D&#39;Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge

4.5 (29)

$47.99

4.8 (2357)

$47.69

5.0 (2)

$49.99 39 available New

$44.87 2 available Used

4.0 (33)

$47.99

5.0 (1)

$62.99

4.7 (226)

$63.00 $62.00 $1.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Elevate your bass playing with the D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings, an embodiment of tonal warmth and smooth playability. Renowned for their mellow tone and polished feel, these strings are a staple for jazz, R&B, and pop musicians seeking that classic flatwound sound. Featuring a light gauge set, they are gentle on the fingers, allowing for extended play without fatigue. The strings are crafted with flattened stainless steel ribbon wire, ensuring a silky-smooth surface that glides effortlessly beneath your fingers, offering a distinctive damped, yet resonant sound profile.

These strings are designed to fit long-scale basses, accommodating a scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches, with a robust .132 low B string that delivers a deep, rich bottom end. Whether you're laying down soulful grooves or intricate bass lines, the D'Addario ECB81-5 strings provide the consistent quality that only centuries of string-making expertise can guarantee. Made in the U.S.A., they come in environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging to keep your strings fresh and resilient, ready to deliver your signature sound whenever you are.

Key Features:

5-string set of D'Addario's best-selling flatwound bass strings
Light gauge: .045, .065, .080, .100, .132
Polished stainless steel ribbon wire for a smooth, warm tone
Long scale fit for basses up to 36 1/4 inches
Made in the U.S.A. with environmentally friendly packaging

Product specs

Guitar Type	Electric Bass
Number of Strings	5
Coated	No
Gauges	.045, .065, .080, .100, .132
Winding Type	Flat Wound
Core Material	Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material	Stainless Steel
Scale Length	Long, 36.875" at taper

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings?: These flatwound strings provide a warm, mellow tone with reduced finger noise, making them ideal for jazz, blues, and classic rock genres. They offer a smooth feel and a vintage sound quality.
Are the D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL suitable for a 5-string bass guitar?: Yes, the D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL are specifically designed for 5-string bass guitars, providing balanced tension and consistent performance across all strings.
Do D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL strings work well for long scale bass guitars?: Yes, these strings are designed for long scale bass guitars, with a scale length of 36.875" at taper, ensuring proper fit and optimal performance.
How do flatwound strings like the D'Addario ECB81-5 differ from roundwound strings?: Flatwound strings have a smoother surface and produce a warmer, more subdued tone compared to the brighter, more aggressive sound of roundwound strings. They also offer less finger noise.
What is the gauge range for the D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings?: The gauge range for these strings is .045, .065, .080, .100, and .132, providing a light gauge tension suitable for various playing styles.

Videos

Add video

Rumblin Man

D'Addario XL Chromes: five-string flatwound bass strings

Rumblin Man

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Reduces unwanted string noise, ideal for recording
Easier on fingers and fretboard, great for fretless bass
Deep, full low-end tone with a Jamerson-esque quality
Excellent for traditional and vintage styles
Bright yet warm sound, consistent tone across the neck
Long-lasting, ages gracefully without losing tonal balance
Good string-to-string balance, especially on low B
Available in diverse gauges, suitable for many bass types
Perfect for ensemble settings, supports rhythm and harmony
Provides clear, dynamic sound that cuts through mixes

CONS

Stiffer and less playable than roundwounds
Requires potential adjustments for bridge and intonation
May not sustain as well as premium roundwounds
Limited to flatwound tone, lacks roundwound brightness
Silk windings can complicate through-body string installation

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge.

