Detail 01
Flatwound construction
The outer wrap is a flat ribbon, not round wire. Smooth under the fingers, almost no squeak, gentler on frets.
Product detailSKU #1273887998379
Ernie Ball2806 Flat Wound Group III Electric Bass Strings
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Flatwound bass strings with a smooth, polished surface and a dark, thumpy tone. For players chasing Motown and vintage bass sounds over bright modern attack.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Motown, soul, reggae and upright-style bass parts
- Fretless bass players who want to protect the fingerboard
- Anyone bothered by finger squeak on recordings
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Slap and funk players who need bright top-end snap
- Modern rock and metal tones that rely on grind
- Players unwilling to spend more per set than roundwounds
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
Group III gauge set
A specific fixed gauge grouping rather than a light/medium choice. Check the gauges against your current set before switching.
Detail 03
Bass guitar set
Sized for electric bass scale, not guitar. Won't work on a six-string or baritone guitar.
Detail 04
$44.99 per set
Roughly four to five times a roundwound set. Flats last far longer, so cost per month is closer than it looks.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Flats have higher tension than roundwounds — expect a truss rod and setup adjustment
- 02Confirm your bass scale length; long-scale sets won't fit short-scale instruments
- 03Tone stays dark from day one; there is no bright new-string period
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How long do flatwound strings last?
Far longer than roundwounds. The smooth surface traps less grime and the tone is already dark, so there is no bright phase to lose. Many players keep a set for years.
02Will these work on a fretless bass?
Yes. The smooth outer wrap is much easier on an unlined fingerboard than roundwound strings, which cut grooves into the wood over time.
03Do flatwounds need a setup change?
Usually. Flats generally pull at higher tension than roundwounds of the same gauge, so plan on a truss rod tweak and possibly action and intonation adjustment.
04Can I slap on flatwounds?
You can, but the sound is thuddy rather than bright and clanky. If slap is a core part of your playing, roundwounds suit it better.
