D'Addario Chromes User Group- Chromeys Speak Out!

[HaphAsSard]

I like the sound of Chromes but normally buy Ernie Balls, which sound very similar, because they offer a standard set that has heavier gauges (Group I). I also like the sound of the new Cobalt flats from Ernie Ball (even brighter) but they are a bit too light for my taste.

As I said elsewhere, if the .055 and .075 of the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] non-cobalts don't bother you, you can get the same gauges in cobalt version ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]). Or did you mean you already tried the specific set and found it less tight then your usual, string for string?

 

[tallboybass]

I've just got to drop in here and mention...a fairly fresh set of balanced tension Chromes (45-60-80-105) is currently blowing my proverbial skirt up on a P Bass tuned to Eb. Fits in a mix like nobody's business! (and yes, there has been just a wee bit of old school slappypop going down)

 

[carolonbass]

Has anyone tried a 40/55/75/100 custom set for balanced tension?
Would love to hear all about your experience.

 

[KJMO]

I have been wondering about the whole balanced tension thing, but with the chromes I felt like the normal set I had was just plain high tension (or stiff?), so I don't know how much difference it would make. I mean, all the strings felt like a long skinny rock, if you know what I mean.

 

[tallboybass]

Has anyone tried a 40/55/75/100 custom set for balanced tension?
Would love to hear all about your experience.

I have lots of experience with that set, only with a 95 E string. To me, the smaller E blends better tonally with the other strings. It ends up being the standard ECB80 set with a 55 D string instead of a 60.

 

[kkaarrll]

@Doner Designs

you were right--low setup , chromes, high tension--light touch--brilliant sound out of a p

 

[carolonbass]

I have lots of experience with that set, only with a 95 E string. To me, the smaller E blends better tonally with the other strings. It ends up being the standard ECB80 set with a 55 D string instead of a 60.

Thank You
Do you find the E string on Chromes to have no definition?
I have read people complain about that, maybe the lower gauge fixes that? Or maybe just not true?

 

[michael_t]

Do you find the E string on Chromes to have no definition?
I have read people complain about that, maybe the lower gauge fixes that? Or maybe just not true?

The ECB84 set (40-60-80-100) on my Fender Jazz did eventually go wacky (ie unbalanced) with a thuddy E (ie poor definition) and a twangy G (annoyingly bright).

Then I tried the Fender 9050L (45-60-80-100) and found them to have a better overall tonal balance with a more defined E and not-so-bright G.

 

[Pantone 333]

I had a 45-60-80-105 set and my E string sat well with the other strings. I felt it had great definition.

 

[michael_t]

I had a 45-60-80-105 set and my E string sat well with the other strings. I felt it had great definition.

I purposely didn't mention the Fender 9050CL set (45-60-80-105) in my above post because Fender decided to discontinue it for the second time and Fender flats are not available in singles. The 105-E is in fact better than the 100-E for definition and balance.

 

[tallboybass]

Thank You
Do you find the E string on Chromes to have no definition?
I have read people complain about that, maybe the lower gauge fixes that? Or maybe just not true?

I find that the E is the first to go dead...especially with the 100 & 105. The 95 seems less likely to do that. Strings that are not balanced tonally is a bit of a pet peeve of mine... :O

 

[bass71]

My current set on a P are I reckon four yrs old...still sound crisp. I like a highish action and find they respond lovely to a light touch.

 

[AshInAmsterdam]

I had mine on for approaching 18 months. Love them. Took them off recently and replaced with DR Black Beauties as I needed more tension in string four - playing in drop-C the 105 gets a bit floppy.

I think I'll put them back on in a few weeks.

 

[kleinenenten]

I've had mine on for three years! Just figured that out when I went to order some more for a friend from BSO. My last order was in 2014!

Might have to get some new ones in. These are still my first round on flats on my basses. Will be weird to hear them "fresh", if I go that route again.

 

[Jeff Scott]

These are a set of 40-55-75-95 Chromes on my old '98 4001V63 with scatterwound toaster and stock RI HS PU played fingerstyle through a VT Bass > Voodoo Lab Tremolo (4 knob version) > Aphex Punch Factory (orange case) to the console. This recording is from an hour long live-in-the-studio broadcast on WRUW on August 30, 2007.

 

[tallboybass]

I just received a .105 E string to revive my balanced tension set (105-80-60-45) and it sounds wonky even brand new! Anyone else experienced this?

 

[AshInAmsterdam]

I just received a .105 E string to revive my balanced tension set (105-80-60-45) and it sounds wonky even brand new! Anyone else experienced this?

Only trouble I had with mine was the wrappings at the bridge end were too long and so sat on the saddle (p-bass, strings through bridge). I had to removed the string and scrape the wrapping back about ⅛" so that metal of the string sat on the bridge saddle.

 

[KJMO]

I just received a .105 E string to revive my balanced tension set (105-80-60-45) and it sounds wonky even brand new! Anyone else experienced this?

It depends what you mean by wonky. It will have some zing for a while (same amount of time roundwounds stay zingy), so of course it won't sound like the other strings til it loses the zing. What happened to the old string? I can't imagine it would ever wear out.

 

[tallboybass]

It depends what you mean by wonky. It will have some zing for a while (same amount of time roundwounds stay zingy), so of course it won't sound like the other strings til it loses the zing. What happened to the old string? I can't imagine it would ever wear out.

When I use Chromes, the E string goes dark and the rest sound great! So I tried replacing just the E string to bring it up in brightness to attempt matching with the others. It isn't even close.

 

[Mastermold]

I just received a .105 E string to revive my balanced tension set (105-80-60-45) and it sounds wonky even brand new! Anyone else experienced this?

What is this "revive" you speak of?