• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

D'Addario Chromes User Group- Chromeys Speak Out!

#921
I emailed D'addario today about putting out a Chromes version of the EXL160BT rounds. Or at a minimum, putting a 120 single out and let folks make up a 50 65 90 120 set for themselves. I made the point in the email that Dunlop thinks there is demand for a 120 flat. Why else would they make the 40-120 set. Don't get why D'addario would not want to poach some Dunlop 40-120 flat users.
Anyhow see what response is.
Gotta keep on knockin' to get the door to open sometimes
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: DustyBottom and MrAB4003
#922
Well I heard back from D'addario.
To summarize 'D'addario deems there is not enough demand for a 120 Chrome'.
How the shag would they know that unless they put one out first and gauged the demand. Is it such a big deal for a big string manufacturer to test the waters. I mentioned in my email an anecdote about a supermarket chain here in Aussieland suddenly stocking a grated cheese that several other competitor supermarket chains sell. I asked the store manager if it was going to be permanent, and he told me they would gauge the demand via sales and go from there. In other words, they did what D'addario isn't inclined to do. Fair enuff, that the supermarket doesn't produce the cheese itself, like D'addario would have to do with the string. So it's not as risky. But still.
Not good enough D'addario imho
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Sad
Reactions: MrAB4003 and Jeff Scott
#923
When I modded my LB-100 by putting a reversed MFD pickup in it, I strung it with Roto Bass nickels. Unfortunately, those strings plus a reversed split created a thick shapeless mid-heavy sound.

So it seemed a good idea to try some Chromes .... and immediately, yes, there's the balanced picture.

Which means I've Chromes on both my main basses .... seems a bit unimaginative. But 45-65-85-105 in E Standard and 40-55-75-100 in D Standard feel so different. The high tension set brings to the fore those qualities that remind some people of rounds. The D standard set gives more of a traditional flats vibe, like I'm on a vintage short scale.
 
#928
I put together a 6 string set of chromes using the extra light 4 string set (green one), a standard .132 B and a .028 wound guitar chromes string, threaded through a bass string ball end so it sits in the bridge. Apart from the C having no blue silk I have absolutely zero complaints the more they break in. Fantastic balance and sound all around. Makes playing a 6 string just a bit easier with the lower tension.
I put together a very similar roundwound set but Im in no rush to try them just yet
IMG_9590.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott
#929
poochiecheeks said:
I put together a 6 string set of chromes using the extra light 4 string set (green one), a standard .132 B and a .028 wound guitar chromes string, threaded through a bass string ball end so it sits in the bridge. Apart from the C having no blue silk I have absolutely zero complaints the more they break in. Fantastic balance and sound all around. Makes playing a 6 string just a bit easier with the lower tension.
I put together a very similar roundwound set but Im in no rush to try them just yet
View attachment 7455035
Click to expand...
They have (or at least had) a high C string. It was sold as a single. I had them on an old 6 I no longer own. I strung it with the standard Chrome 5 String set and added the single. Of course, this was probably almost 10 years ago, so who knows if they still make it.
 
#932
How would you guys say Chromes age? Gracefully? Into a dull mess?

I've been trying to be more conscious about who I give my money to in the past year, and I think D'Addario is one of the best, if not the best, brands in the music industry for various reasons.

I've switched to NYXLs and Nylon Tapewounds, which I both enjoy, but I'm a bit hesitant about Chromes. I've tried them once years ago on a long-scale bass, and I didn't really like them. I remember them being very bright and very high tension, but I didn't give them enough time. I was thinking maybe I'd like them when they're dead, but from what I've read, it seems a lot of people use Chromes because of how they sound new.

This time around it would be on a short scale bass, so the tension won't be as bad...

Edit: Now that I think about it, I did try Chromes on my short-scale MusicMaster last summer. I remember finding the MusicMaster sounding thin and someone telling me the Nylon Tapewounds weren't helping. I switched to Chromes for a few days, but it didn't seem to help. I then switched back to the Tapes to compare and never bothered switching back to the Chromes. I don't remember why, though. It could've been laziness.
 
Last edited:
#933
Chromes do mellow when new, like any string, but are also known for maintaining a certain brightness for life - which is either great or not so, based on your goals. I have some 20 yrs old that are mellowed, but will never be a muddy mess. They work pretty well for short scale, IME.
 
#934
Jammy Jellyfish said:
How would you guys say Chromes age? Gracefully? Into a dull mess?

I've been trying to be more conscious about who I give my money to in the past year, and I think D'Addario is one of the best, if not the best, brands in the music industry for various reasons.

I've switched to NYXLs and Nylon Tapewounds, which I both enjoy, but I'm a bit hesitant about Chromes. I've tried them once years ago on a long-scale bass, and I didn't really like them. I remember them being very bright and very high tension, but I didn't give them enough time. I was thinking maybe I'd like them when they're dead, but from what I've read, it seems a lot of people use Chromes because of how they sound new.

This time around it would be on a short scale bass, so the tension won't be as bad...

Edit: Now that I think about it, I did try Chromes on my short-scale MusicMaster last summer. I remember finding the MusicMaster sounding thin and someone telling me the Nylon Tapewounds weren't helping. I switched to Chromes for a few days, but it didn't seem to help. I then switched back to the Tapes to compare and never bothered switching back to the Chromes. I don't remember why, though. It could've been laziness.
Click to expand...
First of all, I agree with you about D'Addario being so amazing!

I have my medium gauge Chromes on one of my Ric 4003s since late 2024. They're aging well and they have tamed the hot pickups on that bass. I can still get lots of clank and aggression, but it's more manageable with my tone knobs. I can also get lovely dark tones from that bass. Perhaps you didn't give them enough time? Chromes are bright in the first 6 months after putting them on.

I have NYXLs on two of my basses because they're my preferred rounds. They usually die about 6 months after putting them on for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott
#936
Nerve said:
This table is brilliant. Great to reference various flatwound string characteristics in one place when looking for a specific sound and feel. Thanks for posting this.

Did you create it? Would be great to fill it out with any other flats out there (e.g. DR Legends) to have a complete reference table.
Click to expand...
It might be brilliant, but there is an error in it. La Bella LTF's should be classified as 'very low tension' as per TI Jazz flats. The total tension of LTF-4A is a whisker less than that of JF344
 
#937
Prodigus Filius said:
It might be brilliant, but there is an error in it. La Bella LTF's should be classified as 'very low tension' as per TI Jazz flats. The total tension of LTF-4A is a whisker less than that of JF344
Click to expand...
I think he's talking feel here and not actually tension. I see a couple similar issues on the chart that lead me to believe that.

Edit - having a separate column with feel and tension would be cool.... would help some folks with maxed out truss rods figure out what might work best.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: TomB
#939
ljazz said:
Edit - having a separate column with feel and tension would be cool.... would help some folks with maxed out truss rods figure out what might work best.
Click to expand...
Well feel won't have anything to do with the trussrod. It cares about one thing, and that's how much pounds of force is being applied to the strings. Would be helpful though for those who like stiffer or less stiff strings. A column for core type and size would be good additions imho. It is a great graphic
 
Last edited:
#940
Prodigus Filius said:
Well feel won't have anything to do with the trussrod. It cares about one thing, and that's how much pounds of force iis being applied to the strings.
Click to expand...
That is my point.... but tension does. That is why I'm saying separate columns... for each..... granted, tension (or in other words pull) is a part of the feel, so is construction (ie, round vs hex core, core diameter, wrap spacing, etc.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Prodigus Filius

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back