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D'Addario Chromes User Group- Chromeys Speak Out!

#781
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.

My point of reference is Rotosound Monel flats. I also play Galli, GHS and EB Cobalt flats, all 45-105.
Click to expand...


D’addario does have the ECB82 set that’s 50-70-85-105 set as well. Not the size you’re looking for on the G and D strings but they might do nicely. My opinion is that they do play a lot better than Rotos of similar gauges. Rotos stay very taut, but the Chromes limber up over time and play very responsively.

They also feel amazing once they break in, especially if cleaned with alcohol before installing. Cobalts and Rotos have more of a coarse texture, not exactly bad just not what I like.
 
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#783
How do people find the ECB84 40-60-80-100 set?

When I had a 45-60-80-105 set, I enjoyed those inner two strings. And I'm enjoying the pattern of relative tensions that my 45-65-85-105 has, which is similar to that of the 40-60-80-100.

Tension figures for those who like them:

40-60-80-100: 38 + 46 + 48 + 40 = 172
45-60-80-105: 47 + 46 + 48 + 43 = 184
45-65-85-105: 47 + 54 + 52 + 43 = 196
 
#785
taketwo said:
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.
Click to expand...

Thanks for rhat.
Did you have to order those individually, or is that an available numbered set?
 
#788
Ricky Rioli said:
How do people find the ECB84 40-60-80-100 set?

When I had a 45-60-80-105 set, I enjoyed those inner two strings. And I'm enjoying the pattern of relative tensions that my 45-65-85-105 has, which is similar to that of the 40-60-80-100.

Tension figures for those who like them:

40-60-80-100: 38 + 46 + 48 + 40 = 172
45-60-80-105: 47 + 46 + 48 + 43 = 184
45-65-85-105: 47 + 54 + 52 + 43 = 196
Click to expand...

With just a couple weeks of experience on ECB84s on a fretless, which also is my first Chromes set, I quite like them. They feel firm to the fretting (fingering? ) hand and sound very clear and punchy.

My benchmarks are Rotosound Monels and EB Cobalts, both 45-105. Rotos are so stiff some basses feel like suffocating under their tension, Cobalts are about as loose as I can play - I can’t stand floppy strings at all.

Very interested in testing both (custom) sets mentioned by Ricky.
 
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#789
I needed a lower tension, yet balanced set so I went 40-55-75-100 as previously mentioned in this thread, (michael t #668) Singles from Fret Nation (NFI, but I recommend them). Only around 150 lbs. Only around $40. Very pleased. Just the thing for a persnickety neck on my P-J P-bass. Chrome singles made it easy to put together this custom set. Rivals the T-I's I've used for tension/stiffness, but not the nickel sound, if that's a thing for you. I'm good with SS.
 
#790
I got a good deal on this set and decided to take the plunge. Not yet installed... painting bathrooms this weekend.
20230701_111045.jpg


If I like the overall feel but want to experiment with tensions I can swap individual strings out later -- an option I didnt know about until reading this thread, so thanks for the new knowledge.

Being a self-taught spare-bedroom player, such lore comes to me mainly from forum threads like this.
 
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#791
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.
Click to expand...

Ricky Rioli said:
The worst of the stiffness went away almost immediately.
Click to expand...

After less than two months, very rarely getting to play more than an hour a day, and this 45-65-85-105 set feel totally free of the new-string stiffness. They are very easy to play, supple and responsive.

And the LB-100 is about to get a Fralin stock-wind pickup for them to talk to. And then we'll all live together happily ever after. Right? :ninja:
 
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#792
I have ECB81 on my Ibanez GWB205 fretless. Came with roundwounds and I was a bit worried about wearing out the fretboard, so I decided to try chromes. I love the feel and sound. Thinking about trying them on my Yamaha BBP35 too. I also have a MIM Fender P with Labella's, I love those too.
 
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#793
MvdO said:
I have ECB81 on my Ibanez GWB205 fretless. Came with roundwounds and I was a bit worried about wearing out the fretboard, so I decided to try chromes. I love the feel and sound. Thinking about trying them on my Yamaha BBP35 too. I also have a MIM Fender P with Labella's, I love those too.
Click to expand...

The first thing I did with my BBP35 is slap some chromes on it. Definitely a vibe.
 
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#794
Installed the ECB81-5's on my Schecter. Still getting B intonation just right (rounds that were on it had a .130 B) and had to tinker with the silk a bit to keep it off the saddle. Elmer's Clear craft glue will nicely tack the free end down.

With maybe 10 hours play in them (while trying to sort the whole 5-string thing out) the two low strings have settled in nicely; the three high strings still sound notably more metallic and high-overtone-heavy than the low strings do.

Is this what you all are talking about with regard to "sounding stiffer" when new?

I like the feel of them, and for a nubcake player like me they are a lot easier to keep under control than the rounds were. They feel more precise.
 
#796
Finally got the stock-wind Fralin P pickup fitted to my LB-100, and it goes with the Chromes just as I hoped. It's a rounded, mellow sound, but with clear articulation; a relaxed, airy kind of tone.

Here's the video that sold me this particular combination:



"Strings are broken-in Chromes 45-100. Lightweight swamp ash body, rosewood board on maple"
 
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#798
Now that the strings have been on for a while, I went back thru my setup today;
Rod needed about 1/6 turn of tightening to get the relief back down to 0.012"
Due to the thicker B string the B saddle had to move a bit less than a sixteenth-inch longer; call it 3/64ths at most.
The E was just a smidge too long and had to shorten up by maybe a 64th; just a nudge.

Bass is now intonated to at least the accuracy of my tuning equipment, and I'm really enjoying the feel and sound; can't wait til the upper strings 'age in.'

Very happy with the change.
 
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#800
Ricky Rioli said:
Finally got the stock-wind Fralin P pickup fitted to my LB-100, and it goes with the Chromes just as I hoped. It's a rounded, mellow sound, but with clear articulation; a relaxed, airy kind of tone.

Here's the video that sold me this particular combination:



"Strings are broken-in Chromes 45-100. Lightweight swamp ash body, rosewood board on maple"
Click to expand...


Thats a pretty spot on representation of what I remember the ‘63s character being. Really great for the old school thing.

I do like the sound of that Fralin too. Got a real interesting attack to it.
 
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