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Roundwound Vs Flatwound Strings - Which Are Better!

TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons

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This week we're looking at the difference between Roundwound and Flatwound bass strings. We'll look at what they're made of, the pros and cons, how they sound and which are better for you.

#talkingbass #strings #bassguitar
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20 Comments

@GianmarioScotti 3 years ago (edited)

I think one big reason why most people play on roundwounds, is because about 100% of basses are sold with roundwound strings.

I prefer flatwounds, because I don't like bright overtones in a bass, and hate the fret-noise of roundwounds. I like the sound to be as deep and dark as it gets. Call it "dead" tone, I don't care, it's the greatest thing about a bass, in my view.

@miguelleyvamusic 6 years ago

He looks like he would lose his temper easily, scream, then apologize

@AleksP1987 6 years ago

If you tried flatwounds once - there is no way back ))

@mcdude0192 6 years ago

I'm a flat guy. I use LaBella Deep Talkin' Bass Mediums!

@BrentODell 6 years ago

I like the consistency of flatwounds, and I love the way they feel. I use them on both of my basses and on my electric guitar

@gary999t 4 years ago

I have usually played roundwounds. Whenever, I put flats on a bass, I think they are great too. Then I go back to the roundwounds, and immediately prefer the added sustain and brightness. Then back to the flats, and love that warm tone and smooth feel. Guess I am just fickle.

@warrenbass7350 5 years ago

I think the trick is to have a couple of basses,..one with rounds and one with flats, if you can afford it. Great video Mark !!

@rudysdream 6 years ago

What a great bass teacher
Thanks for being so generous Mr Mark

@teefiz5265 4 years ago

Wow! Perfect!
This video thoroughly explained the differences of both.
No bs filler, just pure substance.

@scottbrower9052 3 years ago

This is an excellent educational video for folks who don't know a thing about bass strings.

@wyattlytenin7715 5 years ago

You know what though, this may be the best video like this on YouTube

@clemkelly2159 2 years ago

I use round but played a friend's bass with Flatwoods and it felt amazing so easy

@absoluteai41 4 years ago

When I first started playing bass I hated the ticking sound and twang from round wound strings. Some technique improvement helped but it never fully went away. Flatwounds feel like home to me. Hard to explain but flatwounds are much more comfortable and help me play better... or at least sound better. I'm putting flats on my 6 string bass soon.

@kenjohnston8173 3 years ago

Love my flats, very fast, and quiet(no buzzing)

@rkid727 6 years ago

Since I started using flats, I’ll never go back to rounds.

@JesusChrist5000 6 years ago

i like flatwound because they feel so good on the fingers.

@mysteretsym 6 years ago

Lmao they sound like different types of worms. Roundworms, tapeworms, flatworm

@filiospetrou 6 years ago

OKAY be honest were you looking at my search history today!? Impeccable timing!

@emreisldag2303 6 years ago

I've switched to DR roundwounds recently and when it comes to slap&pop, it pays off more than I bargain for. I'd also preferred flatwounds and halfwounds in the past but once I got my hands on flatwounds in particular, they were way too stiff, tight and hard to get used to. I also tried Steve Harris signature set on my bass, and I appreciated him a lot as to how he survives through fast passages of a track by galloping. 😮