Will Chromes wear frets even for flats?

[dagrev]

I've searched an haven't found any info on this. My guess is that Chromes are steel so even though they aren't rounds why won't they wear frets (maybe not as badly)? It's still a harder metal on a softer fret?

Any experience with this?

[improvpwnd]

I look at it this way: The more harsh the strings are on your fingers, the more harsh they are on your frets. To me, Chromes are more harsh to my fingers than TI Jazz Flats are.. but by such a small amount it is not something I would ever fret about

And your sig is awesome.

[elBandito]

Nowhere as near as fast steel rounds.

[dagrev]

I know it has to be much less than rounds, but I got to thinking that steel on nickle no matter the configuration has to wear the nickle. Even two smooth metals with one harder than the other will wear the softer down.

I looked at a bass with the Chromes on it and it did look like some wear--and they haven't been on there all that long. But some of this may have been there before--but it sure looked shinny. My concern is not short term but years of playing.

Thanks improvpwnd for the sig comment, I rather like it as well. It's the only (marginally) clever thing I've ever thought of!

[markdavid]

Originally Posted by dagrev

I've searched an haven't found any info on this. My guess is that Chromes are steel so even though they aren't rounds why won't they wear frets (maybe not as badly)? It's still a harder metal on a softer fret?

Because the surface of the chromes is smooth and flat whereas roundwounds are rough and have an almost abrasive kind of feel in comparison,

Roundwound


Flatwound

[fretlessguy]

I don't think you will have anything to worry about. Play them and enjoy them. I've seen basses played for many years with all kind of strings that have shown little wear.

FG

[JustDavid]

Sure they will, but much less than nickle rounds.