Another string question

[cheyenne]

After 35 years of playing roundwound strings, I'm thinking of trying flats on a few of my basses. Any of them I've tried seem to have a higher tension than what I'm used to.

My question, as a die hard D'Addario XL-170 user, what flat can I get that will give me the same tension / flexibility?

[myrtbass]

Good morning ,Cheyenne. I've had good luck with D'Addario "Chromes" CB81 .045,.065,.080,.100 on my old '66 Precision. I've had them on for about 10 years with no problems. It says "Soft Gauge" on the package, whatever that means? They are nice and smooth to the touch, with a bouncy feel. Not too tight ,tension-wise and no dead spots. I'd buy them again if these ever wear out!, Roger.

[cjj]

Maybe you should take Scott's advice from the 4004cii Strings thread. I'm seriously considering a set...

Everybody is missing the best set of flats in the last 30 years: Fender 9050CL steel flats in 45-60-80-105. They have more character than chromes. They growl when you want them to, mellow when you need them to. They're absolutely consistent string-to-string and up the neck. They don't clank or thud out. They last forever. These are the strings that converted me to flats after playing rounds after over 35 years of playing and trying everything out there. They're also really economical, both in price and longetivity. I use them for everything from Friday night to Sunday morning.