Help! Tell me I didn't just waste $50!

[ErebusBass]

I went to the store tonight to pick up my first set of flatwounds ever, and the only kind guitar center had were D'Addario XL Chromes, and they were not cheap. I have 35" scale basses. I put the first string on and it's not long enough. The silk wrap around the top of the string starts about 1/4 inch before the nut, and when I play an open string it doesn't sound right at all. If I take off the wrap will anything bad happen to the string? Most of the strings I usually play have no wrap at all, so that leads me to believe it would be ok. Does anyone know an easy way to remove the wrap?

[J.D.B.]

X-acto and peel. Are you getting enough winds on the pegs(like 3)? Also, is the thick part of the string on the nut? Yes? Cool. $50.00 was steep for them. I see them on flea-bay with shipping, for less than $35.00 for 4-string sets. http://cgi.ebay.com/DAddario-FLATWOU...QQcmdZViewItem
Josh

[robmill3r]

I just pulled apart a BUNCH of strings. all the metal strings I worked with (not your brand, mind you) were fine without it. It looks like its there for looks. take it off with a razorblade.
BUT: DO NOT try this on nylon/nylon!!!

[ErebusBass]

I get plenty of winds, they were plenty long for that the thread just hangs over the nut.

[GM60466]

I needed to get the SXLong to fit by 35in scale. What GC do you get your strings? I buy chrome flats all day long for $20.60 at the GC here.
JustSTings.com is the only place I have found the SXLongs and they are only $32.

G

[whitedk57]

I just put a set on my EBMM Sterling. I think I will like them very well. They are lower in tension than LaBellas but more than TIs.

I bought mine new (unopened) from a fellow TBer for $22 shipped. I found similar ones on Ebay for less than $30. Fifty dollars seems pretty steep.

[nortonrider]

I have to peel back the silk on my E string too (D'chromes).
Go ahead and do it, nothing bad will happen.

[Buskman]

I'm still trying to get my head around $50 for a set of Chromes... $30, okay. But $50?

Back on topic - like everyone said: asl long as there are plenty of windings on the post (at least 2 full ones), you should have no problems. Go ahead & cut that silk!

EDIT - Just went to GC's website & all 4 string sets are going for $29.99. Still have your receipt?

[JimmyM]

I paid $21 for a set of Fender flats recently. This is why I use Fender flats and not Chromes Got burned bad with TI strings so I'll stick with what I know works.