Flatwound or Roundwound? I can't decide

[KevB]

Can you still get strings that are a bit of both? I recall getting ajob lot of Rickenbacker strings on eBay years ago and a couple of the sets were something like 'groundwound' or similar name which were a sort of hybrid.

[Ghost_Bass]

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1497758323' post='3320387']
the obvious answer is buy another P, put flats on one, rounds on the other . It's the only way I could resolve the issue hehe
[/quote][quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1497776050' post='3320449']
I keep changing from one to the other, each has its advantages...as advised, you need more basses, so you can have the choice without constantly changing strings!
[/quote][quote name='MoJo' timestamp='1497721901' post='3320268']
I play in a pub covers band and can't make up my mind whether I prefer flat or roundwound strings on my P-bass. I've been swapping back and forth between gigs and am still non the wiser. I'm thinking that rounds are a better all rounder (excuse the pun) for the variety of material that we cover, but I love the feel and the warmth of the flats.
Has anyone else suffered this dilemma and what did you do?
[/quote]

There's no need to have to choose between Flats or Rounds or tho lug two basses, just buy a set of Half-Rounds and you'll have the best of both worlds, the smooth feel of flats with a bit of zing of rounds.

[The59Sound]

Or the worst of both worlds?

[Roland Rock]

Two Flats and two rounds. You're welcome.

[Dan Dare]

Half rounds don't fell right under the fingers to me. D'Addario Chromes, which are flats, are bright enough, unless you're a slap pervert, of course.

[Pierre05120]

I felt I had to share this as it surprised me:
I have a sire P5 with TI flats and just bought a fender American pro 2 precision bass which I put TI round wounds on.  Both are 4 string.
I was struggling with the sound on the fender + rounds a bit weak and just not there.  I read how people don’t like the pups on this bass and was considering returning it.
But then I swapped the strings and put the TI flats on the fender.  Immediately I was blown away there was that classic p bass growl the difference was amazing.  It seems these pups are more suited to this tone.  Conversely I put the round TI round wounds on the sire P5 and they sounded great with the more modern tone. It seems the P5 pups work well with both strings.  But the fender pups prefer the flat TIs.    I wish you could get the TI flats as low tension as the rounds as I prefer the ease of playing on the rounds.