Did the Bass VI originally ship with flatwounds?

[s11141827]

Yes because it was originally made to replace the Double Bass as it's much more compact plus the Double Bass is Acoustically compromised like the Viola.

[s11141827]

I've done some more research & read that Round Wound Strings were invented around 1660 when all they had was gut strings (those are a Mid 17th Century invention) so that the lower strings could be made thinner & easier to bow on. Flatwound Strings are a late 19th century invention invented by Hamilton around 1874. They were originally made for Bowed stringed instruments to replace the gut strings because they last longer, stay in tune better, & the flat surface increases the contact area w/ the bow hair.