im using fender ML flats and they sound good but the tension is killing me ... i was wondering if a lighter gauge set of chromes would lower the tension a bit?

Yes.

In my experiance, Fenders have the highest tension of any flat I've used thus far. Not caring for yanking strings just to play them, I switched to a set of Chromes that were the same gauge, and the difference was quite noticable.

I think they are lower tension than Fenders.

I have used both and agree with everybody that the Chromes have less tension then the Fenders. I really like the feel of the 45-100 set of the D'addario Chromes. I have found Chromes to be the best all around flatwound string..IMO. Steve

im using fender ML flats and they sound good but the tension is killing me ... i was wondering if a lighter gauge set of chromes would lower the tension a bit?If your worried about the tension get some TI flats,they are fantastic flat's,and last for ever!!!i would never use anything else on my Fender USA 5 string.

I have used both and agree with everybody that the Chromes have less tension then the Fenders. I really like the feel of the 45-100 set of the D'addario Chromes. I have found Chromes to be the best all around flatwound string..IMO. Steve

I agree 100%. Fenders are brutal to the fingers and neck IMO. Chromes are the best go to flat with good mids. TIs are good but not for everybody they are expensive and loose more like rounds with a sound of their own.

thanks alot guys i appreciate the feedback i will try the 40-100 chromes ... :D

i forgot to mention also i play with a pick in sum songs ...i pick below the frets and a little above the pickup so hopefully picking that e string will be a little easier

TIs are wonderful strings but for some folk they give tension problems in the opposite direction; too low.

are the TIs comfortable to pick aggressively? not over aggressive but pretty hard ?

I've just gotten back to picking for one song we've added, so I'm not the best reference.

But my limited experience is that, due to their very low tension, fast picking away from the bridge on TIJFs sucks pig waste through a narrow straw.

YMMV ;)



My feeling is that Chromes will do you fine.