[quote name='Mike Vickers' timestamp='1341588307' post='1721500']
I keep reading about flat wound strings. Are they better, and do they make a difference in the sound of the bass? Why do people prefer them?
[/quote]
Hi Mike,
First, you'd get more and better response on another forum, like "General Discussion" or preferably the "Miscellaneous Equipment and Accessories" forum which is specifically for strings, a.o.
Also, one is asked to do a forum search before asking basic questions, as the pros will get fed up with answering the same stuff again and again. I know everybody sins against this though.
That said, in my noob experience, flatwounds have a rounded, warmer tone. AFAIK they're less flexible in tone as well. They live forever. String change twice a year? Forget it. Some people have them on for decades. I have played them a long time ago, and can find one drawback: use them for too long, and roundwounds will feel harsh on the fingers afterwards.