Sticky flatwound problem

[Darkhorse1962]

I've loaded my new Stingray 5 with Rotosound 77 flats and absolutely LOVE the tone.

I have one problem, though. My fingers don't slide off the strings very well, therefore really slowing down my playing. They seem "sticky" for lack of a better term.

I'm new to fingerpicking flats. Will that problem subside as the strings get used or is there another solution?

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Your fingers make contact with more surface area so they grip more...

 

[Jim Pen]

What SlapInFunk said. Flatwounds increase your surface area on the string, so you're getting more friction than what you're used to getting.

 

[shawshank72]

Also Rotosounds arent exactly one of the more smoother flats.
Did you clean before install?
Makes a big difference.
Lots of gunk from the factory, usually will go away with steady use.

 

[shoulderpet]

The stickyness should wear off after you have broken them in a bit

 

[WoodyH]

It may be the brand of flatwounds you're using. I've used Ernie Ball 2806's, GHS Flat Brites, Rotosounds, etc. I had a similar problem with D'Addario Chromes. The Chromes didn't stick to my fingers, but they felt like the would stick to the frets. It's hard to describe. They sound great, feel great...but they stick. I even cleaned them... more than once.

 

[joebar]

TI's are really gummy when new; it took me at least a year of steady playing to wear them in and now they are bliss. this is common with flats give em time.

 

[sharkbait130]

Step 1. Clean the strings. Alcohol works well. I personally use Old Spice After Shave on a rag. Easier to do it before putting the strings on.
Step 2. Put some corn starch baby powder on your left hand. Makes the strings fly by.
Step 3. Stick your plucking fingers in your ear or rub them on the side of your nose before playing. A little lubrication goes a long way.
What? You don't like any of those solutions or think they are gross? Suffer in silence then.

 

[tallboybass]

Yeah, baby powder has really helped me with the high-humidity outdoor gigs, it works well.

 

[hotbass57]

GHS fast fret on my flats. Works awesome and not that expensive.