Problem with D'Addario Chromes ECB81-5SL

JEDI BASS · #1 10-17-2009, 06:44 PM

A friend of mine just sent me a set of the Chrome SUPER LONGS (SL), which I'm trading for a set of MTDs. SLs are reported to be long enough for string-thru body applications and/or 35" scale plus basses. Well, this set wasn't long enough for either. So, I told him that he must've been mistaken and sent a standard length set. So I ordered a set of ECB81-5SL Regular Light Gauge (45,65,80,100,132). The set I received was the same as the set my friend had sent

.

Luckily, I can string them ON TOP of the bass, NOT thru-body. But, here's the problems:

1) the twine at the tuner end of the string must be trimmed down significantly to get it past the nut on ALL the strings.

2) The B and E strings (after trimming the twine and stabbing your finger---I'm clumsy) start tapering down over the fretboard, BEFORE reaching the nut.

I ended up leaving some of the twine on the E to make up for some of the lost string diameter, but the open E still buzzes more and doesn't ring as well. Plus, I've heard that it probably won't intonate correctly, although I haven't checked that yet.

So, I checked both SL sets against some standard length sets I have (one unopened and one installed on my Pedulla).... THEY'RE THE SAME STRINGS, except that we've paid almost $10 more for the SLs

.

So, I'm calling D'Addario Monday to complain and hopefully get some TRUE SUPER LONG sets for my 35" 5ers, if they make them, that is!!

But in the mean time, to rule out possible packing mishaps at the D'Addario factory, I'm asking TBers that have used this EXACT set of CHROMES (ECB81-5SL) to either measure from center of ball end to start of twine on the B string, OR just let me know if you were able to slap them on a 35" 5er without any twine or taper issues.

Thanks a lot!

jasper383 · #2 10-17-2009, 08:11 PM

I have had a couple excellent experiences with D'Addario's customer service.

I wouldn't call to complain; just tell them what you are experiencing, and see if they will send you out a set of the SLs straight from the factory. They might want you to send them the sets that might be too short, so they can see what the deal is. They will make it right.

JEDI BASS · #3 10-18-2009, 09:48 AM

Yeah, I'd never be rude or anything. But, I do expect them to fix my problem.

Still waiting to hear if anyone else has used this EXACT set and KNOWS that at least some sets leave the factory, long enough for 35" scale basses.

So, I guess I'm hoping for a QC issue, 'cause I really want to be able to use Chromes on my Laklands.

JEDI BASS · #4 10-18-2009, 09:59 AM

Ok, so I shoulda checked my PMs...

I just got word that there are some sets that work, 38"+ of useable string. So, good news!

JEDI BASS · #5 10-22-2009, 02:47 PM

I have 2 new sets coming from D'addario. Mine and basspraiser's experience w/ mis-packaged "SL"s seems to be rare, from what I heard from the D'addario guy. Either way, I'm happy and looking forward to getting these slapped on my Laklands.

JEDI BASS · #6 10-26-2009, 08:10 PM

Strings have arrived. Opened one pack and the B was plenty long enough, so I'm very happy and will continue to buy D'addario SLs.

ProfGumby · #7 10-27-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEDI BASS

Strings have arrived. Opened one pack and the B was plenty long enough, so I'm very happy and will continue to buy D'addario SLs.

Glad to hear they stepped up. Hope the strings are all you want in a string too!

D'Addario was super when I had an issue with D strings snapping when I put them on. The problem was totally me, yet D'Addario sent me a new set of strings!

JEDI BASS · #8 10-27-2009, 10:20 PM

Awesome.

I'm definitely going to be a repeat customer, and will even give their steels a try, although I'm pretty firmly attached to DRs.