First time with chromes!

[carlos840]

So, i just came back from an audition with my 66 jazz wearing chromes (45-100) it sounded great! I really understand what people mean when they describe flats as a punch compared to the way rounds cut through!
They just seemed to sit very nicely! I also really enjoy the way they burp when you dig in, really different from rounds...

This has raised a problem though, i now really want a P bass with flats to!
Its no so much a problem since i am in the middle of putting together one, but it has me wondering about gauge!

Will going 50-105 change the tone a lot or just give more tension?
I like the 45-100 on my jazz, but im wondering if 50-105 would suite a P bass better?

[One Drop]

I've used the .45-.105 set on a few basses, finding them very nicely balanced tonally. I'm not too concerned with string tension balance between strings in the same set, but I would think the G on the .50 set might be noticeably higher tension than the rest.

[dalkowski]

My P wears 45s handsomely. Go for it.

[dwm74]

Originally Posted by carlos840

Will going 50-105 change the tone a lot or just give more tension?
I like the 45-100 on my jazz, but im wondering if 50-105 would suite a P bass better?

I had 50-105's on my P for about six months. Loved them at first, but the tension was a killer. Switched to 45-100's, and it made a world of difference. So much easier to play.

[pjmuck]

Flats + J= match made in heaven. Not enough people using this combo.

I have a 10 year old set of chromes on my '72 J. Give your chromes some time to break in, or, better yet, try to find an old used set somewhere. Trust me, with the neck PUP fully on and the tone rolled off, you won't be needing a P anytime soon.

[Frankjohnson]

the light gauge will punch just fine, and feel better - IMHO
(and experience)

[silvertones]

What are chromes?
I'm using LaBella Jameson set flats on my P. They really hurt my fingers right to the bone cause of the tension. Can't use my pinky.

[mcm]

get the 40-95 set if tension is a prob

[7flat5]

Originally Posted by silvertones

What are chromes?
I'm using LaBella Jameson set flats on my P. They really hurt my fingers right to the bone cause of the tension. Can't use my pinky.

D'Addario Chromes are their flatwounds.

The Jamerson set is heavy. Some love the Labella 760FX light guage set. Anything is going to be easier than those Jamersons.

[engedi1]

Ti Flats if tension is REALLY a problem! I love TI flats, which will be VERY different from Jamerson's, but more like Chromes. They sound amazing live and recorded.

[cybersnyder]

I tried the 105s and very much disliked the tension. Love the 100s though.

[Darkstrike]

I have a set of 105 - 32's on my Roscoe, tuned down a half step, uttely beautiful.

Punch, warmth, growl(propper organic tone), yet grab on the high strings and you can squeeze out some brightness and sparkle. All with their fantastic feel, low action, and no buzz.

[Commreman]

Originally Posted by pjmuck

Flats + J= match made in heaven. Not enough people using this combo.

I have a 10 year old set of chromes on my '72 J. Give your chromes some time to break in, or, better yet, try to find an old used set somewhere. Trust me, with the neck PUP fully on and the tone rolled off, you won't be needing a P anytime soon.

Agreed! Here's a video taken Saturday night I think with someone's i phone. Passive Jazz Bass with Chromes, .40-.100. Crappy house rig (GK Goldline) but in spite of that and the recording medium, you can hear the punch and cut of these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLYvWrcg0lc

[markanini]

<.050 sets kill your fingers and neck. I used medium Labella deep talking flats for 9 months used lights after that and never looked back. Harmonics are stonger just above the fundamental with the larger gauges but you get pretty much the same effect by varying your picking technique.
FWIW & YMMV

[Zerstorte Zelle]

Love me some chromes. So sweet and not nearly as tame as you'd think. I've used them on my T-bird with great results. Serious bump to say the least. My 86 Am. Vintage P has only worn flats since I checked em out in 08 and if you ask me I waited way too long.

Flllllllaaaaaatttts!

[Sparkdog]

Guess I'll cast the dissenting vote here

50-105 Chromes will have higher tension, but definitely sound bigger, ballsier and have a stronger fundamental than the lighter gauges.

I have them on 3 basses and you get used to the tension, just makes your hands stronger.

And I have yet to see them have any effect on the neck of a well made instrument.

[sikamikanico]

I just started using the 50-105 chromes and love them! still too bright, but they're fairly new and the tone knob does help quite a bit...

definitely not too heavy or anything, i love them! but, i do tend to play closer to the neck (above the P pickup), so those of you who play near the bridge, i guess i can understand how you find them too stiff...

[engedi1]

My experience with Chromes was with the 95-40 set which I still have and may expiriment with again. I loved the feel on the right perfect tension there. But after a few years of TI flats, the left hand still felt a little stiff for my playing style.

[pjmuck]

Originally Posted by Commreman

Agreed! Here's a video taken Saturday night I think with someone's i phone. Passive Jazz Bass with Chromes, .40-.100. Crappy house rig (GK Goldline) but in spite of that and the recording medium, you can hear the punch and cut of these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLYvWrcg0lc

Wow, that is a damn good cover of, "Rosalita"! And I don't even like Springsteen, LOL.

[Commreman]

Originally Posted by pjmuck

Wow, that is a damn good cover of, "Rosalita"! And I don't even like Springsteen, LOL.

To be honest, I'm not the biggest Boss fan either, but here in NJ his stuff is always a crowd pleaser! Here we are doing a J Geils cover, same Jazz Bass, same Chromes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Vke...ist=QL&index=1