Best Daddario ECB80 Chromes Alternatives

Based on 7 reviews

These strings are great, really, really great. They are slick to the touch and have just the right amount of tension on my 35" 6 string bass. I replaced my previous round wounds with these flats, as the previous strings were just too bright for my taste. These have that nice low 'thump' and a fantastic tone that is harmonically rich throughout the full range. I use these with my MTD USA. I have used these strings now for a fair time, and have found that they last really well. You could probably get away with never changing them if you took care of them and wiped them down. I still make good use of slapping and popping occasionally too, and the EQ can make up for the 'less bright' tone of these compared to rounds to my tastes. Very much recommended.

Based on 6 reviews

These strings have the classic 50s/early 60s sound. More specifically they have the sound of American vintage soul music. They do start out as quite metallic and bright sounding though, and NOT in a nice way. They take quite a while to break in but once they've settled they sound fat and thumpy and last for decades. They are high tension, VERY stiff and not suitable for anything that requires a bright tone or lots of sustain. Highly recommended if you're looking for a fat, warm, thumpy Motown/Stax-style sound. Stay away if you want a modern,crisp sound with lots of sustain. They're classics but not very good allrounders.

Based on 5 reviews

I'm originally a classical guitarist, so after an ErnieBall flatwound disaster, I wanted strings that felt smooth and didn't ruin my fingernails in 2-3 takes of a song. I also love the feel of Ukulele Bass strings, that's why I looked for nylon ones. So, they do feel smooth and to my surprise, after a month of playing they still don't show signs of wear from my fingernails, so cudos to Rotosound! The sound does remind me of electric upright basses, great bass and the higher treble is there if you use single coils, but there seems to be a lack of mids and mid definition (but the bass is an active Ibanez, so it doesn't help). All in all, they are extremely comfortable strings to play, with great intonation, decent sustain and very promising life expectancy!

Based on 4 reviews

Would buy again. My favourite strings ever. Flat wound metal strings are like a fusion of the warm and smooth tone of a black nylon string and the metal percussive power of metal strings. I personally don't like the overtones and extra noises of the round wounds and the problem is fixed using Flat wounds. Ideal for music styles like Funk, Disco, Jazz, and that doesn't mean you can not play some rock. You can use these strings on a fretted or on a fretless bass. In fact, most of the Funk/Disco music back in the 70's was recorded using Flat wounds. Flat wounds eliminate excess noise and they allow more versatility such as sliding and bending. And they are still metallic so the percussive power is still there, from slap bass to smooth jazz.

Based on 3 reviews

I decided to take the plunge and finally get a set of flatwounds having been a roundwound man exclusively for the many basses that I've owned over the years. I currently have a Fender Jazz 5 string, and in my opinion the overall natural unaffected sound/tone of this bass (my particular bass) was always too toppy for my tastes. So now, years down the line I've researched which brand/make of flatwounds might work best for me and I came up with these La Bella's. Needless to say I'm extremely happy with the results and I've now got an earthier sound going on with my bass that I can happily work with. I'm still getting used to the feel of flats though as opposed to rounds - but the sound is perfect.

Based on 2 reviews

I got these for a Jazz Bass and I absolutely love them. They are sort of midway between Pyramid Golds and Rotosound 77s. -Not quite as thumpy as the Pyramids, more sustain (and not the characteristic "dead" E-string of the Pyramids). -Slightly fatter, warmer sound than Rotosound 77s (and not the clanky, metallic sounding E-string that never seems to mellow out). And yet they kinda remind me a bit of both. Certainly much closer to Pyramids/Rotos than say LaBellas or GHS flats. To give an idea how they sound: On my Jazz Bass I would say they are pretty close to but SLIGHTLY fatter/thumpier than early Zeppelin/JPJ. Tonal balance is more even across the strings than with either the Pyramids or the Rotosounds. These Optima flats are better allrounders then either of those in my...

Based on 2 reviews

i bought these strings to replace nylon ones on a Fender Mustang bass i use a lot for recording, it's my go to bass for when i need that buttery warm tone a la Pino Palladino. I was satisfied with the nylons but they started decaying very soon after i put them on plus, since i often switch from flats to rounds from session to session depending on the song genre, i needed something that didn't made the switch too drastic: these strings were the answer. A little bit stiffer than regular round strings i find that the little extra tension compensates the switch in terms of feel from rounds to flats and in terms of scale length from short to long. No cons except maybe the stiffness is a little too much if you plan to make them your main strings in this case i suggest the regular gauged version

Based on 2 reviews

1st of all they look very nice and beautiful either on maple or ebony fretboard. they sound perfect and offer everything someone is looking for from a set of flatwounds. they have a smooth and softer feeling on the fingers than the common steel flats. deffinitely the best flats i ve ever used. their price is high but deserve to try them for once. obviously not suitable for all kinds of music and playing style but that's up to you. the only disapponting thing i found was the poor packing. very well sealed but all 4 wraped in a single piece of paper and a nylon pack and not separately one by one. also each one has a small cube like a dice at the very end numbered from 1 to 4. they are just order indicators. dont mount them on your bass with the strings. i did it but they are completely...

Based on 1 reviews

I've bought these strings for a custom-made 6 string fretless bass. I mostly use this bass for recordings and practice, since I play fretted basses when gigging. Therefore, my experience with these strings stems mostly from studio work, and a single, specific instrument (with active EMGs btw). That said, I was really impressed with both sound and playability; in fact, when I went I had the bass professionally set-up, the workshop guy commented on how nice these strings sound, especially when it comes to getting the "mwah" sound (the fretless "holy grail"). They are also very clear (i.e. not muffled at all), which means that there is no need contemplating the use of roundwounds anymore. Most importantly, the strings are so easy to play that I am even considering trying...

Based on 1 reviews

Right out of the pack they are very smooth to the touch, I know the slightly rough feel of new flats bothers some people so these strings won't be an issue for them. In terms of tone and feel, I think they're very close to LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats. Definitely have thump. I found the tension to be a bit to tight for me, again similar to LaBella, so I changed them for something else. Nothing wrong with the strings themselves, they just weren't right for me personally. If Ernie Ball decide to release a lighter gauge version then I'll definitely be back to try again.