

Did any of the Soul bassists from the 60's use anything but flats?

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by Lichtaffen, Jan 6, 2012.

  1. Lichtaffen


    Sep 29, 2008
    Rhode Island
    I was just curious. I know rounds weren't readily available at the time. Is it just assumed that all the recordings from Motown, Stax, Atlantic Records, etc. where basses strung with flatwounds? If you know the player, the bass and the gauge, feel free to chime in.

    Love that thump!
  2. JMimbs


    Jan 5, 2012
    Central Florida
    I'm not sure about the bassists from the 60's, but I read that Bosco Mann from the Dap Kings uses an ancient set of rounds on his bass. I don't know if he mentioned the brand though.
  3. Not only did they use flats, then used foam to mute.
  4. Biggbass


    Dec 14, 2011
    Planet Earth
    word is that James Jamerson never changed his strings.
  5. JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Ampeg Amps, EMG Pickups
    The big players, Duck, Carol, Jamerson, Osborn, Jemmott, Rainey, Hood, Weeks...all used flats back then. Larry Graham used tapewounds, though. Rounds didn't start to catch on till the late 60's/early 70's, and in soul circles, it sounds to me like they took longer to start using rounds than in rock and jazz.

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