D'Addario Chromes; Finally, what I've been looking for

[fourstringbliss]

My bass has a 35" scale - should I use the "long scale" or "super long scale" strings?

Have you ever tried their half-rounds?

[avid]

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

My bass has a 35" scale - should I use the "long scale" or "super long scale" strings?

You have to measure from the nut to the ball end of your current string. If the measurement is >36" you need the super long set.

The page at D'addario, which tells one how to measure and determine size, doesn't seem to be functioning at this moment.


http://www.daddario.com/DADFaqAnswer.aspx?ID=762

David

[ldervish]

Try 'em, you'll love 'em!

[ihixulu]

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

I have an active 5-string. So, with judicious EQ'ing I should be able to get a useable sound for pretty much anything, right? do they cut through the mix well? I need to be able to cut through without being too bassy.

I'd say yes (not knowing exactly what your rig is or what your definition of anything is). The reason why I like Chromes in particular is that they have enough punch to them, and enough high frequency content that eq'ing them actually does something. With Labellas for example, once they settled in I found their high end was so attenuated compared to the low that the high control on the bass didn't do much. Chromes are bassy but not overly so.

[markjazzbassist]

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

Have you ever tried their half-rounds?

i have a set of half-rounds on my fretless right now. they have the feel of a flatwound. the tone is half and half. they're cool, but not for everyone IMO.

[dewbass4]

Originally Posted by Ole Man Blues

D'addario Chromes are the best strings I've found for my application. It gives me a hugh low end with awesome punch when I need it. What more coiuld I ask for. Oh and they last forever. Just wipe em down and their ready to go again.

What a deal.........

OMB

Not exactly forever! I only got 24 years out of one set (5 different basses) before the windings began to seperate. The still sounded IK, but they were geting uncomfortable to play. I hope the new set lasts as long.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

i have a set of half-rounds on my fretless right now. they have the feel of a flatwound. the tone is half and half. they're cool, but not for everyone IMO.

I used to own a G&L L2000 Tribute and I loved the sound of half-rounds on that bass!! The only problem was that they didn't cut through the mix enough at my church. The sound was just too bassy. I'm sure if I put them on my active 5-string I could adjust the sound to my liking. I sure did love that meaty half-round sound, and they were nice and tight!

I'd get another set of SIT Powerflats, but they don't make them in a 5-string set. I might just have to try the D'Addarios.

[bassman314]

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

i have a set of half-rounds on my fretless right now. they have the feel of a flatwound. the tone is half and half. they're cool, but not for everyone IMO.

How's the Mwah on the half-rounds? I'm deciding between half rounds and chromes for my fretless.. I want some mwah. but not the over the top Mwah I have now *L*

[fourstringbliss]

I would go with the half-rounds. You'll have some of the roundwound sound, but it'll be smooth enough for your fretboard.

[markjazzbassist]

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

I would go with the half-rounds. You'll have some of the roundwound sound, but it'll be smooth enough for your fretboard.

+1

i found that flatwounds on a fretless meant "thud" unless i was sliding to a note (that would produce "mwah"). with the half-rounds i got more clarity of the notes and a little more punch.