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Just got me my first Tbird and love the dark growly sound and was curious about flats on it, did you feel you lost any versatility or "cutting power"?
Sure helps! I'm putting together a string order ill get me some chromes to try!Not at all, in terms of flats that is. Being a flat it's not going to have the flexibility and midrange harmonic content of a round, but it is pretty bright for a flat and if you EQ the mids up you can get some good zing. Because the TBird has such good sustain I find the sustain with the Chromes more than adequate and I definitely need to mute the strings. One nice thing about the Chromes is that because they are so smooth, and with my low action, I can get half decent results when practicing my glissando technique. I've had these flats since I got the bass, about 5 months ago, and keep them clean with an occasional alcohol wipe and I'm still happy with the tone. I'm in love with my Bird and I'm happy for you that you also have one. I hope that this is helpful to you. - Cheers
Did a quick search and didn't find a Chromes Club, so I figured why not?
I'm a dedicated Chromes user. I've been playing bass since 1981, and for most of that time I used regular D'Addario XL rounds. A few years back I finally discovered the joy that is the Fender P, which eventually led me to give flats a try. So glad I did.
ECB81's on my MIA 60th Anniversary P-bass, had the Chromes on and off a few times. Went back to rounds a couple of times but the flats are back on it and staying this time. The current set has about three years of play on them.
My backup P, a MIM Lake Placid Blue (maple fretboard) is also wearing Chromes, but this time I went with the ECB82 set in hopes that the heavier gauge would get the tone/action closer to what I'm used to with the 60th.
It may or may not have worked, but I love the tone/feel of the heavier set. So much so that when I either wear out or break a string, I'll be swapping to the heavier gauge on that bass, too.
Being a former rounds player, switching to flats was an experiment that I'm calling a success. The Chromes are just bright enough to allow me to slap when necessary (a couple songs with my current band). And since my band plays classic/70's rock, I'm able to get the bass tones of the original recordings perfectly.
I've fallen in love with the tone I get with my Chromes, and even though I play more of a lead style of bass (think Entwistle/Butler/Sheehan) I have no problem nailing just about any tone I need. Sure the slap sound isn't the normal "Jazz bass with rounds" thing, but for the amount of slap that I play I'm totally satisfied.
So who's gonna join me and share their love of D'Addario Chromes flats? What set do you use? What is it that you like/dislike about them?
Oh, and here's a pic of my top three. The two on the right are my Chromes users. The dual pickup green bass (I call it the ThunderPea due to the pickups being in the same spots as a Thunderbird bass) is currently wearing XL rounds.
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I don't want a club number....but I do want to say that I also use Chromes on my 60th anniversary P. See my avatar. Sounds lovely with those strings!
Cool in on the ground floor, ECB81's on all my Fender and Squier's.
Is there any difference on the different packaging (Black circle vs Neon circle)?
I'm sure someone will know. No need for a new number I already have #6bassrich - 23
Not sure about the packaging. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I will come along and know the answer.
bassrich - 23
Not sure about the packaging. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I will come along and know the answer.
oboylebass- 23.
Oh, crap. Sorry, man. I'll get it together, I promise!
Moody - 24 if that's ok![]()
tempted, but I love my Fender 9050L's on my MIM Jazz.....convince me to switch?...I've thought about it, but don't want to give up a good thing ....anybody else switched and are happier?