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Chromes tension question

B

bassdog

May 23, 2005
839
558
Atlanta, Ga
#1
About a year ago I purchased a set of Chromes 50-105 set. I usually play lower tession strings like TIs, Sunbeams, XL Nickels, HI-Beams. I love the sound of the Chromes but am wondering if the tension is too much for my fretting hand. After playing these a while, I notice that my knuckles seem to be a little sore. I don't think I have noticed this before with other strings. I play alot btw. The action is low and the bass seems to play nicely. Could it be my imagination? Has anyone else noticed that the high tension is a little hard on the hand? Thanks folks. Bob

I do see that there are a few related threads already. But I think it is safe to say that my fretting hand "feels" the tension after a short time playing. It's probably not best for my 58 yr hand. Thanks anyway. Bob
 
#2
Here's my perspective on the Chromes as a 55-yr-old... (actually almost 56)

I used to use D'Addario XL Nickles 45-105 before I discovered the joy of flats. Due to the slightly stiffer nature of flats in general, I decided to go a little lighter with the Chromes (40-100), which has worked out fine for me for the last three and a half years as they're comparable to the XL's in terms of stiffness.

You mentioned TI, Sunbeams and Hi Beams, which all have round core, making them a lot more flexible. So, I can see why you're finding the Chromes 50-105 harder on your 58-yr-old hand.
 
#3
I typically do not like flats...however loved the sound of chromes on my kelly acoustic....as for tension?

Yup....alot of it! So much so that the B was not even useful on the acoustic.

I may try them on an electric sometime.

Just (yesterday) put a set of sadowsky black labels on the kelly....seems like less twnsion and very darn near the chrome sound
 
#4
When I made the switch to Chromes, I originally went with medium gauge (.50 - .105), not realizing that flats have more tension. I found them too tough to fret, so I switched to light gauge Chromes (.045 - .100) and things have been great ever since.
 
#5
Thanks for the replies. It is interesting that a tad more tension can really be felt with the fretting hand. I have removed the Chromes and don't think I'll use that gauge again. I had been trying to use these strings on and off for a while now. Decided to put a set of the XL Nickels on the PJ. Now both basses have the same strings. Seems good for me as I like to use them interchangably. Played a long gig last night and my hand isn't really feeling it today. I'd probably be hurting a little if I had done the gig on the Chromes. Thanks again,

Bob
 
#7
groovenut57 said:
I decided to go a little lighter with the Chromes (40-100)... ...as they're comparable to the XL's in terms of stiffness.
Click to expand...

This was the route I chose as well. I go one or more steps down from the guage I use for rounds when I buy flats (except for TIs) and find the tension to be comparable.

Flats definitely have higher tension - especially Chromes - and I too felt it in my hand after longs sets, which is why I made the above adjustment.
 
#9
bassdog said:
About a year ago I purchased a set of Chromes 50-105 set. I usually play lower tession strings like TIs, Sunbeams, XL Nickels, HI-Beams..............
Click to expand...

I'm used to round core DR strings too. The 45-100 ECB81 set was too stiff for me. I switched to some D'addario tapes, but if I switch back to chromes, I'll use the 40-95 ECB80 next time - those are the true light gauge chromes. Call me a wimp, I'm too old to care about such things.
 

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