Flat Chromes again ???

[Bobby Bass]

I know the flatwound question has been discussed over & over but I have a question. I'm thinking about changing from Ernie Ball rounds 45-100 & which Daddario Chromes would be better? ECB81 (45-100)or ECB82(45-105). I play Blues, Country, Motown, Oldies & just about anything but metal or new country. I haven't played flats in a long, long time. Probably back in the 70's was the last time on my 1974 Rick. I did use GHS Pressurewound for a short while & couldn't get used to the feel of those. Now I play mostly a Fender Pbass. I will keep my Jazz Relic (1996) with rounds. Suggestions please.

 

[Remyd]

I know the flatwound question has been discussed over & over but I have a question. I'm thinking about changing from Ernie Ball rounds 45-100 & which Daddario Chromes would be better? ECB81 (45-100)or ECB82(45-105). I play Blues, Country, Motown, Oldies & just about anything but metal or new country. I haven't played flats in a long, long time. Probably back in the 70's was the last time on my 1974 Rick. I did use GHS Pressurewound for a short while & couldn't get used to the feel of those. Now I play mostly a Fender Pbass. I will keep my Jazz Relic (1996) with rounds. Suggestions please.

The light ones, if you've got no other factors, and a 32/34 scale. Tried the medium for a while and the difference isn't huge, but it's noticeable. I string one-at-a-time, and my wife asked "Are those different strings?" (before she said "I thought flat strings were supposed to last for years; why are you buying more?" and "I thought the other ones were Chrome too") when I was changing.

Other flats get lots of love around here, so YMMV

 

[Klonk]

Yeah I'd take the ECB81 as well.

OT: Remyd, strange, my wife has said the same thing! Do you reckon they talk to each other? Maybe there is a BassWife.com forum too??

 

[Bobby Bass]

ECB81 it is. Will get an order in & report back when I get them installed.

 

[Remyd]

Be aware that Flats take a significant break-in period.

In other words, they won't sound the same three weeks after you put them on. Unlike rounds, they sound their best when they are a little dead. It took mine about 40 hours of playtime before they stabilized.

 

[sharkbait130]

Flats seem to have a bit more tension than rounds so another vote for the ECB81's here. I play a lot of the same type of stuff you do and they work great for me on my P bass. I also do a little new country which really needs to thump sometimes and still , no problem. I think you'll like "em. And yeah , the chromes take a little while to break in. They might sound kinda bright at first but it won't take long to get that motown smooooooth sound out of them.

 

[Bodeeni]

I like the ECB 84 40-100 for all around finger style

 

[Bobby Bass]

You can deaden up a bright string but you can't brighten up a dead string.

 

[tribbledaniel]

The 50-105's are really stiff so if you don't have a real old school type neck on your bass be careful. The 45-100's are way more manageable. They don't sound like Labella's but they do the job. Stick a foam mute at the bridge, it helps.
Regarding the wives making comments about longevity of bass strings I personnally think that if you went to buy yourself a pack of gum at the store you'd get the same comments. Something like:"Don't you already have a pack in your car???"