Looking for the Best Flatwound Baritone Guitar Strings!

Instruments Guitar and Bass
1

I’ve been exploring the unique sound of my baritone guitar and I’m really interested in trying out flatwound strings to enhance my playability and tone. However, I’m a bit overwhelmed by the options out there.

Why Flatwound?

Flatwound strings are known for their smooth feel and warm, mellow tone, which can be especially appealing on a baritone set-up. I’m curious to know how they compare to roundwound strings in terms of sound and playability.

My Questions:

  • What are the main benefits of using flatwound strings on a baritone guitar? Are they really worth the investment?
  • Which brands do you recommend? I’ve heard about a few but would love to get real user feedback.
  • Any specific gauges you prefer? Does it make a huge difference in sound?
  • Experience with various music styles: I mostly play jazz and some rock. Do flatwound strings work well for these genres?

I’d really appreciate any recommendations or personal experiences you all could share. Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

2

I’m on the hunt for flatwound baritone strings too! From what I’ve gathered, heavier gauges like .014 tend to give a warmer tone, but they can be tougher to play. Anyone here tried them?

3

Totally agree! I use .013 gauge strings on my baritone, and I find they strike a nice balance between warmth and playability. So smooth to play!

1 Like
4

I’m curious about how different brands compare at similar gauges. Anyone notice a substantial difference in tone between, say, D’Addario and La Bella?

5

I’ve always leaned towards D’Addario, but La Bella has a richer sound in lower tunings. It just feels more resonant to me, especially on the .014 set.

6

Interesting points! I switched to .012 recently, and while they feel lighter, I really miss that full-bodied tone from heavier gauges. It’s a trade-off for sure! Anyone feel the same?

2 Likes
7

Absolutely! I went from .013 to .012 and it’s been a challenge. If you play a lot of aggressive styles, you might lose some punch with that gauge.

8

That’s a great suggestion, Charlene! I wonder about tuning down with lighter strings though — will they still hold up well?

5 Likes
9

For a lively sound, you might want to try .011 gauge. It gives a nice brightness without sacrificing too much depth! Plus, they feel really nimble for leads.

10

I’ve had good luck with .011s in lower tunings. They stay in tune great, and the tone remains clear. Just make sure your setup accommodates the change!

8 Likes
11

Hey, can we also talk about whether coated strings make a difference? I’ve seen them but haven’t been brave enough to try yet.

12

Coated strings can really add longevity, especially in humid environments. Just watch out; they can feel a bit different — not everyone likes that!

13

What about tension? Heavier gauges feel more taut, but sometimes I wonder if they stifle expressiveness. It’s a double-edged sword.

14

True! But I think it ultimately depends on your style. If you’re playing jazz, for instance, that stable feel can be a plus.

15

I’ve been experimenting with .015s for a while, and they seriously sound epic — like you could play a whole bass line on them! Who knew baritone could be so fun!

16

Haha, David, that’s hilarious! I’ve thought about trying something heavier too, but I’m worried about the strain on my fingers. How do you manage it?

17

I’m glad you started this topic! I’ve been searching for the best flatwound baritone strings for my guitar. From what I’ve heard, D’Addario and La Bella are strong contenders for quality and sound. What do you think?

18

Absolutely! I personally love La Bella for their warmth and richness. The tension feels just right for baritone guitars!

19

I’ve tried several brands, including Ernie Ball. While they have decent sound, I felt they lacked durability. Anyone else experienced this?

20

I had a similar experience. I switched to GHS strings, and they’ve lasted longer for me while still providing a solid tone.

2 Likes