Detail 01
Flat wound
The outer wrap is ribbon-flat, so the string feels slick and produces a rounder, darker note with almost no finger squeak.
Product detailSKU #1274034478032
D'AddarioECB81M Chromes Flat Wound Electric Bass Strings Light Medium Scale
Sale
1/6
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Flatwound bass strings with a smooth, dark voice and low finger noise. For players who want thump over bite, on a medium-scale bass.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Motown, reggae and R&B lines where you want thump, not clank
- Fretless basses — flats are far kinder to the fingerboard
- Recording where string squeak shows up in the track
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Slap and modern rock players who need bright, aggressive top end
- Anyone with a long-scale bass — the winding length will not fit
- Players wanting a light, loose feel under the fingers
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Medium scale
Sized for a medium-scale bass. On a long-scale instrument the winding may end short of the nut or tuner post.
Detail 03
Light gauge
Lower tension than standard flats, which are usually stiff. Easier on the fretting hand and easier to bend.
Detail 04
Chromes construction
Polished flat ribbon over the core. Slides over frets without abrasion, which is why fretless players reach for them.
Detail 05
Four-string set
Standard E-A-D-G. No fifth string included, so not for a five-string bass.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Measure your bass scale length before ordering — medium and long scale are not interchangeable
- 02Flats need less frequent changing than rounds but cost more per set
- 03Expect a duller tone from day one — flats do not have a bright break-in period
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit my long-scale bass?
No. This set is cut for medium scale. On a 34-inch long-scale bass the tapered winding can land in the wrong place at the nut or run short at the tuner.
02Are flatwounds good for fretless?
Yes. The smooth outer surface does not chew into an unlined or uncoated fingerboard the way roundwound strings do, and the darker tone suits fretless phrasing.
03How much brighter will these get?
They will not get brighter. Flats start dark and settle darker still. If you want bright, buy roundwounds instead.
04Why do these cost more than roundwound sets?
Flat ribbon winding is more involved to manufacture. They also last considerably longer before the tone changes, so cost per playing hour is lower.
