D'Addario Chromes User Group- Chromeys Speak Out!

[Eric_Allard]

I posted this in another thread, but it might get more attention here.

I have used Chromed extensively over the last ten years. The most recent set I purchased (ECB82), I was pleasantly surprised to see that D'Addario increased the string length enough that the silk wrappings doesn't need to be trimmed so that it doesn't end up in the nut (my P-Bass is a 2000 American Standard so through body stringing is my only option).
Once I got the bass setup, I noticed the tension is unbearably high and the strings have overwhelming bass response without the characteristic crisp high I like from these strings. I kept them on for two months hoping they would "break in" somewhat, but eventually gave up.
I have these same strings on two of my other basses with great results. Has anyone else noticed recent changes other than the increased string length?
Maybe I need to try a lighter gauge set on this particular bass. I put on a set of rounds meanwhile, but I tend to gravitate to the thump of flats and miss it.

Edit: Maybe I need to double check that the set I have on my other basses is in fact the ECB82. Is a digital caliper accurate enough to identify the difference between a few different string gauges?

Edit 2: I just checked both my Jazz Basses and it looks like I have a 100 string for the E on both. That's one of the things with flats: you go so long between buying sets that you forget what you put on last. As a general rule, do flats get thumpier as you go to lighter sets? Based on the difference between the 105 and 100 sets, I would be curious to try the 95 set.[/QUOTE]

 

[onda'bass]

The more I use theses strings, I get the break in thing. It takes a while, but worth it, sounding better each day.

 

[z009]

im interested in trying these out... i play anything from pop punk to classical in an orchestra, and my current favorite strings are elixr light nanowebs... is it possible to get a similar tone with these strings? thanks

 

[Eric_Allard]

I did a little more measuring:
It appears I have the ECB81 set on my fretless and ECB84 on the fretted bass. Different basses, but I prefer the ECB84 set: the difference in tension from the low to high strings is very noticeable on the ECB81 set.
I'll try a ECB84 set on my Precision next time it's due for a string change. The ECB82 set had far too much tension for my preferences.

 

[jamersonburton]

Just strung my newly acquired mia p standard with these! 45-100! The e string is wrapping around the tuner post a bit too much but I'm excited to see how these will break in!

 

[michael_t]

The e string is wrapping around the tuner post a bit too much

Would you be able to post a photo of this?

Thanks kindly.

 

[jamersonburton]

Would you be able to post a photo of this?

Thanks kindly.

Nothing crazy but I generally like it to stick out more. It's funny, I didn't get this issue on the Freeman.

 

[michael_t]

Nothing crazy but I generally like it to stick out more. It's funny, I didn't get this issue on the Freeman.

Hey, thanks for the quick response!

This must be the new set with 37.1" winding length. My old set was 36.5" (or maybe 36.25"?) and they fit my Fender Jazz perfectly.

 

[jamersonburton]

Hey, thanks for the quick response!

This must be the new set with 37.1" winding length. My old set was 36.5" (or maybe 36.25"?) and they fit my Fender Jazz perfectly.

Ah, I see.

 

[perkjos]

Just ordered a set for my Lakie JO! Can't wait to bat for the chromes team.

 

[ubnomnar]

I like flats so I opened the "Box O' Test Strings" and tried TI Jazz Flats, Sadowsky Black Label Flats 40-100, La Bella DTF 39-96, La Bella DTF 43-104 and Chromes 40-100 on my Super P.

Then I ordered a custom set of 45-60-80-105 Chromes from Jason at BSO. I'm lovin' the tone, tension and overall feel

I guess I'm a Chromey

.

 

[Jesse Lawrence]

I've got Chromes on my 2007 MIA p-bass and I'm really enjoying them. Great tone and feel after letting them break in a bit, and the tension feels just right for me.

 

[Mastermold]

No wonder the B sounds bad compared to the rest. It has the lowest tension of the string set. That is a major fail that a lot of string manufacturers commit. Unfortunately, the 132 gauge is the heaviest Chrome string available.

...

Never had a bad B on my sets. Could be the bass you've paired them with. I've got a set currently on a Jazz 5 and the B sounds and plays balanced.

 

[onda'bass]

The B on my j and p basses sound HUGE and better any roundwound string I ever used. The feel is great I paired the 132 with A 100-40 Set. Ymmv

 

[Bassworship1]

I have to give an update on my chromes installed on my new Ibanez SR4505 Prestige bass. After playing and adjusting them I have to say they re amazing. Huge bottom end and the overtones that I hated with roundwounds are gone. These are amazing and I can't wait to see how long they stay like this. I've only played roughly 3 hours or so so far but I'm really liking them.

 

[Mastermold]

I have to give an update on my chromes installed on my new Ibanez SR4505 Prestige bass. After playing and adjusting them I have to say they re amazing. Huge bottom end and the overtones that I hated with roundwounds are gone. These are amazing and I can't wait to see how long they stay like this. I've only played roughly 3 hours or so so far but I'm really liking them.

The '68 P-bass (maple board on the right) has had the same set of Chromes on since the mid-1980s. I did some studio work with it a few years back and they still sounded great!

 

[Bassworship1]

My only question is how do you guys maintain the cleaning of the flats to ensure they last that long?

 

[Mastermold]

My only question is how do you guys maintain the cleaning of the flats to ensure they last that long?

Cleaning flats? Never heard of it.

 

[onda'bass]

I just wipe down after playing. maybe rubbing alcohol if they really nasty.

 

[shawshank72]

Can anyone tell me about their experience with 45/100 ECB81's?
Is the D tension out of whack or are they a good feeling tension wise?
Does the thin G Stay twangy?
thanks