User experience

0 0

D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound strings are appreciated for their extended lifespan, with some owners noting they haven't needed a replacement for over a decade.
Source
0 0

D'Addario Chromes are described as "glass smooth" and "silky" to the fingers, with players preferring them over other brands for their feel and tension.
Source
0 0

Owners report a piano-like clarity with Chromes, particularly on multiscale basses, enhancing tonal versatility.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Compared to La Bella strings, some players find D'Addario Chromes offer a bit more high-end, making the transition from roundwound to flatwound smoother.
Source
0 0

Roto flatwounds are noted to be only 80% flat and have higher tension compared to D'Addario Chromes, which are favored for their smoother surface.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

These strings are noted for a higher tension compared to other flats, which might require adjustments in playing technique, such as hand position and attack strength.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Users recommend wiping the strings periodically to maintain tone quality, highlighting that proper maintenance can preserve their sound for many years.
Source
0 0

High tension of Roto flatwounds may require neck relief and low action adjustment to prevent buzzing while accommodating their tension.
Source
0 0

Chromes work well with multiscale basses; a lighter B string is recommended due to sufficient tension, especially on a 35.5" scale B string.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Despite common beliefs, it's noted that flatwounds like D'Addario Chromes aren't mandatory for jazz; they provide a specific warm tone but may not suit all jazz styles.
Source
0 0

D'Addario Chromes are considered versatile, with some players using them for various bass styles, appreciating their smoothness and feel.
Source
0 0

Chromes are praised for their balance across all strings on a multiscale bass, especially around the 8th fret, reducing the need for frequent neck shifts.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Owners often try multiple string brands before settling on D'Addario Chromes, valuing them for their balance of quality and cost.
Source

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

perfectcandor

1017

about 2 years ago

Good uncommon string set

I suppose there aren't a whole ton of 5 string flatworms users out there but these are great and don't cost a ton. Good for fretless playing!

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Synthpop Indie pop Metal

grishamtj

1251

about 6 years ago

The Fattest Passive 5 String Tone

When I need extra low end, I reach for my 5 string P Bass. These strings hold that tone down perfectly.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Alternative rock Indie rock Country rock

ro1_bot

about 6 years ago

Perfect choice.

Amazing bright tone, very light. Have heard better tones coming from other strings though.

kyle_thunder_nelson

159

almost 11 years ago

These strings feel like you're playing on air. Very smooth.

I love it. Sounds good, plays good. Slide on it with ease.

Artist usage

Add artist

Laura Lee

Singer, Bassist

Khruangbin

Verified via Premier Guitar

In a detailed rig rundown presented by Premier Guitar, Laura Lee confirmed her use of D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge on her bass. This information is directly attributed to the source provided by Premier Guitar, where the discussion on her gear preferences is documented.

Ben Carr

Singer

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Verified

According to the D'Addario artist page, Ben Carr uses D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Folk, World, & Country

Indie

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

D'Addario EXL170-5 XL Nickel Round Wound 5-String Long Bass Strings Strings

Fender 355 Triangle Celluloid Guitar Picks Picks & Pick Holders

More D'Addario Strings

D'Addario EXL115 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 11-49 Strings

$6.20 - $6.90

6 available stores

5.0 (67)

^# 2

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

51 artists using

D'Addario NYXL Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52 Strings

$11.50 - $13.06

7 available stores

5.0 (56)

^# 7

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

25 artists using

D'Addario NYXL Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-46 Strings

$12.51 - $13.30

7 available stores

5.0 (76)

^# 9

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

35 artists using

D'Addario EXL110 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-46 Strings

$6.36 - $8.49

9 available stores

4.5 (216)

^# 10

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

68 artists using

D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze .012-.053 Acoustic Guitar Strings Strings

$8.30 - $9.99

7 available stores

4.5 (48)

^# 18

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

17 artists using

D'Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52 Strings

$6.49 - $7.30

6 available stores

5.0 (27)

^# 19

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

D'Addario EXL170 Nickel Round Wound Bass Strings Strings

$12.26 - $26.99

7 available stores

5.0 (23)

^# 20

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

10 artists using

D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 9-42 Strings

$6.49 - $11.99

3 available stores

4.5 (29)

^# 21

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

12 artists using

D'Addario NYXL Nickelwound Guitar Strings (11-56) Strings

$9.99 - $14.30

8 available stores

5.0 (21)

^# 27

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Strings

$6.61 - $9.99

7 available stores

5.0 (14)

^# 28

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

13 artists using

D'addario EXL116 Nickel Wound, Medium Top/Heavy Bottom, 11-52 Strings

$6.49 - $15.99

7 available stores

5.0 (8)

^# 29

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

13 artists using

D'Addario EXL117 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 11-56 Strings

