. Me. Me. Tried flats and found them, well, flat. Went back to rounds. Different strokes.... Just my personal preference.

 

[ole Jason]

Don't like flats, I want more than just lows and thumpiness.

 

[grrg63]

I love flats but IMO rounds have a wider range of tones and are more versatile when it comes to playing different kinds of music and using different playing techniques.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Passive P + Flats + pick + aggressive technique = Awesomeness!!

I have 3 P basses: Two with rounds, and One with flats. The guitarist calls this bass ‘The Freight Train’.

Yes, flats are less versatile, but they do what they do exceptionally well.

 

[MichaelPatrick]

I play halfs on my P. It's like getting that worn in sweet spot from day one. Stringing my MTD K5 with tapes, just because I like the sheer force that erupts when I play those.

 

[Marko 1]

Rounds only, prefer broken-in sound, usually tone knob down.

 

[ModuMan]

Once I put tapewounds on my Precision I haven't felt the need to change them. Love 'em. This was the sound I was looking for.

 

[Stevorebob]

Rounds on my P just works for me!

 

[5StringBlues]

Yeah, l switched the flats on my single coil P with the strings on my split coil, which were rounds.


I'm going to switch them back, as l seem to like the top end l get with the flats on the single coil, and miss the slight grind of the rounds on the split.


Most likely because I'm a jazz bass guy at heart.

 

[faulknersj]

Glad you are digging them!

I have P’s and J’s with both flats and rounds. Which one I bring depends on the gig.

I also decide on a ‘bass by bass’ basis. Some Basses sound better with rounds, and some get better tones with flats.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I’ve bought basses with flats on them a fretless p kept them until I sold it, the G&L L2000 and the music man sterling didn’t last very long, before getting my rounds of choice. I don’t know what it is specifically I just can’t do flats. They just don’t feel or sound right to me. My playing sounds better with a more dynamic range. Flats make me sound like the hack I am!

 

[Pontiac Thrasher]

Sounds like the garden of delights : )

Now I want to experiment...

Gotta go get some flats to try...

Used to have flats when I had 72 Tele Bass, but never really played it, but loved it when I did. Have always instead played fat super slinky's on everything else.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

I love flats but IMO rounds have a wider range of tones and are more versatile when it comes to playing different kinds of music and using different playing techniques.

^This^ Using my tone controls and plucking placement, I can get a pretty good flat thump. But you can't do sparkly bright with flats. There's just so much more versatility in rounds.

I think it also has something to do with growing up with Chris Squire, Jack Casady, Jack Bruce, Geddy Lee. Now if I had an extra P clone for a few bucks I'd put some flats on it if i ever wanted that Tower of Power thump.

 

[bigtone23]

I'm historically a rounds guy, but did put together a Partscision out of a Squier Dirnt body and CV 51 P neck just for being a flats bass. I still keep it in flats as the strings have broken in nicely and I shouldn't have to change them for 20 years. haha