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Post subject: Flat Wound Strings
Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 12:41 pm
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I was just wondering if you guys use these and how you like them? I just strated playing bass this week, but been playing guitar a long time. And I didn't think it would be hurting my fingers as much as it is. Was thinking of switching to Flat wounds and seeing if it's a little easier on the fingers. I need to change the stings anyway, don't know how long these strings have been on the bass before I got it, but they look kind of dirty.

Also how often do you home players usually change strings?


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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 2:53 pm
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Jason - the Flatwounds are more forgiving in reducing 'slide squeek' when quickly going from one fret to an adjacent fret. GHS has a nice set of 45-105 flatwounds for less than $30.00 -

You may like the mellow sound that is produced and they may suit your needs quite well.

I use those on my American '59 P-Bass, my Mike Dirnt Artist Series P Bass and my Power Jazz Bass Special. I wouldn't use anything else personally, but it is a matter of choice, needs, sound quality, ease of playing and longevity... and that last one is important because flatwounds do not start to come apart anywhere near as quickly as mid or full rounds. Could save you some cash in the long run.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:09 pm
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I've heard there worse on fingers but IMO the flats are much better that way. It's easier to do slides and stuff but before making the switch for reasons like that, think about your sound. Do you want a James jamerson funk sound or a modern punk pick sound? For me the flats were perfect but maybe not for you. One things for sure though, you pretty much need roundwounds for playing slap.

That's fine with me though! (I think there's way to many slap bass freaks these days! It is cool though)

so if possible try them first.

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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:29 pm
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Well I'll try them out and can always go back.

I usually play (or try to play) classic rock on the guitar, stuff like Clapton, Hendrix, zepplin, and some newer stuff, like everclear.

And the stuff I've been playing on the bass so far is some Everclear, some Clapton, some Cream, and a few songs that are really easy. And so far I've just been playing with a pick.


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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:34 pm
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In theory you can go back but the strings are pretty expensive. Trying them at a store first is always good if possible.

Jack Bruce of cream used roundwounds I think and also a bit of distortion on his bass while in cream. Flats should good with all of those bands you mentioned I think.

Good luck

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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:36 pm
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Hey, Jason...

If you are using a P-Bass... try resting your thumb on the top of the pickup and use the upright bass style of using your fingertips - just as a test. I know that you have played 6-string for awhile, and 'picking' a bass has it's place, but the control and sound quality using just fingertips for your style of music may sound a bit better... give it a try !! :)

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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 3:12 am
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They serve their purpose...very phat & punchy natural low mid-range without any squeaks.

A great combo with a p-bass...James Jamerson or Pino Palladino anyone?


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:07 am
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I've always hated the sound of flats.


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:21 am
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well some like em and some don't.. well flats would be stiffer than rounds but they'll be easier on your fingers... but if you want smooth flats with low tension try Thomastik Infeld Flats but they're quite expensive...

strings i can recommend are, D'addario Chromes, GHS Precision Flats... my two personal favorites


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:28 am
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i've used flats on my pbass and they are alot easier on the fingers but i like the sound and feel of round wounds more so id suggest try them and if you like them keep them but you can always go back to round wounds


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:55 am
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I started changing over to flats after I bought a fretless bass. I liked the feel and sound so much that I now have them on 4 out of 5 of my basses. Being a guitar player myself, I also like the fact that I can lower the action considerably when using flats.

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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:17 pm
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I think I'm going to try the D'addrios flat wounds, have used that brand on my guitars since 1987 and never had a problem.

Again, how long do you think they'll last? Playing a couple hours a day on average. I'm assume they last quite awhile.

I'm going to try to pick up a set on my way home tomorrow.


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:02 pm
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I use the D'Addario Chromes on my fretless J-Bass, and I really like them. I haven't put them on my Jag because I slap on it quite a bit. Lately I've been contemplating picking up a P and putting on some flats for that Pino Palladino vibe. (I wish I could groove as good as that guy )

Give 'em a shot, I think you'll like them.

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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:11 pm
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I've had d'dario chrome for a year and there still lookin' as good as new. The tone has got more.... Dead? But that's sort of what ou want with flats I guess. They still play awesome any way!

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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:26 pm
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JasonSD wrote:
I think I'm going to try the D'addrios flat wounds, have used that brand on my guitars since 1987 and never had a problem.

Again, how long do you think they'll last? Playing a couple hours a day on average. I'm assume they last quite awhile.

I'm going to try to pick up a set on my way home tomorrow.



Jason - I've been gigging with my Power J-Bass special equipped with GHS flats plus practice a couple times a week for 2 years, and they are still as good now as when I put them on. Fender has some fret cleaner that comes in the zipper accessory compartment on the gig bags that the J-Basses come with - and that stuff works well on the strings as well as the neck. Kind of acts as a conditioner... I also heard that 'Endust Lemon' furniture cleaner (NOT the furniture wax - but the cleaner) works just as well as a preservative and cleans the gunk off the strings really well. Clean strings extends the life considerably on flats. Just make certain that the string to neck spacing is set correctly on your bridge. If ANY strings are set too high, the contact angle across the fret bars gets too steep and the finger pressure tends to separate the string overwindings. Keep us posted...

Best of luck !!

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