Which One Gets the Flats? Stingray or Bongo?

[Evolver]

Thanks for the replys... How should I expect tension to change from rounds to flats (i.e. if the gauge is the same would tension be higher/lower...)?

 

[Aussie Mark]

Thanks for the replys... How should I expect tension to change from rounds to flats (i.e. if the gauge is the same would tension be higher/lower...)?

It varies, depending on manufacturer. In general, most flats are higher tension than rounds of the same gauge, with one or two notable exceptions. Given this is the EB forum, it's best that any string discussion be kept to EB strings only, so if there are any forumites who have used EB flats and can compare to Slinkies, then let's hear from you. I haven't used EB flats yet, so can't comment on their tension.

 

[bovinehost]

f there are any forumites who have used EB flats and can compare to Slinkies, then let's hear from you.

I have extensive experience with Group II EB Flats, and they are relatively high tension when compared to those, um, "Acme" strings. This can be good if the "acme" strings seem overly floppy to you. I like the Group II flats, though, even with my bad habits.

Chuck Rainey says they make your bass feel more like an upright in terms of tone and tension. I think he's probably right. VERY thumpy! There's an effort to get Chuck some Group IIIs or IVs because he likes to be able to bend strings a bit, and I'll post his reaction to those ASAP.

Jack

 

[Evolver]

Should then I expect the Group II flats to be higher tension than Super Slinkys and Group III to be about the same given the gauge?

 

[russjm]

Put the flats on the Stingray and the rounds on the Bongo. Play for a few hours.
Put the flats on the Bongo and the rounds on the Stingray. Play for a few hours.

Now decide which you like better.
That's how I'd do it.

There you go +1

 

[bassmonkeee]

I love the Group III flats, which is basically what the 5 string set is with an added .130 low B.

All of the recordings of my fretted Bongo recently have been with those EB flats. I can bend them easily enough for the rare time I am inclined to do such things. But, they are still tight enough that I can really dig in without any problems of fretting out.

 

[Eggman]

I put flats on my 30th SR - they sound great. Flats on the fretless Sterling - wonderful.

Thinking about flats on my SR5 and maybe the Sterling HS. Will keep rounds on the HH Bongo and HH Sterling.

Has anyone tried half-rounds? (yes I know EBMM does not make them - but they seem like they would be a great compromise - less finger noise and still bright and snappy)

 

[Slim]

Rounds for round faced bass "Bongo"
Flats for flat faced bass "Ray"

 

[prickly_pete]

For what its worth, I've tried all the popular flats -- past and present -- and I really like the EBs. They are not as stiff as some other brands, and not as noodley as the popular acme flats. They are just right, like baby bear's porridge!