D'Addario Chromes User Group- Chromeys Speak Out!

[kleinenenten]

I had no issues with the tension of the standard Chromes 5 string set. But then again, I typically like a bit higher tension. These days, I've got rounds on all of my basses, but Chromes are definitely my go-to flats - kept them on all of my basses for around a decade!

 

[Ricky Rioli]

My first ever set of Chromes was the well-known "balance tension" custom set of 45-60-80-105. I've just ordered a 40-55-75-100 set.

 

[Kyle_S]

My first ever set of Chromes was the well-known "balance tension" custom set of 45-60-80-105. I've just ordered a 40-55-75-100 set.

Just trying this set of gauges for the first time on my Jazz bass (ordered from the fine folks at Strings By Mail during their black friday sale). Sounds great, feels great.

 

[ggvicviper]

D'Addario Chromes + Yamaha BB = perfect pair.

 

[thisheregiraffe]

My first ever set of Chromes was the well-known "balance tension" custom set of 45-60-80-105. I've just ordered a 40-55-75-100 set.

I put together a custom set of 40-55-70-95 Chromes a few years ago with very nice results IMO. Basically the same gauges as the EXL220BT balanced set of super light XL rounds.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

My first ever set of Chromes was the well-known "balance tension" custom set of 45-60-80-105. I've just ordered a 40-55-75-100 set.

Finally getting to try this set. Very nice - even tone, even feel. I've got them tuned DGCF, but I did have a little go with them tuned EADG, just to check them out.

Much as I like my 45-65-85-105 sets on my other bass, there's nothing underwhelming about this set. Total tension figure is slightly approximate as I haven't found a number for the D string, but it's something like 158 lbs. Very user-friendly (and lighter than LaBella 760FX or the light set of GHS Precision flats).

As Daddario price their singles so reasonably, this custom set was no more expensive than a standard set.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Finally getting to try this set. Very nice - even tone, even feel. I've got them tuned DGCF, but I did have a little go with them tuned EADG, just to check them out.

Much as I like my 45-65-85-105 sets on my other bass, there's nothing underwhelming about this set. Total tension figure is slightly approximate as I haven't found a number for the D string, but it's something like 158 lbs. Very user-friendly (and lighter than LaBella 760FX or the light set of GHS Precision flats).

As Daddario price their singles so reasonably, this custom set was no more expensive than a standard set.

The tensions for gauges 40 55 75 100 in D standard are more or less

D1/.100/31.98lbf
G1/.075/31.98lbf
C2/.055/30.10lbf
F2/.040/30.00lbf

TT=124.06lbf

* note the tension for C2 is listed as 29.1lbf for CB055 in the old D’addario string tension guide. I upped the listed tension to 30.10 due to the obsevation that the listed tension specs for strings that are poas (part of a set) appear to be a little more than those specs listed in the old pdf tension guide. .055 is npoas ( not part of a set).

 

[Kyle_S]

Still loving the custom 105-80-60-45 set on my Jazz bass. Honestly, though, it took a while to get used to the D string not feeling so tight. I'm a pretty frequent D'Addario user so I'd just grown accustomed to it.

 

[ClassicJazz]

I am a recent convert to Chromes. Have been a long time user of Rotosound flats. Recently I purchased a Fender Sting Signature bass that had Chromes on them. Wow, was totally blown away by how great they sounded and felt. That’s it, I am sold! So now ALL my P-Basses are sporting Chromes on them!

 

[bassdude51]

Although TI Flats are my favorite. OUCH $100 a pack!!!!! The D'Addario Chrome Flats 40-95 are almost neck to neck to the TIs for me.

$39.99

 

[DB66]

I have two sets of Chromes that are close to 25 years old. One set is pre-colored ball-ends

 

[Prodigus Filius]

I’d like to see D’addario bring out a Chromes version of XL160BT
Gauges 50 67 90 120

How bout it D’addario? Not too much to ask is it he he

 

[Prodigus Filius]

EXL160BT I should say

 

[MrAB4003]

I’d like to see D’addario bring out a Chromes version of XL160BT
Gauges 50 67 90 120

How bout it D’addario? Not too much to ask is it he he

EXL160BT I should say

That would be very nice! The heaviest gauge Chromes are the medium gauge (50-105) set.

I would like to see them come out with a heavy gauge set (55-110) that would compete with the Steve Harris Rotosound 77s and the La Bella DTF 1954 Originals. That would be great for D Standard and similar low tunings. They already have those gauges in NYXLs, XLs, and Pro Steels.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

That would be very nice! The heaviest gauge Chromes are the medium gauge (50-105) set.

I would like to see them come out with a heavy gauge set (55-110) that would compete with the Steve Harris Rotosound 77s and the La Bella DTF 1954 Originals. That would be great for D Standard and similar low tunings. They already have those gauges in NYXLs, XLs, and Pro Steels.

Sets are cheaper too, than having to do the custom singles jive all the time. Which of course you can’t even do to replicate as far as possible, the EXL160BT set because there ain’t no 120 Chrome single. It’s a good example, why D’addario could at least offer up a 120 Chrome single

 

[Ricky Rioli]

If you're actually wanting that set, not just wanting to talk about it, it's easily done, and actually cheaper than the imaginary ECB83 set would be

ECB82 50-70-85-105 set — $49.99

Chromes as singles:
55 — $10.20
75 — $11.85
90 — $11.85
110 — $13.95 • Total — $47.85

Prices from here:

D'Addario XL Chromes Bass Guitar Single Strings, Long Scale

XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Singles are noted for their smooth feel and warm, mellow tone. Available in various gauges, these are Long Scale. Chrome flatwound single bass strings Ribbon wound and polished for ultra-smooth feel and warm, mellow tone Fits long scale basses with a string scale...

www.rocketmusicshop.com

 

[MrAB4003]

If you're actually wanting that set, not just wanting to talk about it, it's easily done, and actually cheaper than the imaginary ECB83 set would be

ECB82 50-70-85-105 set — $49.99

Chromes as singles:
55 — $10.20
75 — $11.85
90 — $11.85
110 — $13.95 • Total — $47.85

Prices from here:

D'Addario XL Chromes Bass Guitar Single Strings, Long Scale

XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Singles are noted for their smooth feel and warm, mellow tone. Available in various gauges, these are Long Scale. Chrome flatwound single bass strings Ribbon wound and polished for ultra-smooth feel and warm, mellow tone Fits long scale basses with a string scale...

www.rocketmusicshop.com

Thank you so much! I bookmarked your post for next time I'm in the market for a set of Chromes. I'm keeping my medium gauge set on my Ric 4003.

I acquired a Sire P5 fretless that's coming in the mail next week and it's strung with Chromes from the factory. But I don't know what gauges. The medium gauge set or the above singles will be considerations if I need to go heavier.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Hey big D,
Make me a 120 Chromey

 

[Ricky Rioli]

I bookmarked your post for next time I'm in the market for a set of Chromes

I forgot to add in that post - when shopping with Rocket Music *always* reach out and ask for a discount code, no matter the quantity. Daddario strings are definitely not on the very short list of things Greg isn't permitted to sell for lower than the advertised price. Greg is also an absolute pleasure to interact with.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I can't stress enough how much I need a Chromes 120 for my bass string journey. As far as I know, only Dunlop does a 120 flat, and even if I had the thought to marry a Dunlop 120 with Chromes, which I don't, I wouldn't want to buy a whole Dunlop set just for the one string. You can get Dunlop flat singles from Dunlop themselves, but only if batch ordering ( 5 or more singles per gauge from memory).
Sux