I've Gone Flat!

[Lowbrow]

The last time I played flat-wound strings with on my first bass - a 'Heit' Teisco. That was in 1975.

I've been having trouble with irritating treble noise using my Precision/Walkabout/Bag End 15 rig, and could not solve it with any amount of knob twiddling, so looked to another solution. Here at TB I followed the love and was led to D'Addario Chromes.

Well, either flats have gotten a whole lot better sounding, or I'm using a rig that doesn't need the added zing of the Roto rounds I've been reflexively using for the last 35 years. The Chromes sounded amaZING.

Thanks, fellow TBers - your input is helpful to me once again.

 

[PBnJBassist]

You're welcome (?)

I switched out my Chromes for Fender flats, but have you ever tried La Bella flats? Around here (from what I've seen), they are adorned. Pricey as fudge though...

 

[jasper383]

Amps have gotten better over the years, too. This has made flats more viable for more players in more situations.

 

[Russell L]

Thinking about some for my old '87 Jazz Bass Special. I haven't played flats since the 60s.

 

[Lowbrow]

I was happily shocked. The Chromes sounded good acoustically, and when I got to the rehearsal room it only took a bit of adjustment to dial in an astoundingly good tone. They do make things sound a bit more old school - and that is a good thing. My fear was lack of treble or a deadness, but so far that is not an issue.
l'll restrain myself for a few weeks before putting in a big order at JustStrings, but am a contented believer for now!

 

[Johnny StingRay]

D'Addario Chromes have always been my string, except one time I let Carol Kaye convince me to buy TI Jazz Flats.........personally, I didn't understand all the hype over them and my B string on my StingRay 5 felt like a wet noodle.......The Chromes B is tighter, at least on my bass.
Anyway, the Chromes, IMHO are a great string.

 

[Lowbrow]

Lesson learned for me here: sticking with even the most beloved habits may stifle improvement.