Fret Life With Roundwounds?

Almost all my basses have flatwounds, but I'm thinking I might keep 1-2 with roundwounds. The thing that got me into flats in the first place was fear of fret wear, so I've never actually kept roundwounds on for any length of time.

In reality, how much of a problem do I have to worry about? In other words, how long do frets actually last with roundwounds? Obviously, it depends on how much you play, but are we talking years? Months???

I average 9-12 hours of playing time (not inc practice) per week and because I'm a slave to the one Jazz Bass and play that to the near exclusion of all other Basses, I've found she averages a refret about every 4 years.

By contrast, my 1982 Squier Jazz has been used sparingly in the last 26 years and is probably due for its first fret stoning!

I honestly dont think you need to worry.

Please done let that keep you from enjoying roundwounds, life is too short.

I'm in the middle, I use Daddario half rounds/ground wounds and they have much of the smooth feel of flats but the snap of roundwounds, you may love them.

I've had rounds on my Rick for most of the time I've owned it (15+ years). I've not been a hard core bassist the whole time, got a few years in as a guitar player, but after all this it MIGHT be due for new frets, or it might just be that I've got some extra dosh on hand and it seems like a good time. If you're not constantly bending notes a whole tone up, and vibrato-ing super hard, it shouldn't be a big issue. I've learned over the last few years to lighten up on the fretting hand, as well, which probably helps.

Even at Martinis' rate of every four years, it's not that traumatic.

Really, I think of it more like a question of which flavor you prefer. There is likely to be a significant change in tone switching a bass from flats to rounds. That's what always drove my choice, I found the flats to be very mellow, and I was after a brighter, brasher sound then. Now I'm thinking it might be time to reconsider, just to try the tone out.

There can be huge differences in rounds. Nickel rounds are generally much easier on the frets than stainless rounds, but even so there are differences between brands in how fine the surface is finished. E.g., Roto Swingbass stainless rounds are like rasps wearing down your frets; LaBella stainless rounds are like fine files. D'addario XL nickel rounds and Ernie Ball Slinkies nickels are quite smooth. Whatever you choose, Marshman is right, a light fretting hand touch goes a long way.

In any case you should go with the string that gives you the tone you want. Wear is a natural outcome of playing.

Roto Swingbass stainless rounds are like rasps wearing down your frets;

They aint much easier on your finger tips either....:shock:

This is very good advice guys; thank you!

I've noticed differences in smoothness with flats, but I didn't know there would be variations with the roundwounds. Sounds like I should try something nickel. Plus, maybe learn to do my own refret!

I tried flats out of practicality and found out it's a great tone and feel for me. Seems like I should have SOMETHING with rounds, though.