why don't music stores put flats on their basses?

[DionClassic]

Hey guys,
I was just at a few music stores and was looking to try out some p basses. There were about 6 or 7 to choose from and none of them had flats. I know they are more expensive but I feel like many people like the p bass flats combo... why not slap on at least one? This is up in Canada so maybe that's just here.

do you guys have similar experiences with the lack of flat equipped basses at music stores?

 

[mmbongo]

Because most people would assume the bass was broken if they plugged it in and played it. Seriously.

 

[vmabus]

Rounds are cheaper.

 

[DionClassic]

Because most people would assume the bass was broken if they plugged it in and played it. Seriously.

But they would be shocked at how smooth it feels.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Only old dudes would buy them.
You can't slap them or play metal with flats.
The stores need to sell cabs with tweeters. .

Hiding

 

[OEW3]

Yeah, price point more than likely. I sure wish they would though. I hate rounds, and it makes it hard to really know if I connect to the bass or not. But I get it. Money.

 

[20db pad]

It could be surmised that since flats are so popular on TB, they'd be popular in the real world. Flats are having a renaissance lately but the standard issue has been rounds for so long that it's just a default. Ironic because when the Fender electric bass was first available, you could only get them with flats.

Somebody's gonna counter that "can't play metal with flats" thing.

 

[DionClassic]

I hear ya. I was just shocked that out of the 40 basses on the wall not 1 had flats. So when I played a few, in my head I was wondering how it would "actually" sound.

 

[f.c.geil]

Because, other than on TB, most people don't use them, and wouldn't like the additional tension, and because the bass would need a new setup. Also, because they are strung with rounds at the factories, and it is silly to change them for minority players. You play for the odds, and way over 90% of bassists use rounds. Mostly, though, it's money. Whenever a question starts with, "why don't they..." The answer is almost always, "money." In this case, rounds are a ton cheaper, especially when they are purchased in bulk, and you only need to do one setup instead of having every bass strung differently, and thus needing a different setup.

 

[DionClassic]

Is it similar in the states though? Like 0 basses with flats Out of 50?

 

[f.c.geil]

Only old dudes would buy them.
You can't slap them or play metal with flats.
The stores need to sell cabs with tweeters. .
Hiding....

Tell that to Steve Harris...

 

[f.c.geil]

Is it similar in the states though? Like 0 basses with flats Out of 50?

Yes

 

[DionClassic]

Because, other than on TB, most people don't use them, and wouldn't like the additional tension, and because the bass would need a new setup. Also, because they are strung with rounds at the factories, and it is silly to change them for minority players. You play for the odds, and way over 90% of bassists use rounds. Mostly, though, it's money. Whenever a question starts with, "why don't they..." The answer is almost always, "money." In this case, rounds are a ton cheaper, especially when they are purchased in bulk, and you only need to do one setup instead of having every bass strung differently, and thus needing a different setup.

I was actually under the impression that flats were quite popular. I guess it's because of TB. What your saying g makes sense though. But i wish It was like at the car dealers... they have automatic and manual... even though everybody wants an automatic, they still have manuals to demo (I guess they are cheaper though).

 

[20db pad]

I've only seen one new bass with flats for sale in a store, ever. Pino CS, that's it.

 

[OEW3]

Almost every bassist I know uses flats. I know that's not the whole world, or even close, just the dudes I happen to know, but it always surprises me to get that reality slap.
P.S. Flats work GREAT for metal!

 

[DionClassic]

I know it would be expensive but a '58 or '62 AVRI precision should come out of the shop with flats... I'm sure there's room with that price tag

 

[Jazz Ad]

Tell that to Steve Harris...

You mean the guy who changes his flats before every show to make sure they sound super bright?
I'd be surprised if more than 1% of bass players use flats.

 

[DionClassic]

Well when every bass in the store has rounds, I guess it's hard for beginner bass players to ever try flats... so I guess the rounds dominated market will remain forever

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Tell that to Steve Harris...

I was juuuust kidding Steve is one of my idols sheesh
On the other hand.... old dude.
Hiding again!

 

[ShallowBayXI]

I hear ya. I was just shocked that out of the 40 basses on the wall not 1 had flats. So when I played a few, in my head I was wondering how it would "actually" sound.

Coming from a round user, this is how I feel when basses are strung with flats... I was at GC and they had two nitro satins, both strung with flats. Had no idea if I liked them or not. And I play upright too, so it's not that I hate them in general lol... I just don't like the sound for my playing style.