Sticky Chromes

[M.Wrenn]

So I threw a set of chromes on my Jazz the other day, it was my first experience with flats and I gotta say, I absolutely LOVE the tone.

However, I have discovered an issue. For some reason, the strings feel somewhat sticky, if that makes sense.

A) Anybody else experience this? Does it go away as the the strings get broken in?

B) After doing some searching, I've found that TI Jazz flats might be a better suit for me, given that i've found the chromes to have a bit too much tension as well. Thoughts?

[jgroh]

Yes, I have had the same experience. I usually use rounds but put some Chromes on my G&L L2000 and they are sticky. The tension is a little too high for me as well. I think the stickiness goes away in time from playing.

[M.Wrenn]

Originally Posted by jgroh

Yes, I have had the same experience. I usually use rounds but put some Chromes on my G&L L2000 and they are sticky. The tension is a little too high for me as well. I think the stickiness goes away in time from playing.

Well that's good to know, We'll see if I get used to the tension but I'll probably end up throwing a set of TIs on, but we'll see.

[seanm]

Yes, the stickiness goes away. It seems to be worst if there is high humidity.

[M.Wrenn]

Originally Posted by seanm

Yes, the stickiness goes away. It seems to be worst if there is high humidity.

Any way to speed up that process? It's kinda drivin me nuts haha

[stflbn]

Wipe them down good with Alcohol before you put them on (are after if already on) and it will take off much or all of the dark greasy film that can show up on new Chromes.

[M.Wrenn]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Wipe them down good with Alcohol before you put them on (are after if already on) and it will take off much or all of the dark greasy film that can show up on new Chromes.

Thanks, man.

[BassBob1]

i love my chromes on my jazz. But yes they are sticky at first. It went away within a week for me. I have had the same set on since nov. 2010. If you can't get used to the tension just try a set that is a smaller gauge. Though i didn't really notice that big of a difference in tension between the nickel XL 45-100 and the chromes in the same gauges. If you like the chromes right now keep at 'em. IMO they sound better the more you play them and the older they get.

[Goodlawdy]

Fast fret has worked for me when they've gotten sticky. The stickiness comes and goes.

[M.Wrenn]

Originally Posted by BassBob1

i love my chromes on my jazz. But yes they are sticky at first. It went away within a week for me. I have had the same set on since nov. 2010. If you can't get used to the tension just try a set that is a smaller gauge. Though i didn't really notice that big of a difference in tension between the nickel XL 45-100 and the chromes in the same gauges. If you like the chromes right now keep at 'em. IMO they sound better the more you play them and the older they get.

Alright, I stick with em for awhile.

[Bassamatic]

I had the same problem with my LaBella Flats - the stickiness comes and goes with the humidity and temperature. I use a spritz of FingerEase at the start of the gig and all seems to work OK.

[Billnc]

Fingerease is best IMO. Keep in mind with flats you have more surface area touching your hands. Sweaty hands are NOT a lubricant for me so if things are really bad I use cornstarch baby powder on my hands and Fingerease on the strings. Most indoor gigs i use nothing.

[testing1two]

Most flats I've tried can be a bit "grabby" at times. The chemistry of your hand probably has as much to do with it as anything. The TI flats however don't seem to have this problem, at least not with me. They are smooth and slick from day 1.

[dwm74]

Yeah, take a cotton ball with alcohol and wipe 'em down. That'll reduce that stickiness and remove the metallic 'dust' from the strings.

[Frankjohnson]

right wrong or indifferent - I wipe them down lightly with lemon oil to clean. It goes away and helps them go through the calm down period more quickly.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by testing1two

.....The TI flats however don't seem to have this problem, ......

Yeah, they do, been there. If it's humid and/or you are sweating, even a little, they get grabby. All flats do. Rounds do too, just not as much, because the surface area you are in contact with is smaller.

[iiipopes]

I have the same problem with chromes. Also no tone.

The new Fender flats 9050CL set 45-60-80-105 is not, I repeat not sticky. They're great for feel and tone.

[JSK5String]

+1 on the alcohol wipe down. I wipe down my Chromes after pretty much every playing, just keeps 'em cleaner, and as such, slicker to the feel.