Who uses flats on their Bongo?

[AnthonyD]

I went to flats earlier this year and they feel great (to me!)...

I tried a few brands and decided on Chromes for my fretted Sterling. I play mostly classic rock radio hits. I find the Chromes provide enough tension for my most aggressive runs and permit the dialing-in of a wide variety of tone via my amp's EQ.

I've got a set of TI Jazz Flats on my desk for two months now, waiting on my fretless Bongo (any day now). I plan to use my fretless more for mellower, slower tunes and was looking for a different feel - I've yet to give them a try.

 

[LisaIs]

Who says? I play funk all the time with RWs. I think it sounds pretty nice myself.

Andrew

I meant to say you can't play funk with FW but I may be wrong about that. It is just that RW are used for funk and most any slap and pop.

 

[Golem]

A frequent lurker and infrequent contributor here...

Just curious as to how many of you Bongo owners use flats. ..................

For those who use flats on your Bongos - whaddaya think? Can you still get a bright sound if you choose? Too muted, thumpy? Or is it a slice of heaven

I played my Bongo at the store, and before I even plugged it in at home it got a set of 5 yr old D'Addario Chrome Flats on it.

Bright? Depends on what you mean. You can figure where I'm at, since I put 5 yr old strings on it.

Muted. Ever try to mute a Bongo?

Thumpy? Too much thump is never enough.

Heaven? By the slice? One man's pepperoni is another man's pig lips. Welcome to the Hotel California. Such a lovely place.....

 

[Golem]

I love the idea of flat wounds, but in using them i've always found the tension a bit tough to tame. However i have to ask, what's the point of 4 band eq when you're using string that have lower fidelity and loose that which they have quicker? When i want that sort of sound i just mute with my palm. The Bongo seems designed for modern sounds with more complex qualities, but flat wounds smooth everything out.....

IF [that's "IF"] some string set could render my Bongo's 4th [high] band null and void, I'd still benefit from being able to split the decisions concerning upper and lower mids, so the 4 band would be a very important feature even to someone using only the lower 3 bands. With the same strings on a 3 band system, I'd be down to two bands..... For the record, the high band EQ knob on my Bongo has a very definite effect, and I'm using 5 yr old flats on it.

Lower fidelity? You need to look up the meaning of 'fidelity'. Strings that 'loose fidelity'? That's a nonsequitor. The flats on my Bongo are 5 YEARS OLD [right, older than the Bongo]. These strings have GAINED fidelity. These strings are proven low end warriors. They embody the slogan "Semper Fidelis".

Smooth everything out? If anyone loves the feeling of broken glass in their ears, they can go listen to someone else's band. Suits me fine.

 

[Aussie Mark]

If I went flats, I'd still want to be able to get that agressive growl the Bongo HH does so well.

Aggressive? You wanna see aggressive with a Bongo and flats? Hey? You looking at me, punk?

 

[Dr Stankface]

I meant to say you can't play funk with FW but I may be wrong about that. It is just that RW are used for funk and most any slap and pop.

Oh ok. I must have misread. My apologies. :: tips hat ::

That's why I think i'll stick to RWs. I play alot of slap stuff so it's what fits me. Now on my upright bass, i'll keep flatwounds. Well... I've never heard of an upright with RWs. Maybe one used for a jazz ensemble with walking bass lines everywhere wtih tons of pizzicato would use RWs. Can anyone help me out here?

Andrew

 

[Bill]

I had flats on one of my 'Rays for a while. I enjoyed them, but one day recently I slapped a new set of roundwounds on it. I think I'm gonna keep roundwounds on my 2 'Rays for a while. I still have flats on my Jazz...flats & a Jazz Bass seem to be a perfect match.