Detail 01
Flatwound construction
The outer wrap is a flat ribbon, not round wire. Smooth under the fingers, almost no squeak, and much gentler on frets.
Product detailSKU #1273887997703
DR StringsFlatwound Legend 5-String Bass Medium
1/8
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Medium-gauge flatwound set for 5-string bass. For players who want thump and a smooth, quiet fretboard rather than modern brightness.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Motown, reggae, soul and vintage R&B bass lines
- Fretless bass where roundwounds would chew the fingerboard
- Studio players who need no finger squeak on quiet tracks
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Slap and pop players who want zing and attack
- Modern metal or fusion needing bright, aggressive top end
- Anyone who breaks in strings fast and likes a new-string sound
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
5-string set
Includes a low B. Check your bass takes a B through the tuner post and bridge without binding.
Detail 03
Medium gauge
Middle-ground tension. Flatwounds already pull tighter than roundwounds at the same gauge, so this feels firmer than a medium roundwound.
Detail 04
Tone character
Fundamental-heavy with rolled-off highs from day one. The sound changes very little over months rather than dying after two weeks.
Detail 05
Fretless compatibility
Flat surface won't gouge an unwound fingerboard, which is why fretless players almost always run flats.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Flatwounds are stiffer — expect a truss rod check and intonation reset after install
- 02Pickup height often needs lowering; flats push more fundamental at the pickups
- 03Confirm your bass is 34-inch scale or shorter so string length reaches the tuners
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How long do flatwounds last?
Far longer than roundwounds. They start dark and stay close to that tone, so many players keep a set on for years rather than months.
02Will these work on a fretless bass?
Yes. The smooth outer wrap won't dig into the fingerboard the way roundwound windings do, which is the main reason fretless players use flats.
03Can I slap with flatwounds?
You can, but you won't get the bright metallic pop. Flats give a duller, thuddier slap tone. If slap is your main technique, look at roundwounds.
04Do flatwounds feel different to play?
Yes. The surface is smooth instead of ridged, so your fingers slide without squeak. They also feel stiffer under the left hand at the same gauge.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
4 detailsOther
- Category Source
- detail
- Tier
- new
- Korena Special
- false
- Source Id
- site51273887997703
Worth comparing
1 of 12
More from DR Strings
1 of 8
