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Confessions of a Flatwound convert...

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#1,242
After going through this entire thread, I just ordered a set of Chromes, 100 - 40 for my FSR Hot Rod Jazz. Lots o' gigs coming up, so I should be able to give a good report. Maybe Sundogue should hit D'Addario up for a commission!

For the record, right now I have a two year old set of Lo Riders on the bass. I never changed them because for one reason or the other, these strings continue to sound great, although the "zing" is gone.
 
#1,243
ElMon said:
I wouldn't, after having them on my old M5-24 Sadowsky. Loved the tone and the midrange punch but HATED the tension and feel after a while. IMO of course. That and so far, after trying Labella/Sadowsky/Rotosound/DR/Pyramid/Ernie ball, the Chrome B string is far and away THE BEST.
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Yeah, I know what you mean about the tension. I am trying to make myself like it, because my left hand likes it so much, and I love the tone. The Chromes do have an awesome b string, and feel perfect on the right hand. I might just put the chrome B string back on, and leave the rest as TI's.
 
#1,244
Commreman said:
For the record, right now I have a two year old set of Lo Riders on the bass. I never changed them because for one reason or the other, these strings continue to sound great, although the "zing" is gone.
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Don't want to hijack this thread but I had a set Lo Riders on a bass for over a year and loved the broken in sound. Same for a set of Dean Markley Blue Steels - no zing but great tone regardless. Switched out the Lo Riders for some half-rounds which I am hating! They are going to go as soon as I get enuf money for new strings (very poor right now).

I've got Chromes on my fretless and really like them. I"m also a fan of La Bella Deep Talkin' (760) which I've got on another bass.
 
#1,250
engedi1 said:
I too love the TI flats but I am not sure that makes you a flat lover, as they are very unusual for flats. I have decided that what I really love is TI flats. I am not sure if I like normal flats.
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I think I'm with you on this one. I've tried a few traditional flats, and they always seem to lose articulation to me after a while. The TIs are very clear on all the notes up and down, and they don't seem to lose that quality.
 
#1,251
CapnSev said:
I think I'm with you on this one. I've tried a few traditional flats, and they always seem to lose articulation to me after a while. The TIs are very clear on all the notes up and down, and they don't seem to lose that quality.
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+1 to the above. I can play 15th fret notes on the E string, and they ring through perfectly and sound beautiful. Chromes could NOT do that nearly as well.
 
#1,253
engedi1 said:
+1 to the above. I can play 15th fret notes on the E string, and they ring through perfectly and sound beautiful. Chromes could NOT do that nearly as well.
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I'm sure each string brand is bass/setup dependent because my Chromes sound even all over the neck.

There really is no one single perfect brand of strings for everyo...wait...yes there is. Chromes. :D jk

Seriously though, TI's are great too and I have those as well, but I prefer Chromes myself. Suffice to say string brand is a personal thing. Just so long as everyone loves flats. (again...just kidding).
 
#1,255
Sundogue said:
I'm sure each string brand is bass/setup dependent because my Chromes sound even all over the neck.

There really is no one single perfect brand of strings for everyo...wait...yes there is. Chromes. :D jk

Seriously though, TI's are great too and I have those as well, but I prefer Chromes myself. Suffice to say string brand is a personal thing. Just so long as everyone loves flats. (again...just kidding).
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You're right, and I think a lot depends on the bass too. Chromes on my P bass seem to turn a little too muddy after a while, and I feel like I lose some note clarity. The TIs don't do that to my bass.


Yes, my avatar is wrong on a lot of levels, but I can't help laughing at it (which is probably wrong too)!
 
#1,256
I also find some Flatwounds sound better for some Basses and Music. I use my Fender Precision with GHS Precision Flatwounds for an "Old School" tone ,Blues,Old Jazz,Old R&B,Motown/Stax. In my Classic Rock Band,the D'addario Chromes are the strings on my other Fender Precision. For Modern Jazz and R&B, I use a Fender Jazz with DR Hi-beam Roundwounds. I can cover just about any style of Music with these three Fender Basses.
 
#1,258
This might be a slight derailment but I have a question to ask, what string would you guys recommend for someone looking for a more "warmer" meatier tone with light tension, I love the chromes I have on my bass at the moment for what they do, but they have this "cold/bright" character which is not what im looking for at the moment, and im also not a fan of their tension, ive been thinking of maybe getting some GHS precision flats in a very light gage for a warmer tone (compared to chromes) with less tension. What are your guys opinions/suggestions ???
 
#1,259
IMO it's a great description for the chromes: cold/bright. My advice will be the TI Flats for your situation. TI's were the second stop of my journey on flat strings (chromes being the first), but I'm settled down there... They are warm and their tension is lower than the chromes. But I only know about these two. Here we have way more experienced string gurus...
 
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