new strings

[Bob Faulkner]

I use compressors on every bass I own except a 4 string fretted that just doesn't see enough use to bother changing the strings much. When those are worn enough to care I'll be putting compressors on it. They do feel much more rough than flats, and especially the low B's will feel more like a round wound than you would expect. But, the difference on finger wear and fingerboard wear on fretless basses (I play mainly fretless) is dramatic. I used to use Smith slicks which are a lot closer to the feel of flats than compressors are, but they also have less of the round wound zing than the compressors (though they still have much more zing than true flats).

I swear by compressors these days.

If you want a more flat wound feel, try the Smith slicks.