Postmortem to Flitz on frets and another question

[hammer]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

On a four string set ,  my choice of flats are Pyramid Gold .

[keith_h]

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]

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.