Dunlop vs Chromes tension / stiffness

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Dear friends;

Although I like my 45-100 Chromes set, I'd like to give Dunlop Flats a go. However; in my area, only 45-105 set is available (no 40-100).

Tension-wise; Chromes 45-100 is kinda my upper limit, so I don't want to go with a stiffer / higher tension set.

How would Dunlop 45-105 compare with Chromes 45-100 in that sense?

 

[TomB]

In my experience Dunlop flats seem considerably more flexible, and likely are lower tension. @MichaelT might even have some numbers for you .

 

[bassobrutto]

Like Tom, I would say that the tension between the two is quite similar, with the Dunlops, if anything, being slightly lower tension. They are certainly more flexible and less stiff feeling. And they have a smoother sound and feel than Chromes--a slightly less modern, more "traditional" flatwound sound when broken in. They are also a little more balanced. As I recall, the D string in the Chromes 45-100 set always felt a bit "tighter" than the other three.

 

[michael_t]

In my experience Dunlop flats seem considerably more flexible, and likely are lower tension. @MichaelT might even have some numbers for you .

That's a wrong "michael t"; I'm @michael_t.

Dunlop is one of the companies who do NOT publish tension info, so no numbers from me.

That said, the OP is more concerned about stiffness/flexibility, and I can tell you Dunlop flats are noticeably more flexible than the D'A Chromes due to the thinner core wires. Even the Dunlop 45-105 would feel more flexible than the Chromes 45-100.

 

[michael_t]

Tension-wise; Chromes 45-100 is kinda my upper limit, so I don't want to go with a stiffer / higher tension set.

How would Dunlop 45-105 compare with Chromes 45-100 in that sense?

I once tried the Chromes 45-65-80-100 (ECB81) and found them to be quite uneven in tension/stiffness - very tight G and D (so tight my finger tips hurt for fretting) with relatively loose A and E. I ended up switching to 40-60-80-100 (ECB84) for better balance in overall playing feel.

Dunlop sets, both 40-100 and 45-105, would be better balanced both in tone and feel, not to mention they're more comfortable to play on.

 

[Grinderman]

For what it's worth, I've used 40-100 Dunlop flats and found them to be too loose. On the other hand, Dunlop 45-105 flats are within my window of what's acceptable.

 

[Phaidrus]

Speaking from experience, the Dunlop flats 45-105 set is low tension, flexible and very comfortable to play. As far as I know, Dunlop flats are have the lowest tension for any given gauge. Versatile tone too.

 

[JRT64]

I've used both, and the Dunlops are a little lower tension then the Chromes. I have the Dunlops (45-105) on my Squier CV 60's P and it likes them. When I say lower tension, I'm referring to the pull on the neck. Ernie Ball Cobalts, from my experience, seem to be a little lower tension than both. If you are interesting in trying them as well.

 

[uwrossl]

I don't know about pulling tension or the numbers but in terms of flexibility the Dunlops are much more flexible and comfortable to play.

 

[Aidil]

I have D'Addario Chromes custom balance tension 40-55-75-95-132 set and Dunlop Flatwound 40-60-80-100-120 set on two almost identical Ibanez SRH 5 string basses (one is fretted, the other is fretless). I found the Dunlop to be the easiet of both for my left fretting fingers. Probably, near the same comfort as my Ibanez SRF fretless bass strung with D'Addario Nylon Tapewound 50-65-85-105-135. The only complaint I have is the 120 low-B on the Dunlop is too floppy and I couldn't purchase Dunlop Flatwound 125 low-B as a single string (and no 130 nor heavier is available).

So, if OP's reference is Chromes 45-100, most likely Dunlop Flatwound 45-105 would still feel too flexible.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

I thank everyone above for the clear and useful answers!

What is your opinion about the sound?

Currently; I have Chromes on my CS Postmodern Precision. I like their combination of clank & woodiness. Sounds very organic through octave / phaser / delay too - although I back up the tone down to 70%, the natural brightness helps with effect clarity.

Do you think that a similar result can be achieved with Dunlops?

I know that Michael League switched to them; so it ought to be possible - but it is an endorsement deal; so…

 

[TomB]

Dunlops are different. Softer feel, more even across the spectrum without Chromes hi-mid focus. Broken in, the Dunlops develop some thump, but nothing I’d call a “clank”. Chromes need to really age to get thumpy IME. Chromes are louder.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Will answer my own question; hoping that it helps fellow bassists.

I have received and installed Dunlop 45-105's to my Fender CS Postmodern Precision. In my opinion, they are superior to D'addario Chromes.

They are easier to play. Dunlop 45-105's are slightly ligher than Chromes 45-100, and easier to dig in with the right hand, if that makes sense. Less polished / slippery; can't name it exactly.

They have a more balanced feel. String-to-string tension seems to be more even than Chromes.

They have a more balanced sound. Dunlop's are relatively bright flats to my ears, but the brightest ever. Definitely not as clanky and metallic as Chromes. They work through effects just as good though.

I installed them through the body, and the silk length wasn't an issue. The cool look of the black silk doesn't hurt either.

I didn't spend aeons with them yet, but those are my initial impressions.

 

[Aidil]

Dunlop's are relatively bright flats to my ears, but the brightest ever. Definitely not as clanky and metallic as Chromes

They'll broken-in / thump a lot faster than Chromes.

The Chromes I have from 2018 on my Ibanez SRH505 (fretted) are still brighter than the Dunlop Flats I put on my Ibanez SRH505F (fretless) in mid 2021.