The Chromes do start out really bright and clanky and take some time to settle. So, don't judge them based on the first impressions.
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Flatwound Club
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The Chromes do start out really bright and clanky and take some time to settle. So, don't judge them based on the first impressions.
They sound good as they are, I hope they don't settle too much. The only problem I have now is that they feel sticky.
Flats in general do need to be wiped down thoroughly with dry cloth (preferably before installation) to clean off the residue of the compound used for the final polishing. If you notice your finger tips turning black, that's what it is, and the reason for the stickiness. It will go away eventually, though.
Ok, back home from our Thursday night Jam. I like my strings. They seem to cut through the mix real well. I will wipe them down good and see if that helps with the stickiness. I think I am a convert, although I'm gonna need a few gigs with them to know for sure. I did notice that they seem to have a lot of string tension compared to my rounds. I have a gig this weekend, I'll keep y'all (Kentucky word) posted.
Flats generally do feel "stiffer/less flexible" than rounds of comparable gauges. A flat ribbon wire tightly wrapped around the core wire would make it more rigid than a round wire wrapped on the core wire. This is why it's recommended that, when switching from rounds to flats, you downsize it. For example, if you're used to using 45-105 for rounds, try 40-100 for flats.
@Funkabilly, what gauges of Chromes did you get?
.045 - .100.... same as I usually play. I really wanted to get TIs, but I didn't want to spend the money, not knowing if I would like flats. From what I read, TIs have a lot less tension than most flats, and from my experience with these chromes, I think I'm going to spend the money and buy some TIs. I am going to play these chromes for a bit and see how much they "settle", and how they sound when they do.
Those Chromes, especially the 45G and the 65G, are pretty tense for sure.
If you decided you do like the tonal qualities of the Chromes but not the tension, you might want to try a custom balanced set of 40-55-75-95.
You can get them here: Invalid Link Removed
Also, before spending the big money on the TI's, you also might want to consider the Sadowsky Flats 40-60-80-100. They're clear and punchy with smooth full bottom without being clanky and metallic like the Chromes. A fair bit more agreeable than the Chromes tension-wise as well.
I am reluctant to go to a lighter gage string because I did that with my rounds once and the tone was terrible. It's hard to believe that .005 makes that much difference in tone, but it does with rounds. I may look into Sadowskys before I try TIs. I would have ordered Sadowsky, but Juststrings.com don't carry them, and that's where I get my strings.
Flats in general do tend to retain their tonal quality better than rounds when downsizing, so don't be afraid to go lighter with the Chromes.
By the way, here's where you can get the Sadowsky flats 40-100: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Just ordered my Sadowsky strings and got a discount for being a forum user. I think the discount was almost $6. Thanks! He said any time I get strings from them that I will get a discount for being a forum user. Y'all need to call this dude up, his name is Jason. 818 569 9215.
He's well known and well loved around here for his exceptional customer service and expertise. Also known as @SLaPiNFuNK.
I got home and cleaned my strings tonight. Wow, I didn't realize how dirty they would be. They are not sticky now, but I just realized how sore my fingers on my right hand are from plucking these tight ass strings. I hope the Sadowskys are a little more limp. I believe the lighter gage will help too. I'm really going to have to work on not being so aggressive on the strings, my old fingers can't take it anymore, lol.
Chromes are the worst "feeling" strings I have used. Not crazy about their new or old sound, but their tension just absolutely turns me off. And this from someone who played Jamersons for awhile. Just something about their brittle stiffness. Youre going to love the Sadowskys I'll bet.
I like the sound, they're just stiff as hell. I can't wait to try the Sadowsky Flats. I'm still really tempted to try the TIs.
You should try fender 9050L too.
Less tension than Sadowsky ,little more bass and open sounding.
TI's are supposed to be really low tension (the A string particularly being a .70 gauge) so you may or may not get on with them. There are a few options for lower tension flats,Chromes are available in a 95-40 gauge and a 100-40 gauge that may be better, Ernie ball flats also have a 95-40 gauge set and are fairly bright for flatwounds, I am sure some one else will post some other suggestions also
Jumped on the bandwagon 6 months ago and purchased 2 sets TI flats. Didn't love them on my P-bass (fretted) but they were nice on my fretless jazz bass. Bought a set of Sadowsky flats 45-105, didn't like the tension. Put a set of Labella flats on my fretless few days ago, sweet Lord! They old but sound beautiful!
