Rounds for People Who Prefer Flats?

[Thumper]

DR Sunbeams

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Rotosound 55 pressure wounds

 

[ubernator]

How about elixir or other coated strings? The isssue about not wanting to have to change them every few months. Most rounds are useless dead after a few months of solid playing. More grime and oil reaches the core with rounds than with flats. Of course some rounds die more gracefully than others.

 

[Buzz E]

Got to agree with the TI Jazz Rounds. Pricey but they last forever.

 

[Engle]

Great minds

Only reason I don't suggest half rounds is they can be grabby compared to flats. Many don't give them time to "break in" before judging them...

The D'addarrio half rounds are high tension - and grabby. They do sound good.

 

[singlemalt]

The Infeld Superalloys are nice, and inexpensive. I liked how they sounded and felt. Closer to TI flats as far as tension. Lasted a long time.

I haven't tried the TI jazz rounds, and I don't know why. Whenever someone asks about moving from TI flats to rounds, they seem to be the number one suggestion.

I'm reall enjoying the DR pure blues in the lightest gauge, 100- 40.

The DR Hellborgs, 100-40 are another option, but only come in four string sets.

 

[Fluid Power]

In my opinion you described the Erie Ball Slinky Flats Cobalt strings. Sound just like Rounds but Play just like Flats!
IMHO
Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Strings | Ernie Ball

 

[pbass2]

DR Nickel LoRiders, nicely broken-in (as in OLD) are what I like when I'm not using flats. Very warm, not zingy.

 

[Stranger Danger]

The background is... I have a P with TI Jazz Flats that will remain that way forever, and I want to take the Chromes off of my passive PJ and try some rounds that lend themselves well to my preference for flats. In other words, less finger noise, a bit thumpier and not too much zing. The Chromes sound and feel great but they're just a little too firm for my tendinitis arms. Any ideas?

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I'd like them to be useful once the shine wears off. Not looking to need to replace every few months.

DR DDT for Standard Tuning

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

TI SuperAlloys.
Super close in tension to the TI Flats. So close i can switch between the two sets and only have to adjust intonation.
Nice thump and midrange, and they last for years! (I change 'em every 2 to 3 years, whether they need it or not)

 

[Thuddy Waters]

The Chromes sound and feel great but they're just a little too firm for my tendinitis arms. Any ideas?

Why not just use a lighter gauge of Chromes???

 

[waynobass]

I echo the praise for DR Sunbeams and nickel Lo-Riders. Smooth, low tension, and they sound good when they're worn.

 

[eyoyo]

Try Fender Purr Nickel rounds

 

[JimmyM]

Why not just use a lighter gauge of Chromes???

This would be my suggestion, too.

 

[Eikari]

Fender 7150. Their warmness is exceptional. And last a long time ; for a roundwound string.

 

[DLemos]

I'd stay away from the La Bella '54 set; There's no treble.

 

[matante]

There are plenty of bassists who prefer the sound and feel of old, dead roundwounds over flats.

 

[Mike Sorr]

+1 for ghs pressurewounds. They sound like exactly what you're looking for.

By far my favorite bass strings. Rotosound makes a pressurewound string as well, but to my ear the GHS are as good and for less money.

 

[fourtet102]

GHS Pressurewounds again

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Sounds like you just need a lighter gauge of Chromes. And doesn't La Bella make flexible, low-tension flats?