rounds vs flats

[TSanders]

I know this one has probably been hammered before, but I am thinking about diving into the world of flats after hearing a friends flat stung Sterling. Any suggestions or opinions on what types of flats sound best on a my new medallion gold rosewood necked Ray? Any help would be great.

 

[bovinehost]

Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats are my go-to string around here. The tension is fairly light and could require right hand adjustments.

Second choice is the LaBella Deep Talking Flats, a bit higher in tension than the TIs but still very responsive.

I have 9 basses; eight of them are strung with those strings.

(Slinkys on my Stingray.)

 

[TSanders]

would you recommend that I keep slinkys on my StingRay, or give the flats a try? What benefits will I get from using flats?

 

[bovinehost]

Depends on what tone you're looking for. If you're going for a modern (dare I say Flea) kind of tone, keep the rounds.

If you want old school thump (think "Another One Bites The Dust" as an example of Stingray with flats), then change 'em out.

And really, they're only strings. You can try them, and if you don't like them, put the rounds back on.

 

[spectorbassguy]

I like the T-I Powerbass - Great sounding roundwounds and good low B tension due to smaller B string.

Buy 'em from Steve "Dude" Barr.

http://www.vintagebass.com/

 

[TSanders]

Thanks for the help guys. Very appreciated. Maybe one day I'll be as good as Nick.

 

[Mantaray]

Well if you want a more Jamersonesque sound, use flats. The best flats I ever used(not in my SR though) were the Dean Markleys.

As for rounds, I'm a fan of DR Hi Beams .45
I also loved the sound of LaBella Slappers but they lose their brightness soon enough.

 

[lowstrung]

Go flats. I love em but then I like the old school sound. Personaly I think round wounds belong on a guitar.

That's just my opinion so for you speed fretters don't take it to heart.