D'Addario Chromes Recommendation

[jbrando]

I'm looking at two sets: the ECB81s (.100-.80-.65-.45) or the ECB84s (.100-.80-.60-.40). Has anyone used these sets and which do you think would be a better choice? Thanks!

[rickenbrother]

John, which model will you be putting these on? The ECB84s (.100-.80-.60-.40) are better balanced for string to string tension.

[jbrando]

John, which model will you be putting these on? The ECB84s (.100-.80-.60-.40) are better balanced for string to string tension.

Thanks, Joey. I'm putting them on a 4003.

[rickenbrother]

You're welcome!

I keep saying it, but one of these I'm going to put a set of D'Addario ECB84 Chromes on one of my 4004's, maybe my V63 also.

[JakeK]

From what I've gathered, Chromes have tighter tension than round-core Pryamids or Thomastik-Infeld Jazz flats. Next set of strings I plan to buy for my J-bass are round core Pyramids, because I like flats on a bass. Rounds are too aggressive for what I want to play.

[MattB]

I've been very happy with ECB81 Chromes on both 4001 and 4003. I've tried TI's and LaBellas in similar gauges but really prefer the Chromes over either for what I'm doing. Have not yet tried Pyramid flats.

[jbrando]

Good stuff, guys. I think I'm going for the ECB84s. I'm a little worried about that .65 D string in the ECB81 set; really high tension.

[cjj]

I've been using the ECB82 set (.050, .070, .085, .105) on my '76 4001 for a while now. I like the sound OK, but I think I prefer rounds on the 4001. I may try them on my 4003FL, but I might go to a lighter set such as the ones you're asking about...

[turlu]

I just installed some GHS flatwound on my bass as a first try out !!! Turned out to be very interesting !!! Is there a big difference in Tone and playability with other high end strings such as La Bella for instance ???

Let me know as this is an option I want to explore in the same topic.

[VRICKY63]

For some reason I found the GHS flats very hard to intonate. The GHS had a lot of overtones compared to the Labellas,chromes and my favorite Fender flats.

[johnallg]

I've had the ECB81 Chromes on my 4004C. Very nice sounds.

[rickenbrother]

Going for a blues/old school classic rock sound, I've just installed a set of Chromes ECB84 (.100-.80-.60-.40) on my Fireglo 4004Cii. I'm amazed at how bright these strings are for flatwounds. They sound great, but I'm hoping the brightness wears off soon.The only other Rick that has Chromes is my 4001FL, the ECB80 set (.095 - .075- .055- .040) They don't give quite the same brightness without frets. I once cleaned the Chromes on my FL like I do roundwound strings and for a couple of weeks, I was sorry that I did. I like these strings better with plenty of sweat and dirt on them!

[rickboy88]

I remember the brightness wearing off a bit, but they'll always be a bit brighter than run of the mill flats.

[rickenbrother]

I remember the brightness wearing off a bit, but they'll always be a bit brighter than run of the mill flats.

That's fine with me. I have the feeling they also produce a stronger output than most run of the mill flats.