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D'Addario Chromes User Group- Chromeys Speak Out!

#741
dave64o said:
My Jazz is the one bass in my current collection that I haven't yet tried Chromes on. Can't say there's a reason, I just haven't done it yet. I'll have to consider them the next time I change strings.

Regarding your Kiloton, I've had the same set of Chromes on my L-2500 for about four years and they sound magnificent on it. They give me some of the thumpiness of flats but in a brighter sounding string that tames but doesn't neuter the MFDs. I think they're a great match for an aggressive sounding pickup of like the MFDs, so if you ever consider trying them on your Kiloton, go for it! :thumbsup: :bassist:
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I considered it but I wanted a bass I use a lot to still have round wounds on it.
 
#743
The set of Chromes I bought earlier this year got put on and off this bass and that bass so much that the G string unravelled. Fair enough.

I used a La Bella. 043 to cover the gap until a fresh set arrived. That was kind of entertaining.

I've just restrung my LB-100, and so have gone from Chromes that had had a couple of months of play to brand new set.

Two things have really struck me. Firstly, the difference in stiffness. I hadn't appreciated how supple the previous set had got. Secondly, you can hear that extra stiffness in the sound — I've suddenly lost the bloom, the tone is harder and more narrow.

I'm going to try to keep track of how long it takes for that initial stiffness to wear off, both in feel and tone.
 
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#745
Ricky Rioli said:
I'm going to try to keep track of how long it takes for that initial stiffness to wear off, both in feel and tone.
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The worst of the stiffness went away almost immediately.

By the bye, I regret forgetting to follow @michael_t 's advice about alcohol wipes before putting this set of Chromes on — they really needed the remnants of the polishing compound cleaning off.

(I also forgot to do that when fitting some Labellas, but I never had any cause for regret there)
 
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#746
Ricky Rioli said:
I regret forgetting to follow @michael_t 's advice about alcohol wipes before putting this set of Chromes on — they really needed the remnants of the polishing compound cleaning off.
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I'm kind of glad I followed my own advice about the alcohol wipe when I installed Ernie Ball Group IV Stainless Steel Flats on my P bass a month ago. There was a fairly bit of black marks left on the wipe, which reminded me of the Chromes and the Fender 9050. ;)
 
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#749
But it's SO worth the wait. :D

I have a set on my L-2500 that sound fantastic. They're about 4-5 years old, are well broken in, and they seem to zig where the L-xxxx basses zag. That bass sounds so rich and full, especially when set in passive mode.

Chromes are the best strings I've tried on thst particular bass.
 
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#751
80jazz said:
But I already like them.

What I wonder is if I will like them more or less.
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I was recently having similar thoughts and got this useful reply

Ricky Rioli said:
One thing I'm wondering: how far into their lifecycle do Chromes hang onto their nervy feel? Obviously the brightness will go early, has already mellowed out; will there be a point when the strings stop being so responsive to touch? If so, when.....?
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JimmyM said:
I think they vary in time depending on the string, with the low strings giving it up after a few months and the G string hanging on for dear life as long as it possibly can.
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A new set twice a year, I can live with that
 
#752
80jazz said:
But I already like them.

What I wonder is if I will like them more or less.
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I prefer them when they're well broken in, the bottom end tightens up and the highs become silky smooth.
Of course, to each their own. I do have 2 Precisions, one wrapped w/Chromes and the udder w/Rotosounds! Both have their moments!

Good luck!
 
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#754
I have medium gauge Chromes on a MIM Fender Jazz. They go so well together, it's unbelievable. I put the first set on in 2004, the third and current one on in 2020, and the second one on somewhere in between! I use them until the E string loses all semblance of pitch. :)
 
#756
Hey D’Addario, when will you be presenting Chromes in 45-65-85-105?

Because of nonexistence of such set, I’ve avoided Chromes for years until a few days ago when I installed an ECB84 set on a fretless. They are nice, I like the sound, but would prefer more metal under my fingers. Other Chromes sets seem horribly unbalanced by string tension. Please D’Addario, do something about it.

My point of reference is Rotosound Monel flats. I also play Galli, GHS and EB Cobalt flats, all 45-105.
 
#757
MattiZ said:
Hey D’Addario, when will you be presenting Chromes in 45-65-85-105?

Because of nonexistence of such set, I’ve avoided Chromes for years until a few days ago when I installed an ECB84 set on a fretless. They are nice, I like the sound, but would prefer more metal under my fingers. Other Chromes sets seem horribly unbalanced by string tension. Please D’Addario, do something about it.
Click to expand...

D'Addario is probably the easiest brand to find in singles for putting together custom sets... at least here in N.A. Are you saying it's hard to find the Chromes Flats in singles where you are (Finland)?
 
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