Should I try Chromes?

geoff_in_nc · #1 01-24-2013, 06:56 PM

Apologies for this being long....

I was thinking earlier about asking about switching to flats, but frankly I can't just spend $$ on strings until I find what I like... and came upon this thread just now: Ever wonder why Chromes are fairly bright for flats? It got me wondering if I should try Chromes.

Here's my deal. I play everything from Motown to Classic Rock to Modern Country to pop-funk to modern pop in my band. I currently am stuck with having one bass which is a Peavey Millennium BXP 5 (passive Jazz bass layout). Someday I'll move up the foodchain, but not today. I play probably 95% fingerstyle, 5% pick and no slapping at all as of today.

I currently use DR Fat Beams which I like pretty well, but they have a bit more zing to them than I want, and I get a lot of finger noise. I want my notes to be clearly heard with some sustain when needed, not just thump thump thump, which is what I thought flats did, so I've kind of been avoiding trying them.

Can anyone give me some insight into Chromes and if they might serve my purpose? If anyone can point me to a recording of a Jazz type bass with Chromes, I'd appreciate it.

Jungy · #2 01-24-2013, 07:05 PM

Yes, do it.
Not the best demo's but they give an idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYku1NU7D1w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlC6zZvXMnE

mogpipe · #3 01-24-2013, 07:15 PM

Do it! Chromes RULE! They RULE!!!
Seriously, I thought I had found 'My' strings when I first used DR srings. Did that for a while, completely satisfied mind you, then decided to try some flats for the first time.
Done some research, decided on Chromes. Fell in love with my bass ALL OVER AGAIN! Deep, old school tone. And a smooth feel like no other. Supposedly, you can keep them on a bass for years and they just get better. Do yourself a favor, get them.

the PIPE

OzzyGreg · #4 01-24-2013, 11:12 PM

.

I love them on my Marcus Miller signature Jazz. Nice, full bottom end with clarity and no finger noise!
I'm told they lose brightness with age. So far mine haven't reached that point and still sound like they did when i bought them.

Get 'em, they're great!

**mjac28** · #5 01-24-2013, 11:20 PM

I had them on a Jazz and didn't care for them they sounded too clanky to me.

Geroi Asfalta · #6 01-25-2013, 12:41 AM

I play metal, and if chromes can cut through two over distorted guitars they will definitely work for you

funkinbottom · #7 01-25-2013, 12:46 AM

Evil Undead · #8 01-25-2013, 12:53 AM

Chromes rule. That's all I have to say.

Drucocu · #9 01-25-2013, 01:06 AM

Do it,

Chromes are the best of both world, they're definitely not your grampa's flat, but cope the Motown Sound oh so well, if you turn down the tone. Yet they are brilliant like rounds, with absolutely NO finger noise, I mean, c'mon, it doesn't get better than this? Theyre my favorite strings and I didn't care for rounds for ages! oh, and slap works well too.

bassbully · #10 01-25-2013, 07:08 AM

If you do switch to Chromes please remember they need a break in period. This period depends on how much/long you play etc. Once broken in they will feel and sound awesome.

geoff_in_nc · #11 01-25-2013, 07:18 AM

Thanks everyone. I've decided I'm going to give them a whirl. Am I right thinking that Chromes are higher tension than say my DR Fat Beams?
PS the videos posted really helped sell me along with a couple I found.

Rip Topaz · #12 01-25-2013, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drucocu

Do it,

Chromes are the best of both world, they're definitely not your grampa's flat, but cope the Motown Sound oh so well, if you turn down the tone. Yet they are brilliant like rounds, with absolutely NO finger noise, I mean, c'mon, it doesn't get better than this? Theyre my favorite strings and I didn't care for rounds for ages! oh, and slap works well too.

+1. I love the sound of slap on Chromes. Great string for everything, and the ultra low action I can get with them is a definite bonus!!

Rip Topaz · #13 01-25-2013, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoff_in_nc

Thanks everyone. I've decided I'm going to give them a whirl. Am I right thinking that Chromes are higher tension than say my DR Fat Beams?
PS the videos posted really helped sell me along with a couple I found.

Yes, they are a higher tension. You can compensate by lowering your action.

Rip Topaz · #14 01-25-2013, 08:05 AM

Also, I've NEVER had a problem with lack if sustain with Chromes. I mean, how long do you really need a note to ring??

jasper383 · #15 01-25-2013, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoff_in_nc

Thanks everyone. I've decided I'm going to give them a whirl. Am I right thinking that Chromes are higher tension than say my DR Fat Beams?
PS the videos posted really helped sell me along with a couple I found.

Get the 40-95 set, and add a single B string to make the 5 string set.

That will probably be pretty close in stiffness to your Fat Beams.

Rip Topaz · #16 01-25-2013, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasper383

Get the 40-95 set, and add a single B string to make the 5 string set.

That will probably be pretty close in stiffness to your Fat Beams.

+1. Go light at first.

VanillaThundah · #17 01-25-2013, 09:32 AM

Yessssss....get chromes. Give them time to break in and use a foam mute if you can!!

dalkowski · #18 01-25-2013, 09:40 AM

Get a set of Chromes. Then get a P to go with them.

Rip Topaz · #19 01-25-2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalkowski

Get a set of Chromes. Then get a P to go with them.

This.

Rip Topaz · #20 01-25-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanillaThundah

Yessssss....get chromes. Give them time to break in and use a foam mute if you can!!

Good advice. Most people give up on them before they are really broken in. They take a few weeks for the biting treble to calm down but it's TOTALLY worth the wait.

I've got a set on my backup bass that are over a year old and they sound fantastic.