Flat Wounds

[nurnay]

In fact, I'd love to trade my 4 string set of flats for a 5 string set if anyone's interested. I'll throw in a couple of bucks to make up the difference. Mine are DR's.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Anyone using flats on their Big Al 5SSS? I'd be interested to hear some feedback. I might try a pair, just for fun. I have a 4 string set for my Ray, but I prefer the sound of the Slinkys on it.

I have a set of flats on my Big Al 4SSS. It's like a Stingray with flats - only 10 times better.

 

[Holdsg]

+1 Aussie Mark

 

[b-unit]

My Fretless Sterling 4 came to me with flats and I was blown away at how good they sounded. The bass still had "mwah" and growl but with such an authoritative thump that is really addicting. I have recently set up the bass with a new set of Slinkys and love them but am thinking of going back to the flats at some point as they really do have a great vibe on these bases.

 

[orpheus55]

I use Stage III flats for a classic oldies 10 piece horn-band on my 3-and Stingray 4 and they cut right through; more definition than a P to my ears without the clank.

 

[Holdsg]

plus the Group III flats are about as economical a flatwound string you will find. I have a hard time telling the difference between strings that cost 2X.

 

[Golem]

`


+1 on the piezos with flats .... Holy tonegasm, Bassman !



`

 

[KevinM]

I've been thinking of trying the flats on my Bongo to see if they will get rid of the stringslide noise I get.

Can anybody give input on that?

 

[MarkusBass]

Worn in flats will greatly reduce stringslide noise.

 

[Manfloozy]

I've been thinking of trying the flats on my Bongo to see if they will get rid of the stringslide noise I get.

Can anybody give input on that?

Yes, they are very good for reducing this, and a bunch of other extraneous noises. As Markus mentioned, let them break in a little bit and they're even better!

 

[jlepre]

I just had a nice rehearsal tonight, and my SR5 sounded so smooth with my Group IV flats. I love how they feel, and so easy to slide.

 

[tunaman4u2]

i have a set of Group IIIs but went with the Super Slinkies for my Sterling, I gotta try em

 

[KevinM]

I solved most of my unwanted string sqeal by cutting the high mids all the way. the tone actually sounds pretty good that way.

I had already ordered the flats and they came in today so I'll probably string them up tonight.

 

[MrMusashi]

I've been thinking of trying the flats on my Bongo to see if they will get rid of the stringslide noise I get.

Can anybody give input on that?

the bongo is one awesome bass to put flats on.. the bongo has this wide frequency range that the flats seems to thrive in.
you get chest pounding thump, yet you still have surprisingly much treble if you want to.. its even possible to slap a little.. lol

all i can say is: try it!
maybe you end in the same heaven as me and jack!

MrM

 

[bovinehost]

maybe you end in the same heaven as me and jack!

You should try a Big Al 5H with flats.

 

[Habilis]

So, I am a relatively new convert to the EBMM cult. I have a SR5 with roundwounds that I just bought used from GC (Clarification: the bass was used, not just the strings). I tried it out at band practice last week and man, oh, man, it was CLANKY!

Let me note that we are a punk/hardcore type band and so you'd think that the more noise the better. But I found myself distracted by all the non-actual-note noise going on. I screwed around with all my EQ options but didn't quite find the tone I was hunting for.

So, is the idea of flatwounds (or tapewounds? I don't know very much about those) for a aggro-punk band just completely absurd? Anyone out there tried the flatwounds in an aggressive loud rock setting?

I eagerly await your illuminating responses...

 

[jlepre]

I would try a good setup by an experienced luthier. You might have the action set wrong for your style of playing. JMHO

 

[Habilis]

I would try a good setup by an experienced luthier. You might have the action set wrong for your style of playing. JMHO

You're probably right. But after I get it properly set up (and cleaned--man, it was filthy!) I may still try flatwounds.

 

[MrMusashi]

if you do a lot of slides the flats will not eat up all your left hand fingers, and they dont make as much string sliding noise.

also, just to be on the safe side with the bass.. dont dime every control on it.. start with volume about 80% open, and the eq flat, then make adjustments accordingly.
want more top and bottom? surprisingly you can get the same result from removing mids instead of adding bass and treble..

hth!

MrM

 

[Aussie Mark]

Anyone out there tried the flatwounds in an aggressive loud rock setting?

Steve Harris from Iron Maiden springs to mind.

And I use flats in my original hard rock band - The Volts - Australian rock band