I currently have Chromes ECB82 50-105 on my fretless. If I would switch to either Chromes ECB80 40-95 or ECB81 45-100, would these gauges be more articulate than the ECB82?
Hmmm more articulate? Easier to play, easier on your fingers, yes ... I suppose they could be more articulate if you are able to play the bass with more precision. Why don't you try various strings as gauge is only one parameter. You could try nickel roundwounds, (DR Sunbeams) my personal favourite, as roundwounds IMHO are more articulate than flats.
I presume you have a fretless EB rather than ABG? I prefer flats on the ABG fretless for that ultimate as-close-to-an-URB-you-can-get tone. But on fretless EB I love the precision and tone of rounds.
Yes a lighter guage string does provide more articulate notes providing that you play with finesse and don't hammer the crap out of your strings.
If you are playing jazz lighter strings will definitely be a plus. If your playing heavier music they won't work very well.
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Hmmm more articulate? Easier to play, easier on your fingers, yes ... I suppose they could be more articulate if you are able to play the bass with more precision. Why don't you try various strings as gauge is only one parameter. You could try nickel roundwounds, (DR Sunbeams) my personal favourite, as roundwounds IMHO are more articulate than flats.
I presume you have a fretless EB rather than ABG? I prefer flats on the ABG fretless for that ultimate as-close-to-an-URB-you-can-get tone. But on fretless EB I love the precision and tone of rounds.
Try them and see.
Davo
I have a Squire VM fretless. I do have Daddario EXL's on my Yamaha BB but I thought they may do damage to the ebonol so I wanted to try to get some flats that would sing more than the 50-105 set.
Ebonal is the same stuff that bowling balls are made of, so I wouldn't be hesitant to use rounds on it. It would probably have to be played quite a while before really bad damage would occur.
Light gauge (.40-.100) would lead to more of the classic "mwah" sound rounds make. Light gauge flats would still give you the classic thud of the upright. It really depends on what you classify as "more articulate", but I would imagine either would give you that feel.
Hello,
The D'addario's are fine for your bass. The EXL's are nickel plated and won't harm your neck.
I use EXL 220-5 (40-60-75-95-125) for my Fretless which is a "light" gauge and they are great. The lighter strings are easier to play and I fight less with them than the 45-65 ... gauge that they make.
Ebonal is very strong and will not be "eaten" up by strings. Just stay away from full steel strings and you will not have a problem for many many many years.
Peace,
G
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