$6.49 - $7.20

6 available stores

5.0 (18)

^# 31

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario Chromes Flat Wound ECB81 45-100 Strings

$43.93 - $49.99

3 available stores

5.0 (8)

^# 32

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

11 artists using

D'Addario NYXL0942 Super Light 09-42 Electric Guitar Strings Strings

$12.99 - $13.70

6 available stores

4.5 (27)

^# 39

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario XSB45100 XS Nickel Electric Bass Guitar Strings Strings

$49.99 - $56.00

7 available stores

^# 53

in Strings Rank

D'Addario EXL110+ XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings 10.5-48 Regular Plus Strings

$6.17 - $8.49

8 available stores

^# 54

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

1 artist using

D'Addario NYXL0946 NYXL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings - .009-.046 Super Light Top/Regular Bottom Strings

$11.30 - $12.99

7 available stores

5.0 (12)

^# 56

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL157 Nickel Wound Medium Baritone Guitar Strings 14-68 Strings

$8.99 - $13.00

7 available stores

5.0 (8)

^# 57

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL158 Nickel Wound Light Baritone Guitar Strings 13-62 Strings

$7.99 - $10.40

7 available stores

5.0 (7)

^# 58

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL110-7 Nickel Wound (.010-059) Guitar Strings Strings

$7.99 - $8.99

7 available stores

4.5 (13)

^# 60

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario NYXL Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-59 Strings

$13.43 - $15.99

7 available stores

5.0 (9)

^# 64

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL170-5 XL Nickel Round Wound 5-String Long Bass Strings Strings

$21.99 - $28.99

8 available stores

5.0 (12)

^# 66

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

D'Addario XT Electric Guitar Strings Strings

$12.99 - $13.99

7 available stores

5.0 (5)

^# 69

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

D'Addario EXL125 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 9-46 Strings

$6.49 - $8.49

7 available stores

5.0 (13)

^# 75

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL145 Nickelwound Heavy Gauge Strings (12-54) Strings

$5.88 - $7.50

7 available stores

4.5 (7)

^# 77

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 Strings

$17.99 - $27.00

7 available stores

4.5 (13)

^# 82

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound Medium Electric Guitar Strings (11-49) Strings

$11.70 - $13.99

6 available stores

5.0 (15)

^# 85

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL110BT XL Balanced Tension 10-46 Strings

$6.60 - $7.49

7 available stores

4.5 (17)

^# 86

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings Strings

$5.00 - $9.00

7 available stores

5.0 (4)

^# 89

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

6 artists using

D'Addario EJ26 Phosphor Bronze, Custom Light, 11-52 Strings

$8.30 - $41.65

6 available stores

4.5 (11)

^# 92

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL120-7 Nickel Wound, 7-String, Super Light, 9-54 Strings

$7.99 - $8.30

5 available stores

4.5 (7)

^# 93

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario ECG25 Chromes Flat Wound Strings Strings

$17.91 - $23.80

7 available stores

4.5 (8)

^# 98

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario NYXL45105 Nickel Wound Bass Strings (45-105) Strings

$24.30 - $33.00

8 available stores

4.5 (5)

^# 99

in Strings Rank

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EXL140 Strings

$6.49 - $7.30

6 available stores

4.5 (7)

Who’s using this:

D’Addario ECB82 Chromes Flatwound Medium strings Strings

$43.00 - $49.99

6 available stores

5.0 (5)

Who’s using this:

D'Addario Xl Nickel Wound Bass Strings Strings

$16.80 - $27.00

7 available stores

4.5 (11)

Who’s using this:

2 artists using

D'Addario NYXL1052 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, Light Top / Heavy Bottom, 10-52 Strings

$9.99 - $12.99

6 available stores

5.0 (6)

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EJ15 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings Strings

$7.49 - $10.00

6 available stores

4.5 (8)

Who’s using this:

D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound Regular Light 5-String Bass Strings (45-130) Strings

$34.80 - $37.55

7 available stores

5.0 (1)

Who’s using this:

D'Addario EPN110 Pure Nickel, Regular Light 10-45 Strings

$6.99 - $10.50

6 available stores

5.0 (2)

Who’s using this: