I have Labella black nylon flatwound strings on my jazz bass, and Rotosound roundwound on my precision bass. I used to string only with Rotosound roundwounds, like Frankiebass, but I really like the warm sound and smooth feel of the flatwounds, and slides don't lead to blisters and no fret buzz ever.
I have a set of nylon flatwounds for the next time I re-string the p bass. Going to see if I like the flat stings there as well. I'll probably give D'Addario Chromes (metal flatwounds) a try as well on the p bass, maybe before the nylon flats.
I used rotosound for awhile but i was told they will wear out your frets faster due to them being made of stainless steel. Always liked the tone from rotosounds still looking for a good replacment. been using ernie ball and fender.
Sid, I used the flatwounds @ 2 recent gigs and I have mixed feelings about them. On the one hand, they feel good and sound good. On the other hand, because these were both summer gigs @ some really hot venues, my hands were slick with sweat (yuck!) and I felt that I had less control of them on the smooth strings.
Guess I will spend the rest of the summer playing my Mustang with its roundwounds!
Yeah - I can see that the nylon flatwounds might not be the best choice for those conditions. I wouldn't have thought of it though, so thanks for the comment/heads up.
I put a set of Chromes (metal flatwounds) on my p bass, mixed feelings at present. Trying to give it some time so I can adjust to the change and make a fair evaluation. Initially, not really taken by them (seemed very ringy) but I've been able to lower the action some and am liking them a bit more. More playing time though before I decide whether to keep them on or go back to roundwounds. Cheers.
I really like nylon flat wounds on my J bass - I'm sticking with that set up. I like the sound (EMG HZ pick ups)and they are so easy to play. Even with sloppy fingering, they still sound good.
I'm back to Rotosound round wounds on the P bass, and I'll stick with that set up as well. The Chromes just didn't give me the sound I wanted from the P bass. Can't get away with sloppy fingering here though! Coming back to the P bass after playing the J bass for while, I have to really remember to lift fingers straight off and drop straight on to avoid unwanted noise. The nylon flat wounds are much more forgiving!
i use rotosound 45s and 66 swings. just great sound. tried d'addario but found them to bright and a bit tinny sounding. good for hard rock but thats it.
