Flats versus Roundwounds, again.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun May 15, 2005 4:57 pm

There is room for all music styles here! I myself have been playing primarily original music for a LONG time.

nattiep · Post by **nattiep** » Sun May 15, 2005 5:02 pm

Don't feel out of place, Rath. I'm not big on new music, I think most of it sucks. But I like The Killers, Maroon 5 (they're kind of wussy but they don't suck), and the New(ish) Green Day CD. I haven't bought any of their Cds but I still like them. I also like Ashlee Simpson, but that is another story.

What is your bands website? I want to look at the set list again.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun May 15, 2005 5:05 pm

Jwr2: What I really like about this place is that we all have the opportunity to learn from each other.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Sun May 15, 2005 5:15 pm

In my opinion, strings, like basses or effects or amps, are tools to help you achieve a sound you enjoy, regardless of the musical style you're playing. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to play along with a Ben Folds Five CD using a filthy, distorted V63 with Pyramids...

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Sun May 15, 2005 7:15 pm

I apologize if i offended Jeff or peter for that matter with the thread topic,I was mocking the controversy between Jeff and Bob its actually quite humerus to read there posts about the subject ,when you get the two of them going on about flats and rounds its hilarious. thud, thud ,thud, got me i was rolling on the floor.This subject cant be taken sooo seriously because its all a matter of personal preference.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:18 am

Ken: Your comments are appreciated. I think it was something that started in good fun but seemed to get of the rails.

Back to the topic, as I am trying to learn more about roundwounds, I would be interested to hear the type most commonly used by visitors here. My only experience has been with SIT Power Wound Nickel Medium Lights. If I stick with rounds, what type should I try next?

nattiep · Post by **nattiep** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:21 am

"I myself have been playing primarily original music for a LONG time."

I would be doing that but I can't write music. When ever I try I get a giant writers block and when I do get something it turns into another song I already know and I forget it. I come up with great songs in my sleep. But I foget mosy of the time. I once got a sort of 60's song in my head. It was an instrumental. Mostly guitar, good bass line... I was too lazy to get up and figure it out, so I forgot it. There is one thing I do remember. It's not that good but as McCartney once said "If you forget it, it wasn't good in the frist place." Or something like that.

nattiep · Post by **nattiep** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:24 am

I use whatever rounds I can get my hands on. Fender, Rick, Warwick, garbage stuff. For me a round is a round. I should but a bunch of good strings in bulk and save some.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Mon May 16, 2005 2:59 am

Peter - if DR's are available in your area, I'd give them a spin. Probably more expensive than the SIT's but definitely worth the money. I use the Nickel Lo-Riders. I find it hard to articulate why I prefer the DR's - I guess because when I use them, I'm not thinking about them (if that makes any sense). The sound and feel are just right for me, and the brightness lasts a long time.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon May 16, 2005 3:39 am

Thanks Steve. I will do some research on the DR's over the next while. The things about using roundwounds is that there appear to be many options available compared to the relatively limited number of flatwound makes.

hieronymous · Post by **hieronymous** » Mon May 16, 2005 4:19 am

I like DRs too. For a while I was using the "Long Necks" - they are tapered at the ball end, which worked great with the 4001 bridge. Like 86kubicki said, there's just something about them. Actually, I remember Mike Gordon of Phish recommending them to me way back when (mid-90's?). Don't know if they still make the Long Necks - but just regular Lo-riders are great too...

hieronymous · Post by **hieronymous** » Mon May 16, 2005 4:20 am

Oh, and I'm really REALLY sick of the whole rounds vs. flats thing. As if the slapping thread wasn't bad enough. Next thing you know, someone's gonna bring up pick vs. fingers again! Use what'cha got is what I say...

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon May 16, 2005 6:01 am

From the DR site.

Hi-Beam ™ (DR's Most Popular Bass Set!!)

Hi-Beam Stainless Steel Bass Strings are round wound and constructed upon a round core which is unique in the industry. Hi-Beams require much more time, care, and extra steps to make than other bass strings. The extra effort DR expends making Hi-Beams results in a bass string that is highly flexible, musically bright (not harshly bright) and renowned for durability, unusually long life, consistency, and string-to string balance. They don't eat your frets. Hi-Beams are the string to choose for brightness, and ease of playing. DR H-Beams fit virtually all scale lengths up to 37 3/4".

Lo-Riders™

Lo-Rider stainless steel bass strings are round wound and constructed upon a hexagonal core. They provide more depth of tone, and are a bit stiffer than Hi-Beams. Bass players who are into slapping, popping, and tapping will love the high end and depth of Lo-Riders. The slight bit of stiffness makes Lo-Rider bass strings very accurate when playing harmonics. Great consistency, and great string-to-string balance are DR hallmarks. Fits scale lengths up to 37 3/4".
Note: New Box, New Color

SUNBEAMS

SUNBEAMS are another step forward on a continuing path for players who continually seek to upgrade their skills and tools to achieve greater musical satisfaction. SUNBEAMS are the next generation of nickel-plated bass strings as they are wound upon round cores. SUNBEAMS are a step forward for the traditional player, as well as the advanced exponent of fretless bass, both of whom want brightness and warmth. SUNBEAMS feature the easily recognizable feel and flexibility of DR round core construction, with nickel warmth, softness of feel, and increased response to magnetic pickups due to the sensitive magnetic content (compared to stainless steel) of the nickel plated wrap wire. Tony Franklin says "SUNBEAMS amaze me.. I love them on my fretless." Note new box and color!!

Lo-Riders Nickels™

Lo-Rider nickel-plated bass strings are based upon hexagonal cores, wound with nickel-plated steel, specitically designed for a softer feel and a traditional warm nickel sound. These bass strings are even, long lasting, and loud with a mid-range growl. An excellent string for fretless basses... "Lo-Riders Love to Funk." Note new box and color!!

'FAT BEAMS' Signature Strings

DR HandMade Strings is proud to announce the arrival of the new Marcus Miller Signature String Series, 'FAT BEAMS'.

Marcus Miller, considered by almost every bass player on the planet as the guru and one of the best ever, has been a pioneer in electric bass. From his work with Miles Davis, to serving as producer for "Night Music" and developing an extensive resume as a producer in L.A. to having been on over 200 records, Marcus Miller has always been known for his distinctive sound.

'FAT BEAMS' are the latest development from DR HandMade Strings, for Marcus' exacting standards. Marcus notes that 'FAT BEAMS' are "fatter, deeper and smoother."

Marcus Miller's 'FAT BEAMS' are available in various gauges, from MM-40 (40-100), MML-45 (45-100), MM-45 (45-105), as well as 5 string (MM5-125) and 6 string (MM6-125). 'FAT BEAMS' can be purchased through any local retailer of DR HandMade Strings.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon May 16, 2005 6:05 am

I think I might try Lo Rider Nickels next.

wayang · Post by **wayang** » Mon May 16, 2005 6:24 am

Harry, I'm experimenting with a ball-peen hammer at the twelfth fret...kind of hard to palm, though, so I find myself just throwing it at a roadie...