• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

D'Addario Chromes User Group- Chromeys Speak Out!

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.

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)?
They are easy to find, very well made and super consistent in my experience. I use them a lot.
I've got 4 sets of 45-65-85-105 Chromes, and I live in Europe too. Hint: buy from the US. I think they sound and feel great, it's definitely worth the hassle of getting hold of that set.

Tensions for those who care: 47 + 54 + 52 + 43 = 196
You don't need to wait. Look up D'Addario's string tension charts and construct a set of singles that does what you want. I did just that for my oddball 5-string (40-55-75-95-132, balanced at ~40lbs per string) and my Precision (45-60-80-110, balanced at ~46 lbs per string).
I you ever want to order singles in Europe, go to Saitenmarkt.
D'Addario ECB Chromes Single Strings, 16,00 €
Buying single Chromes in Europe is an option, but an expensive one. From Saitenmarkt, they'd be looking at an 80 euros' expense, minus shipping, vs. 55 euros for a prepackaged set.
Lord of the Strings would be a little cheaper at 70 euros:
Lord of the Strings
 
  • Like
Reactions: MattiZ
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)?

Not easy nor cheap in Europe. Chromes singles are not available in Finland, and for the price of a custom set + postage from any European site I could get, for example, 2 sets of Rotosound or Galli or most other European flats. Not sure if it’s worth it.

Prices are getting ridiculous. I just noticed the cost of a 5-string Dunlop flats set is 99€ locally.
DUNLOP FLATWOUND BASS 45-125 S-STEEL
They are nice strings. But no thanks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bevan777
IMG_8751.jpeg
IMG_8752.jpeg

I have two jazz basses with chromes which are both 20 years old - I never clean them and they rarely go out of tune. On the bass I play the most ‘65 jazz, when playing the bass acoustically the chromes are very mellow and dark and no rattle or fret buzz no matter how hard I pluck the strings. But on a gig they can be punchy with a solid fundamental. On the P Bass I recently installed chromes and they were bright but quickly mellowed but also bright when needed (pick playing, etc).

I’m sure with all current string offerings we are spoiled for choice with all brands and types.
I’m just happy to have found what works for me and not constantly fretting over strings.

I plan to keep these strings on at least the jazz basses for as long as possible. I’ll give an update on this thread in ten years haha.
 
Last edited:
View attachment 5107118 View attachment 5107119
I have two jazz basses with chromes which are both 20 years old - I never clean them and they rarely go out of tune. On the bass I play the most ‘65 jazz, when playing the bass acoustically the chromes are very mellow and dark and no rattle or fret buzz no matter how hard I pluck the strings. But on a gig they can be punchy with a solid fundamental. On the P Bass I recently installed chromes and they were bright but quickly mellowed but also bright when needed (pick playing, etc).

I’m sure with all current string offerings we are spoiled for choice with all brands and types.
I’m just happy to have found what works for me and not constantly fretting over strings.

I plan to keep these strings on at least the jazz basses for as long as possible. I’ll give an update on this thread in ten years haha.
Completely random - but what type of dog do you have? It appears to be the same as mine, and mine will often lay right next to me as I play. Seems like they must all enjoy bass!
 
View attachment 5107118 View attachment 5107119
I have two jazz basses with chromes which are both 20 years old - I never clean them and they rarely go out of tune. On the bass I play the most ‘65 jazz, when playing the bass acoustically the chromes are very mellow and dark and no rattle or fret buzz no matter how hard I pluck the strings. But on a gig they can be punchy with a solid fundamental. On the P Bass I recently installed chromes and they were bright but quickly mellowed but also bright when needed (pick playing, etc).

I’m sure with all current string offerings we are spoiled for choice with all brands and types.
I’m just happy to have found what works for me and not constantly fretting over strings.

I plan to keep these strings on at least the jazz basses for as long as possible. I’ll give an update on this thread in ten years haha.
I've had Chromes on most of my basses over the last several years but, for no real reason, I haven't yet put them on a Jazz bass.

I just got a Sire V5R so I now have two Jazzes. I'm going to have to think about putting a set on one of them. They're pretty different sounding, so the tough part will be deciding which one to try first.

I know, I know ... the real answer is both! :D
 
I'm familiar with laBella flats on my two shortscales.

Im familiar with EB Cobalt flats on my 34's.

Ive never tried d'Addario chromes but would consider a set for my new 5-string 35".

Can anyone give me a sense of how they compare to the feel and sound of the sets Im familiar with?

Much obliged for any experienced intel!
 
Completely random - but what type of dog do you have? It appears to be the same as mine, and mine will often lay right next to me as I play. Seems like they must all enjoy bass!

my dog, Buster, is a Cavalier King Charles mix, he follows me throughout the house and has been amazing companion - as all dogs are. He rarely barks and is super mellow, but unfortunately this breed is prone to heart problems. He is suffering from heart failure now, and I am just trying to enjoy my time with him. There’s something special having a dog underfoot as one goes about one’s life. Funny how dogs are able to make their way through life without a wallet or even a pocket for a wallet. They also don’t care what strings you use.

70887130415__E985B88A-A1B5-431C-A8C9-EF8B73BB1018.jpeg
 
I'm familiar with laBella flats on my two shortscales.

Im familiar with EB Cobalt flats on my 34's.

Ive never tried d'Addario chromes but would consider a set for my new 5-string 35".

Can anyone give me a sense of how they compare to the feel and sound of the sets Im familiar with?

Much obliged for any experienced intel!
Chromes will sound brighter, more like the Colbalts than the LaBellas especially when new. Over time, the differences between flats become less pronounced and in my experience old Chromes sound really good. Their low B on the 5-string is pretty thick, a 132 I think, but sounds huge too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BuddhaFingas
my dog, Buster, is a Cavalier King Charles mix, he follows me throughout the house and has been amazing companion - as all dogs are. He rarely barks and is super mellow, but unfortunately this breed is prone to heart problems. He is suffering from heart failure now, and I am just trying to enjoy my time with him. There’s something special having a dog underfoot as one goes about one’s life. Funny how dogs are able to make their way through life without a wallet or even a pocket for a wallet. They also don’t care what strings you use.

View attachment 5107482
Yup - my Lucy is a purebred Cavalier. She is usually super mellow, until guests arrive, at which point she demands attention. She also wants to murder any furry or winged intruders in the yard. But besides that, she's the calmest, most lovable thing in the world. (But she CLEARLY has strong opinions about my gear. All that extra frequency range in what she can hear, I bet. ;) )
 
Ive never tried d'Addario chromes but would consider a set for my new 5-string 35".
I have exactly that setup: 40-55-75-95-132 Chromes on a 35". That's a balanced set at about 40 lbs per string. The standard long scale strings *just* fit. They work well and are bright enough for any style. Do clean them before installing though, as others have noted.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BuddhaFingas