Annoying Twit Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 Why do so many acoustic basses come with phosphor bronze strings? Would Fender flats be a reasonable choice for a fretless acoustic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 I think they are meant to give the loudest acoustic volume? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haimesy Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 I have DR black beauties on my fretless acoustic , expensive but sound great and nice on fingers & fretboard as well.. J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Nada Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 I use Fender flats on my acoustic. No complaints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 I imagine it is to maximize acoustic volume. But just put the flats on, you know it makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted November 30, 2014 Author Share Posted November 30, 2014 Thanks for the replies. I don't have an acoustic bass yet, but am considering buying a fretless. I really don't like the sound of phosphor bronze strings. In the basses I've tried with them on, I've disliked the 'twangy' sound. I understand how that gives good volume and cuts through, but it doesn't sound like a bass to me. This video compares phosphor bronze to flatwound. The difference in sound is less than I expected. The audio recording might be normalised and therefore misleading. Given the small difference in sound, the lack of finger noise would be a huge advantage, IMHO. What difference in tone I can hear is in the favour of the flatwounds. [size=4]I've heard that flatwounds are higher tension than other strings, and this can pull at the bridge. Other than that possible problem, it seems to be flatwounds all the way.[/size] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttVyeQa-S4[/media] [size=4] If I bought an acoustic, I wouldn't use it for acoustic gigs/jamming, but just for practice, and plugged in as my first fretless.[/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 [quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1417380634' post='2619832'] ... [size=4]I've heard that flatwounds are higher tension than other strings, and this can pull at the bridge ...[/size] [/quote] Some are higher tension, some aren't. I don't think the bridge is going to be a problem but if you're worried use some lower tension flats like TIs or black nylons from D'Addario or La Bella. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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