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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound LONG SCALE 45-100, the quintessential strings for bassists seeking a harmonious blend of warm, mellow tones and a velvety smooth playability. Perfectly suited for jazz and R&B enthusiasts, these strings also offer a versatile sound palette that can trace its roots back to iconic pop sounds of yesteryear. Crafted for long-scale instruments, they promise a snug fit for virtually all standard bass models, ensuring a seamless integration into your musical arsenal.
Key Features:
- Warm, mellow tone ideal for jazz and R&B, with versatility for other genres
- Smooth feel under the fingers, enhancing playability
- Designed for long scale basses, compatible with standard instruments up to 36 1/4" scale length
- Best-selling flatwound strings, celebrated for their rich sound and durability
Product specs
| Brand | D'Addario |
| Model | ECB81 Chromes Long Scale Light Bass Guitar Strings, 45-100 |
| Finish | Chrome |
| Year | 2000 - 2020 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Bass Guitar Strings |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 strings?
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D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 strings are known for their warm, mellow tone with a focus on midrange and low-end frequencies, making them ideal for jazz, reggae, and R&B styles.
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Are D'Addario Chromes ECB81 strings suitable for long-scale bass guitars?
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Yes, the D'Addario Chromes ECB81 strings are designed for long-scale bass guitars, providing optimal tension and tone across the fretboard.
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How do flat wound strings like the D'Addario Chromes ECB81 affect playability?
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Flat wound strings offer a smoother feel and reduced finger noise compared to round wound strings, enhancing playability and comfort, especially for extended playing sessions.
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Do D'Addario Chromes ECB81 strings last longer than round wound strings?
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Yes, flat wound strings like the D'Addario Chromes ECB81 typically last longer because their smooth surface minimizes dirt and oil buildup, preserving their tone over time.
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Are D'Addario Chromes ECB81 strings suitable for slap bass techniques?
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While D'Addario Chromes ECB81 strings are not traditionally used for slap bass due to their warmer tone, some players appreciate their unique, subdued slap sound for specific genres.
Videos
Tyler Spicer
D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound Strings with Fender Custom Shop 59 NOS Precision Bass | 1 Minute Demo |
D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound Strings with Fender Custom Shop 59 NOS Precision Bass | 1 Minute Demo |
Tyler Spicer
D'Addario XL Chromes Flatwound Bass Guitar Strings Demo
Johnathan Ramcharan
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth, silky feel that's easy on the fingers
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Reduces fret buzz, ideal for beginners
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Produces a deep, thumpy tone reminiscent of 60s and 70s music
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Versatile sound options with responsive tone knob
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Less string noise, perfect for fingerstyle bass playing
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Maintains clarity without harsh overtones
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Consistent string gauges available without needing multiple packs
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Sounds akin to an upright bass, offering a woody and articulate tone
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Breaks in to a fat, tubby sound over time
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Reliable brand with a long-standing reputation
CONS
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Slightly stiffer than some other flatwounds
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Individual strings may break in at different rates
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Can sound metallic when new
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May feel awkward compared to some other flatwound brands
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100.
User experience
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Owners report that D'Addario Chromes ECB81 strings offer a bit more high-end than typical flats, easing the transition from roundwound strings.
Source -
D'Addario Chromes are praised for their longevity, with users noting they rarely need replacement, often lasting several years.
Source -
Several users prefer the feel of Chromes over La Bellas, highlighting their comfort and consistent performance without dead strings out of the pack.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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It's noted that the ECB81 strings have higher tension, requiring players to adjust their technique, potentially needing a lighter touch.
Source
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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The Chromes are highlighted as a cost-effective choice for beginners, offering durability that offsets their initial price.
Source
Comparisons
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Chromes are noted as a middle ground between bright stock roundwounds and dull Rotosound flats, offering a balanced flatwound tone without being too thuddy.
Source -
For those seeking lower tension, T.I. Jazz Flats are suggested as an alternative to Chromes, offering bright flatwound tone with reduced string tension.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings
151
THE FRETLESS FLATS!
Perfect flats that got that round and warm sound at the same time... Using them on my fretless jazz bass
One of the best flatwounds
Nice thump sound with a clear hi end articulation. Tension is medium-hard.
Artist usage
Add artist
Paul Simonon has been confirmed to use D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound strings, as evidenced by the dark blue silk wrapping visible at the headstock of his precision bass in a performance image.
Cliff Williams uses D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound strings, as evidenced by the colored silk ends visible on the strings of his main Stingray bass in the photograph.
Robert DeLeo is listed as a D'Addario artist on the brand's webpage, where it is stated that he uses D'Addario ECB81 strings.
Justin Meldal-Johnsen confirmed on Talkbass that he typically uses D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound strings on his main Mustang bass.
According to the D'Addario artist page, Rudy Sarzo uses D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100 strings.
Diego Arnedo is confirmed to use D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100 strings on one of his Jazz Basses, as evidenced by the characteristic colored string ends visible in a segment of the documentary "Aire de chacarera," directed by Nicolás Tacconi. This is consistent with Arnedo's long-standing preference for flatwound strings. The proof can be seen in a YouTube video titled "Diego Arnedo - 'La relación entre el bombo legüero y el bajo eléctrico'. La chacarera y el rock" by DIVIDIDOS.
At 0:06 in the video titled "An Interview with Chris Hillman About His New Signature Guild Bass," it is visible that Chris Hillman uses D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100 strings. This information is provided by Guild Guitars on their YouTube channel.
See video, pause at 0:08-0:09 ball end colors of D'Addario: @ 0:15 Blue silks on the windings: that means: D'Addario Chromes Flatwound. Not sure what gauge he uses.
In a 2015 interview, Brenda Martin was seen using D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound LONG SCALE 45-100 strings on her Precision Bass in her studio, as identified by the color of the silk at the string ends. This was documented by Oscar Arcangeli in the YouTube video "El Visionario Brenda Martin de Eruca Sativa Bloque 1."
Album Usage
The D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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