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Chrome-like with less tension

H

Hamrlik

Supporting Member
Feb 2, 2023
269
381
#1
I've recently rediscovered an old p-bass of mine that hasn't been used in years. It's strung with Chromes (45-100). I've always loved the feel and sound of the Chromes. However I now prefer a lighter tension (not lower gage) string. For several years my main players have used Dunlop Super Bright nickel rounds (45-105), which I love. When I recently picked up the old p-bass I was pretty stunned at how stiff the Chromes were. Too uncomfortable for me to play.

Any recommendations on a brighter but lower tension flat that can do a reasonable Chrome sound and smooth feel with less tension? 'm not particularly well versed in string tension specs. All I know is the Chromes are fantastic other than the uncomfortably I feel playing them. The EB Colbalts are on my radar, as are the GHS pressure wounds. However for this bass I really want a nice of flats. I'd be most appreciative for any input.

Thanks in advance!
 
#2
TI Jazz Flats? They're more lively and less thuddy than most flats, and nicely supple. I actually prefer the sound to Chromes, a little brighter and more emphasis in the mids. Maybe not quite as much sustain. I've only tried them on fretless so I can't say how they'll do on fretted.
 
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#4
My first thought was Chrome 40s (which is what I use), but then I saw you wrote this: "However I now prefer a lighter tension (not lower gage) string." Can you elaborate on that? Is that the tension of the 40s would be okay but you might not care for the tone?
 
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#5
Hamrlik said:
Any recommendations on a brighter but lower tension flat that can do a reasonable Chrome sound and smooth feel with less tension? 'm not particularly well versed in string tension specs. All I know is the Chromes are fantastic other than the uncomfortably I feel playing them...
Click to expand...
Dunlop Flats. The same formula as the Super Bright rounds, ie thinner hex core for flexibility.
 
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#7
I actually was wondering the same thing. Flats with lower tension but not lower gauges. I have some TIs and LTFs… just thinner than I really like.

Recently I put some old Chromes on an old Squier and they felt great when I had it tuned to D standard, but anything higher and the neck couldn’t handle the tension. I have plenty of other basses with various flats, so I just ordered a set of D’Addario tapes earlier today. The published tension on the tapes is significantly lighter than a comparable gauge set of Chromes. We’ll see how it goes.
 
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#8
chromes always feel thick and stiff and dull to me

were i a flats guy it would be the ernie ball cobalt flats, they're more flexible and brighter sounding
 
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#9
TI flats, it’s _the_ benchmark of pbass flat sound and exactly feels softer and not stiff at all. They last decades and even if you don’t like them you can always sell. Don’t cut too short. Slightly softer feel than dunlop sb nickels (45-105). Must try at least once.

Olinto flats - more old school thumpy sound but still on the brighter side. Plays nothing like typical Labella DTB flats(bridge cables), Olinto are nice and pliable. Tension is not low at all neither gauge is thin, they just flex more due to thinner core. Very very comfortable string, I would say similar flex/tension to dunlop sb nickels (45-105), but flatwound.
 
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#12
Hamrlik said:
I've recently rediscovered an old p-bass of mine that hasn't been used in years. It's strung with Chromes (45-100). I've always loved the feel and sound of the Chromes. However I now prefer a lighter tension (not lower gage) string. For several years my main players have used Dunlop Super Bright nickel rounds (45-105), which I love. When I recently picked up the old p-bass I was pretty stunned at how stiff the Chromes were. Too uncomfortable for me to play.

Any recommendations on a brighter but lower tension flat that can do a reasonable Chrome sound and smooth feel with less tension? 'm not particularly well versed in string tension specs. All I know is the Chromes are fantastic other than the uncomfortably I feel playing them. The EB Colbalts are on my radar, as are the GHS pressure wounds. However for this bass I really want a nice of flats. I'd be most appreciative for any input.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

i recall a TB member been suggest an ECB80 set but swap the D string with .055 D for better balance string to string tension.

1754729381983.png
 
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#13
michael_t said:
Dunlop Flats. The same formula as the Super Bright rounds, ie thinner hex core for flexibility.
Click to expand...

Really? That's interesting, but also very surprising.

I've only tested Dunlop Super Brights on a long scale bass and Dunlop flats on a short scale bass, but his is what I found:

-The Super Brights are the least stiff hex core, roundrounds I've ever tested. So supple in fact that I initially thought they were round core. They were actually a bit too supple for my playing style, so I definitely noticed the extra flexibility with these.

-The Dunlop flats on the other were too stiff/inarticulate for my taste, even on a short scale bass. I would expect them to feel even stiffer on a long scale bass. Of course, stiffness isn't just about the core, but I simply cannot feel that same thin core flexibility with these flats at all...???

Both the sets I tested were 45-105 and as far as stiffness goes I would put them at pretty much opposite sides of the spectrum, even when the Dunlop flats I tested were short scale. Is it possible they use a thicker core for the short scale sets? I haven't seen the actual tension figures. All I know is that neither of these two sets of strings really worked for me, because they were too supple/stiff respectively.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the Dunlop flats are necessarily a bad choice here. 40-100 with the Dunlop flats will obviously be less stiff than the 45-105 set I tested, but so would lighter gauges with any other types of flats (and 40-100 is actually slightly lighter than the OP wants). The problem is that all the truly flexible, low tension flats I can think of have a rather different tone than D'Addario Chromes. At least the Dunlop will be tonally close (although still a bit different).


If lighter gauges than the 45-100 Chromes set isn't an option, I honestly think the OP will have to make a compromise between tension and tone here. Bascially one of two choices:

1) Truly low tension flats with a rather different tone than D'Addario Chromes.

2) Flats that are may be just a tiny bit less stiff then the Chromes but tonally much closer than option 1).

And then there's option 3) of course: Check the setup of the bass with the Chromes. If it hasn't been played in years, there's a good chance it needs a setup. The first thing I would check is whether neck relief has shifted. Too much relief would definitely make it harder to play.
 
#14
What about GHS Precision flat set CM3050 with gauges 45 60 80 105. The 105 has a smidge more tension on paper than the Chrome 100 but feels less stiff.

D’addario CHROMES ECB81
Gauges 45 65 80 100

E1/.100/40.30lbf
A1/.080/45.70lbf
D2/.065/53.90lbf
G2/.045/47.00lbf

TT=186.90lbf

GHS Precision Flats CM3050
Gauges 45 60 80 105

E1/.105/41.20lbf
A1/.080/44.90lbf
D2/.060/46.50lbf
G2/.045/41.50lbf

TT=174.10lbf
 
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#16
Tragically, can't change the physical properties while keeping the same tone. This law is much more ruthless with flats because they participate in shaping the tone more than rounds do.

1. Compromise on gauge:
Go to the smaller gauge Chromes and try to get used to the diameter. This is the only hope of retaining almost exactly the same tone as the heavier Chromes (listen to onda'bass above).

2. Compromise on feel:
Stick with Chromes of the same gauge and trust that you'd eventually get used to them, as the price you pay for that exact tone. So, are you a tone purist, ready to sacrifice for your art? ...like La Bella Jamerson extremists, superheroes in this regard?

3. Compromise on tone:
-Other bright-ish flats - of the same diameter but less (apparent) tension and/or less stiffness - can sound great, like the Dunlop demo here, which made me try them once. And EB Group on a Stingray with a pick really do sound like Cliff Williams.
-As you love rounds, switch to Cobalt Flats and enjoy tone almost indistinguishable from rounds, and they're very flexible (which feels like less tension), and also do have literally less tension (because they have a wide gap in the outer winding, which means less string mass per unit length, so they pull up to pitch with less tension). By "almost indistinguishable" I mean, for A-B testing I had Cobalt Flats E, D and **Hi-Beams** A, G mounted at the same time, and while noodling without looking I could easily forget which was which! I also tried those but decided I liked some rounds more, as you do your Dunlop Super Brights. But you said you want flats. For the sound of flats, right?
-Or TIJFs, which sound like neither rounds nor Chromes, but are very beautiful in a less extroverted way. But aren't they also thinner, hmm?

It looks like Chromes, thick or thin, or let it go, as I let go of La Bella DTFs. :crying:
 
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#19
I like these a lot and they should be an answer for your issue of Chrome sound but less tension.

www.daddario.com

40-95 Super Light, Long Scale, XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings | ECB80 | D'Addario

These flat wound strings provide an ultra-smooth feel and a dark, yet warm tone, while allowing movement across the fretboard with no finger noise. These 40-95 Super Light strings have a bright attack and very light tension, making them easier to play. Learn more.
www.daddario.com www.daddario.com

1754741765188.png
 
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#20
Deleted member 271037 said:
Really? That's interesting, but also very surprising...
Click to expand...
Just for clarification...

I wasn't saying Dunlop Flats are as flexible as the Super Bright rounds. I was simply pointing out Dunlop Flats are more flexible than the D'A Chromes of similar gauges because of the relatively thinner core wire.

The OP is looking for something less stiff than the Chromes without having to go down in gauges, so the Dunlop would be an option.
 
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