Fender Flats... yay or nay?

[markdavid]

I have been using Fender 9050s (M) for years and just put on a set of D'Addario ECB82 Chromes on my '88 P-Bass (Japan) w/ EMG pups on it.

The tension is pretty close, but I would say the 9050s are a bit higher on the tension. To me, the flexibility of the strings are comparable, with the Chromes being a bit smoother to the touch.

However, regarding tone, I found the 9050s to have a more balanced, full, and consistent tone all around. I may need to give the Chromes more break in time (put them on last night), but so far, the 9050s sound more alive to me--somewhat richer and fuller frequencies. However, these are still flatwounds, so they aren't nearly as rich as roundwounds, to me at least. The Chromes sound a little--just a little--deader fresh out of the package.

I am going to give the Chromes a few weeks, but after being on 9050s for almost 10 years, my first reflex (after plugging into my amp) was to put some 9050s back on.

Strange you should say that , most people say that the Fenders have less top end than most flats available

 

[esxmac]

I know, it is odd, given all the praise for the Chromes. It may be due to the EMGs (active pups), and the fact that my bass is still setup for the 9050s (55-70-90-105) and not the Chromes (50-70-85-105).

 

[One Drop]

I find that Chromes really sound different bass to bass; something about the unusual (for a flatwound) presence of so much high mids.

 

[markdavid]

My current fave is ernie ball flats , chromes are too bright for me. However I usually find most flats too bright when new and usually rub furniture cream in to them to deaden them (sounds insane but it works)

 

[Beefbass]

I vote yay!

 

[SteveC]

Nay. Never cared for them.

 

[Rugaar]

I've had 9050ML's on my SX P for about 6 months now and they've really settled in nicely. Lows are clear and thumpy and the highs are nice and smooth.

Tension seems fine to me. (although I'll admit that I'd rather have a firm string than a floppy one) My 13 y/o daughter plays it a lot, too, so it must not be too bad.