My Top 3 Flatwound Bass Lines

[henry5]

Came to this late, but I have an interview where John Paul Jones says he always used roundwounds in Zeppelin, so despite the sound, I don't think the Lemon Song counts...

[ilan]

I know I already posted my three, just had to add Bernard Edwards (Chic) on Good Times and I Want Your Love.

[sloop_john_b]

Came to this late, but I have an interview where John Paul Jones says he always used roundwounds in Zeppelin, so despite the sound, I don't think the Lemon Song counts...

You're telling me that's rounds on Dazed and Confused?! I wish rounds could get that tone. Maybe I need an Acoustic 360...

[henry5]

Maybe, John! I was as surprised as you, but he said he never liked flats. Couldn't tell from his sound!

[jwr2]

is there any great flats bass line that isn't over 30 years old???

[sloop_john_b]

In the scheme of things, music has grown more aggressive and in turn, bass players want more aggressive tone. Hence, the popularity of rounds.

That being said, I use flats on all my basses in all my bands. Mostly indie music (Could I be more broad?), folk rock, but I also play in a cover band that covers all bases, so to speak. Flats do the job for me. I just don't have a use for that snarling trebly tone.

People are always impressed with my tone and I try to sell as many players I can on the merits of flats.

[nattiep]

"is there any great flats bass line that isn't over 30 years old???"

Anything by Steve Harris?

[congerz83]

How about "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" Killer Bass. And, unless it's in somebody's book, I can't belive George played bass on "Taxman." Listen to the bridge. George never played a six string that fast. Let alone play and instrument that was un-common to him. Pure Macca, Pure Rick.

[westtexasrickenbacker]

I've always used rounds on my basses, yet have always wanted the deeper bass tone.

I just switched to a roto sound Jazz 40 to 90 set on my Hofner copy. It sounds very 60's now. Don't know how that particular set would transfer to the 4003, maybe a bit too much on the light gauge side.

Anyway, back to the thread! Which celebrity bassists still use flats? Then we can give a worthwhile opinion.

[icabod]

The theme from Barney Miller.....R

[4stringnosing]

"is there any great flats bass line that isn't over 30 years old???"

Um, ever heard of this guy? He plays bass with a band called "The Hot Red Bell Peppers" or something. I understand he's thought by some to be fairly good! (Though I have to admit to being rather shocked to hear he uses flatwounds!)

http://www.bassplayer.com/story.asp?sec ... code=14523

[jwr2]

aahh .. I knew there was a good reason why I didn't like the Chili peppers music ...

[rictified]

"Came to this late, but I have an interview where John Paul Jones says he always used roundwounds in Zeppelin, so despite the sound, I don't think the Lemon Song counts..."


I also read that and I don't believe it. I think perhaps he has a bad memory. His sound changed drastically during the early 70's when everyone else also started using them including me. No matter how old RW's are or how hard you palm mute them they don't have the solidity or sound of a flat wound and he played with his fingers most of the time. There is plenty of flatwound stuff nowadays you just don't hear about it.

[atomic_punk]

"There is plenty of flatwound stuff nowadays you just don't hear about it."

Yeah, that was kind of the point! Sorry, Bob, that just made me laugh out loud!

[ricnbacker]

John Bicuti said
"You're telling me that's rounds on Dazed and Confused?! I wish rounds could get that tone."

I hear that!
i have been playing that song for nearly 30 years and have never gotten the tone as dull as he does