Flatwounds - what to expect

[alex1fly]

I'm thinking about trying some flatwounds on my LP. Right now it has a Phat Cat bridge and a VPAF neck. It has a maple top, which makes it a little brighter than some other LPs... and I prefer 10s, 11s at most.


What can I expect tonally from flatwounds? Are they one-trick for jazz only, or do they still sound good with other styles? Do they feel different?

 

[Natman]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

Basically expect no sustain. They have the initial attack, then decay super fast. As far as I'm concerned, it ONLY sounds good for jazz, when you're playing fast runs you don't need sustain anyway. Yes they feel different.

 

[alex1fly]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

Even on an LP? I've really only had experience with nickel/steel, so maybe I should try some strings made of pure nickel if I want a mellower string?

 

[jeremy]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

flatwounds are a whole different bag. try the nickel first and see if that does it for you.

 

[rashayritto]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

yeah go with pure nickel. i tried pure nickel once and loved it (and i play pretty aggressive stuff)

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

D'Addario Half Rounds. They're great to keep finger noise down in records without sacrificing the sound of normal strings. They sound great in LPs, 335s and specially great in Ibanez GB-10s (original George Benson model).

I wouldn't use flatwounds in any other context than mainstream Jazz.

HTH,

Pepe aka Lt. Kojak
Milano, Italy

 

[tkingen]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

Flatwounds are a common choice for surf guitar.

 

[theodie]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

Hey Alex, a Setup will be mandatory after installing flatwounds! They carry alot higher string tension than standard strings.

I have never tried them on guitar but, I like them alot of bass.

 

[Dangerine49]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

Try 'em. You might like them. It's only a $5 investment. I use nothing but flats on my electrics (usually D'Addario Chromes these days), and have since the late 60's. I play classic rock, folk rock, country rock, R&B, and blues. I have no trouble getting the tones needed for each.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

I haven't used them much, but when I was younger and open to experimentation I tried a few flatwound brands. As I remember, I didn't notice any sustain issues, but they're a much WARMER sounding string; substantially decreased highs. My 78 SG was the test car. If you're just after reduced string noise, try some half rounds (or maybe the infamous "ground round wound"). If you're just looking for a warmer sounding string, Dean Markley makes a Blue Steel set that seemed warmer to me than others.

 

[SlowGroove]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

Flatwounds are a common choice for surf guitar.

Why's that ?


James

 

[marvar]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

I know my Rickenbacker 360/12 came with flats, and if you try to use a roundwound string set, it sounds horrible.
Its just part of the Ric 12 string sound.

 

[these_go211]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

would you not need to change strings for a long long while (or ever) if you use flats? i use flats on my bass and since they are flat they don't pick up dirt, grime, etc. it's not uncommon for flatwound bass players to not change strings on bass. i wounder if this applies to guitar flats as well. ??

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

I just put flats on my 335 ---

1) They weren't no $5, more like $12 (D'Addario)

2) A lot of string tension added

3) Surf guitar --- it's just that sound, man --- plucky and punchy but with the muted sound of flats ---

4) See some more impressions in these search results

I hate 'em --- I would take 'em off if they weren't $12 --- I'll give them a few weeks to get used to, though... it could be like using a new keyboard at work, stinks at first but ends up better in the long run [/nerd]

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

BTW, everyone I asked confirmed, "Yes: they last longer than round wounds"

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

I hate flatwounds. To me you can get a flatwound tone by not wiping your strings for 3 years.

 

[drp555]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

would you not need to change strings for a long long while (or ever) if you use flats? i use flats on my bass and since they are flat they don't pick up dirt, grime, etc. it's not uncommon for flatwound bass players to not change strings on bass. i wounder if this applies to guitar flats as well. ??

I keep flatwounds on my hollowbody, and I rarely change them. And when I do I don't notice much difference. It probably has to do with picking up less grime like mentioned, and also the fact that since flats are dark sounding to begin with, they don't have much brightness to lose anyway.

 

[these_go211]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

thanks!

 

[weisserj]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

I LOVE D'addario Half Wounds

I use them on my Guild Bluesbird (which is a les paul kind of guitar except with a chambered body and seymour duncan humbuckers as the stock pickup) and they sound fantastic. I have never used flats though...

 

[tkingen]

Re: Flatwounds - what to expect

Why's that ?


James

Hi James,

Listen to early Ventures, Dick Dale or even some of the early Beach Boys guitar solos. Round wounds don't sound like that.
Ronnie Earl has classic flatwounds on a Strat tone for uptown blues.