flatwound strings

[wilki29`]

I was looking into some flatwounds strings for punk/emo music. Any thought on what kind? Ive never used flatwounds and was waondering what kind of sound you get. ALso do you know of nay good musicans that use flatwounds on their basses. Thanks

[bassment zombie]

Originally posted by wilki29` I was looking into some flatwounds strings for punk/emo music. Any thought on what kind? Ive never used flatwounds and was waondering what kind of sound you get. ALso do you know of nay good musicans that use flatwounds on their basses. Thanks

I don't think any particular string is best for any particular genre on music. I have tried all kinds of flats, and currently, I have 3 different brands and types of flats on my basses, and I like them all. I think I prefer particular flats for each instrument, but that's even open to interpretation. I think your personal preferences make 95% of the difference, so in that vein...

 

How do you like to play? (Fingers...pick...both at what percentage)...what kind of 'feel' and tension are you looking for? Are you looking for any particular tonal aspect to be prominent? Etc...

 

PS - I don't think cost should be any consideration with flats, considering that they last years upon years, and when you stretch out $5-20 extra over 10 years (as long as my flats have been on my bass, and counting!), well...you get the picture.

[zenfascist]

There have been a lot of threads on this lately, you may want to look at those. I have been using the Rotosound 77 flats, you can hear what they sound like on the website. Some people like Thomastik-Infelds for their extra soft feel and because they're very long-lasting. There are lots of different types, you'll just have to give them a try and see what you think.

[Thunderbroom]

Originally posted by wilki29` ALso do you know of nay good musicans that use flatwounds on their basses. Thanks

 

Me.

 

I really like D'Addario Chromes. I have them on three of my basses.

[wilki29`]

i usually play with a pick due to the fact that i play punk/rock music. I was looking for more of a deep sound and to reduce my fret buzz. With normal strings it seems like the strings buzz a lot know matter where i play.I lowered the action to make the strings lower to the fret board and this helped a little. Any thoughts?

[GrooveMonkey]

Check out the bass intro/bassline to The White Stripes "Seven Nation Army".

 

That's what flats sound like with a pick and treble rolled back.

[sunburstbasser]

James Jamerson used flats on his P bass for his entire career. The same set, I think.

 

Paul McCartney used flats for a long time as well, and may still be.

[Adrenochrome]

I'd recommend flats for any style of music with fingers or a pick. You can have turn up the treble on your bass with flats, so you get more tone and less extraneous percussive sounds from frets etc.

[SpaceGhost]

Check out the Rotosound Jazz flats. I normally don't like rotosounds but these just sound damn nice and they feel great. Tons of low end whomp.

[Cortfan]

I use Fender Flats on my Fender, G.H.S. Flats on my Cort, and just recently, Rotosound flats on the Peavey 5. I didn't like the roundwounds at all. I use fingers, and a pick, for all kinds of music.

[lowbasslowbass]

I love Thomastik flats. They sound great, regardless of the music style. And they last for very long.

[sumasmreq]

so its not pointless to use flats on a P?

[Ole Man Blues]

Not pointless, but a good idea.

 

Flats will save your frets. Save your fingers from being caloused up. Cost less to use in the long run. I've seen players use a set of flats for years.

 

Granted they are a little warmer, but just add some treble, if you like and you'll be surprised at what magical tones you'll find in a set of flats.

 

I use D'addario Chromes on my Fender P Bass.......I'll NEVER go back to roundwound bass strings......

 

Tell em Ole Man Blues sent ya.........

 

OMB