Question Which sounds better with flats?

[T28]

I have a Bongo and a BigAl and both have the original style EBMM strings.

Since I was moving out all my Fender basses (and my P-Bass has TI Jazz Flats) I was just wondering out of the two above, is there a clear preference over which one sounds the best?

I am really thinking I want to consolidate down to 4-5 basses but I gotta make sure I cover all my ground.

What do you guys think? Bongo or Big Al for flats?

 

[mynan]

Which pickup config does your Bongo and BigAl have?

 

[T28]

Ahhhh, good question.

The Bongo has HHp and the Big Al is SSS.

 

[jlepre]

I would LOVE to hear a Big Al with flats. The passive would be cool

 

[jlepre]

Come to think of it, I would just love to hear a Big Al PERIOD!

 

[Aussie Mark]

I would LOVE to hear a Big Al with flats.

 

[stu42]

I never tried flats on my Bongo HS when I had it but I did have flats on my Big Al SSS and I definitely would say that flats on the Big Al is a winner.

I've tried flats on my Bongo H, which is a different beast than the HH or HS, and flats were great on it as well but I prefer Cobalts on my Bongo.

So...I'd vote for flats on the Big Al and Cobalts on the Bongo.

You can always just buy one set of flats and try them on one for a bit and then transfer them to the other one later if you want to compare. Being the same scale length and construction it's easy to move strings from one EBMM bass to another.

 

[Holdsg]

+ 1 vote for flats on the Big Al, and cobalts on the Bongo are another natural fit.

 

[jlepre]

Thanks Mark. What rig were you using or were we hearing the FOH sound?

 

[OldManMusic]

I cheat. I have 2 single H Bongos - one with EB flats and the other with EB cobalts. Those 2 cover a ton of turf. My BA SSS didn't have the punch or grind I like with flats, so it's been sporting regular slinkys for some time now.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Thanks Mark. What rig were you using or were we hearing the FOH sound?

The camera was located on stage, behind the FOH stacks, so you're mostly hearing my rig in that video clip. That's my Markbass TTE-500 (the Randy Jackson sig model with a gazillion preamp tubes) into a Markbass CL104 (sealed, non-ported, 4x10)

 

[tkarter]

Both will sound better with flats. imho

tk

 

[T28]

Well, I have a Fodera YYS that I have rounds on and like that sound for cutting through the gig mix but some songs just need that thick thump that you can only get with flats.

Initially I was thinking since the Bongo had the piezo option that it might be best with flats but it seems that an equal or larger number prefer the BigAl with flats....

Not quite so easy as just switching them from one bass to the other as the Bongo is a 4 banger and the Big Al a 5.

 

[Golem]

`

Piezo and Flats are made for each other,
especially if your FB has speed bumps.


`

 

[bovinehost]

Both will sound better with flats. imho

tk

TK and I agree on this important issue.

 

[T28]

I was thinking of trying the Circle K strings as I have heard they are almost as smooth as flats and can have some of the same characteristics.

Can anybody confirm or deny this?

 

[tkarter]

Not I, I like flats, used to be the danged fender 9050s then I found the acme ones. There is no rounds replacing flats, half rounds are a loser all the way
But I know not of the strings you ask about. LOL

tk