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hammer
Senior Member
Username: hammer

Post Number: 590
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 5:37 pm:   Edit Post

So to summarize what I ended up doing it was nevr-dull on the frets and flitz and a Lot of rubbing on the brass that made everything shine.

Of course during the process I lemon oiled the fretboard and changed strings. Here's the question....

Looked at the price of the usual TI Flats I use for my 4 Strings and almost died...$127 at Just Strings for the 6-String set. So I went the D-Chromes route for $37 instead. Never used them before and here is the rub...I liked the sound of the rusted strings I took off the bass better than the Chromes. They have a very metallic feel and sound against the frets when playing at low volumes and when I accompanied an acoustic guitarist the other night playing at low volume, people indicated they could hear the sound at low amplification levels. Is this going to "mellow" as the strings get played in? I've never experienced it before with TI flats.
ojo
Member
Username: ojo

Post Number: 87
Registered: 3-2008
Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 5:53 pm:   Edit Post

I use chromes on all my basses, and really like them. From what I've read, they are the most bright flats out there, and they do mellow out.

For context, I tend to like a hi-fi, mellow tone, and I get there with the chromes and alembics. Go figure. This works with my real alembic, and my alembicized fenders.
flpete1uw
Senior Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 408
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 6:12 pm:   Edit Post

Brian,
I have used Chromes in the past and they have reputation of needing a "Break in Time" before they stabilize in being smoother. From what I can hear as being true. A lot of people like them.
Pete
mtjam
Advanced Member
Username: mtjam

Post Number: 207
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 6:15 pm:   Edit Post

I currently have Chromes on all of my Alembics. I agree that they have a break-in period. I do prefer TIs, but they do get expensive.
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 3159
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post

TI flats have a pretty metallic ring to them for the first couple of weeks too. Never tried Chromes, though.

Which reminds me to replace the DR HiBeams on the fretless with the set of TI flats that has sat patiently for over a year now. Ah, the joys of a stay-at-home bass player!
5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member
Username: 5a_quilt_top

Post Number: 377
Registered: 6-2012
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 11:19 am:   Edit Post

I installed Chromes on the Crown Of Creation (FC, June 2013) and, IMO, they deliver a good approximation of the early Alembic bass tone.

As mentioned above, there is a break-in period.

When they wear out, or if I get bored and need to change it up a bit, I'm going to try TI flats.

I once tried a Pedulla fretless "Pentabuzz" with TI flats and have never forgotten how wonderful those strings felt.
tubeperson
Senior Member
Username: tubeperson

Post Number: 487
Registered: 5-2005
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 11:29 am:   Edit Post

I found Chromes too stiff. The TI Flats feel great. The tone is terrific. Otherwise I use D'adarrio Half rounds for a brighter tone on certain bases (Pedulla Buzz). The TI's are expense, but this is what we must do for the sake of their tone.
edwardofhuncote
Member
Username: edwardofhuncote

Post Number: 71
Registered: 6-2014
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 12:38 pm:   Edit Post

I'm thinking Mica recommended I try the D'Addario Chromes for flatwound, but I favor the TI Jazz Flats on my Alembic, as well as both of my Turner Electrolines. I love the softer feel and the tone is a perfect fit for what I play. That said, TI's are insanely expensive... last set I bought from Best Bass Gear was $115. (for a 5-string set) I might try a set of those Chromes next time, if only in protest.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 3671
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 12:57 pm:   Edit Post

On a four string set , my choice of flats are "Pyramid Gold ".
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 2100
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 2:45 pm:   Edit Post

I use Chromes on my fretless for the very reason that they are a bright string closely comparing to ground round wounds. When compared to TI Jazz Flats they are very taught. I am still on my first set and while they have lost some brightness there is still plenty left. I also found it took a few weeks for the strings to break in and loosen up but they still have a lot more tension than TI's.

Keith
hankster
Advanced Member
Username: hankster

Post Number: 369
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 8:17 pm:   Edit Post

Ive got TI flats on my MM Stingray (which i confess i dont use much since getting my Stanley). I like 'em a lot but they were pricey. Doubt if i will get them again.

R.

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