[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1376256710' post='2171506']
Maybe - I didn't bother to find out what the postage cost is!
[/quote]
Small orders are £3.50 + VAT = £4.20!
[quote name='woodyratm' timestamp='1376304020' post='2171809']
I tend to use Lava ones.
[/quote]
Me too, but they are pricey. You can sometimes pick up batches used on eBay though.
[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1376257087' post='2171511']
Chromes are well-known as some of the brightest flats you can buy - it's got to be down to the materials used. I've tried La Bellas (like them, but too 'floppy' for me) and currently use Lakland Joe Osborne Signature Flats, which I like very much - 'stiffer' than La Bellas but not like Chromes - I found Chromes too 'stiff' and too bright for my liking.
[/quote]
One of my reasons for trying the Chromes was to see if I would want them on my 5-er - stiff is good when it comes to the low B! There is still a lot less top than from rounds when using a pick though. I will see how it goes over time and in a band situation.
I think I may have a complete spare set in black that you can have. I can't get up in the loft just now because my neice's kids are asleep upstairs, but will check in the morning.
Just fitted Chromes to my Sandberg and surprised to hear a fair amount of zing. There was no zing when I put Elite flats on my fretless, so what's making the difference - string brand/material, frets, or what?
Went to a jam yesterday and got andyonbass to play the L1505 through his rig (acoustic image amp, can't remember what the speaker was) while I listened from out front . It sounded as punchy as a very punchy thing. Result!
I belong to Gretsch-Talk and a couple of other model-specific guitar forums. I don't really see the benefit in another general guitar forum, or have I missed the point?
Having studied this thread in depth I have just taken delivery of a set of D'Addario Chromes 45-100 for my Sandberg VM4, which is basically a P with an extra MM pickup near the bridge. These will replace the roundwounds that it came with. Comments to follow soon!
Yes definitely go for used, you can get more for your money that way. Take an open-minded bass-playing friend with you when bass-shopping. And don't be satisfied with 'that'll do', go for the one that says 'take me, I'm yours'!
*NERD ALERT*
In para 19, I think you mean 'timbr[u]a[/u]l qualities'; 'timbral' is an adjective meaning 'of or pertaining to timbre', whereas a timbrel is a percussion instrument.
*/NERD ALERT*
[quote name='mart' timestamp='1375906335' post='2167355']
[i]thinner[/i] strings does not always mean less tension in the neck, or not enough to make a noticeable difference.
[/quote]
True, but check out and compare the quoted string tensions on any of the 'Family Tension Guides' accessible form each range's page on the D'Addario site - e.g [url="http://www.daddario.com/DADProductFamily.Page?ActiveID=3768&familyid=18"]this[/url].
[quote name='deanovw' timestamp='1375909109' post='2167409']
its not very exciting but i like it.
[/quote]
That was in Bass Direct when I visited!
Seriously, that freakin' configurator is a recipe for GAS