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D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings - ECB81M - Medium Scale - Regular Light, 45-100

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,220 ratings

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Medium Scale
Light, 45-100

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand D'Addario
String Gauge Medium
Color Silver
Instrument Bass Guitar
String Material Type Chrome

About this item

  • MELLOW TONE - XL Chromes are a flat wound electric bass string, which provide a mellower tone than round wound strings.
  • SMOOTH, DARK TONES - Chromes stainless steel flattened ribbon wrap wire is precisely polished for unparalleled smoothness and a dark, yet warm tone.
  • HEX-CORE - Like all D’Addario bass strings, XL Chromes are made with our proprietary Hex-Core, ensuring perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability.
  • EARN REWARD POINTS - Chromes sets have a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
  • MADE IN THE USA – D’Addario bass guitar strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.

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D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings - ECB81M - Medium Scale - Regular Light, 45-100
D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings - ECB81M - Medium Scale - Regular Light, 45-100
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Price$34.99$19.99$45.95$10.49$59.99-20% $16.00
List:$19.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it Mar 29 - Apr 2
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Customer Ratings
Longevity
4.6
4.4
4.7
4.6
4.7
Versatility
4.4
4.5
4.7
4.4
4.3
Brightness
4.3
4.6
4.2
4.3
4.0
Comfort
4.8
4.8
4.8
4.0
Value for money
4.5
4.6
4.5
4.3
Sold By
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
GearNuts
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Clickandship
instrument
Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar
Electric Guitar
string material
Chrome
Nickel-Plated
Stainless Steel
Nickel Steel
Chrome
Chrome
string gauge
Medium
.045 - .105
Light
Medium
Medium
Jazz Light

Product information

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D'Addario

D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings - ECB81M - Medium Scale - Regular Light, 45-100


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Product Description

Product Description

XL Chromes are among the warmest, mellowest bass strings we have to offer. These flat wound strings provide an ultra-smooth feel and a dark, yet warm tone, while allowing movement across the fretboard with no finger noise. Made with a high carbon steel core, Chromes stainless steel flattened ribbon wrap wire is expertly wound onto a series of interlocking under-windings, then precisely polished for unparalleled smoothness and a tonal presence which blends beautifully into the mix. This 45-100 Regular Light set is a medium scale version of our best-selling bass gauge, known for its even tension, bright tone, and tight low-end.

From the Manufacturer

ECB81M, a medium scale version of D'Addario's best-selling Flatwound bass strings, are known for their warm, mellow tone and smooth polished feel. Chromes deliver a deep, rich low bottom end which makes them the flat wound choice of Jazz, R&B and Pop musicians. Fits medium scale basses with a string scale length of up to 34 inches.

D'Addario Chromes Bass strings are wound with flattened stainless steel ribbon wire which is polished to an incredibly smooth surface. Delivering a distinctive damped, but tone-rich sound that only flatwounds can produce, D'Addario Chromes are the world's most popular flatwound strings.

D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.


From the manufacturer

XL, Chromes
ECG23, ECG24, ECG25

MORE PUNCH, POWER & POLISH

D'Addario XL Chromes are the industry standard in flatwound bass guitar strings. They deliver a round, full low end without losing punch. Wound with flattened stainless steel ribbon wire, XL Chromes are then polished to unparalleled smoothness.

FEATURES:

  • Wrap Material: Stainless Steel
  • Wrap Construction: Flatwound
  • Coating: Uncoated
  • Number Of Strings: 4, 5
  • Scale Length: Short, Medium, Long, Super Long

GET REWARDED

  • Players Circle is D'Addario's rewards program that allows you to get free gear & rewards.
  • Look for the “Get Rewarded” Players Circle messaging on select D’Addario products to earn rewards.

XL Chromes 11-50

XL Chromes 11-52

XL Chromes 45-100

"I have been rockin' on D'Addario strings since I first started."

Gary Plays XL Chromes 11-50

"I've been using D'Addario strings for over 20 years. They're comfortable, they stay in tune, and they're very consistent."

Robben Plays XL Chromes 11-52

"I am a professional recording and touring musician with over 40 years of experience. D'Addario strings are the best sounding and reliable strings I've ever played."

Rudy Plays XL Chromes 45-100

Flatwound Construction

Hex Core Construction

String Winding

Wire Drawing

FLATWOUND CONSTRUCTION

Flat wound strings feature precisely flattened stainless steel wrap wire that is wound and polished to provide an ultra smooth feel and a full, mellow tone.

HEX CORE CONSTRUCTION

Precision drawn hexagonal core wire was pioneered by John D'Addario Sr. in the 1930's. This innovation allows the string winding to grip the core for superior dimensional stability and intonation.

STRING WINDING

String winding equipment is designed and built by D'Addario's engineering team, producing more than half a million strings per day. Digitally-controlled string winding machines ensure productivity, accuracy, and consistency.

WIRE DRAWING

D'Addario's in-house wire drawing machines produce musical instrument wire to our exact specifications. Control over materials, equipment, and quality allows us to deliver high performance products.

XL Pro Steels XL Nickel XT Nickel NYXL Nickel Nylon Tapewound
XL Pro Steels XL Nickel Wound XT Coated Nickel NYXL Nickel XL Nylon Tapewound
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
3,111
4.8 out of 5 stars
9,202
4.6 out of 5 stars
741
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,159
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,501
Tone Super Bright Bright Bright Bright Mellow
Wrap Wire Alloy Stainless Steel Nickel Plated Steel Coated Nickel Plated Steel Nickel Plated Steel Flattened Black Nylon
Construction Round Wound Round Wound Round Wound Round Wound Tape Wound
Coated Uncoated Uncoated Coated (XT Treatment) Uncoated Uncoated

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
2,220 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the sound quality, quality and smoothness of the musical instrument strings. For example, they mention that they sound really good, provide a warm full woody sound and are very smooth. That said, some appreciate the value, and brightness of the strings. That being said, opinions are mixed on the fit and stiffness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

283 customers mention261 positive22 negative

Customers are satisfied with the sound quality of the musical instrument strings. They mention that they sound really good, and feel great to play. Some say that the strings sound like butter after about three to four months, and have a low thump tone. They also appreciate the smooth feel and the lack of fret noise. Overall, customers are happy with the performance of these strings.

"...But then- after about five months, the TONE became AWESOME. Smooth, silky, right there when you need it. And no scratching...." Read more

"...too dull but while not a zingy as the round wounds they have a nice bright sound and a fuller, rounder tone overall. I highly recommend." Read more

"...setup (neck adjustment, string height and intonation) there is almost zero fret noise. I like that. These are great strings!" Read more

"...With the right tone adjustments on your bass, you can get a very full and balanced sound that is 'there' without being 'on top' or distracting, as..." Read more

273 customers mention240 positive33 negative

Customers like the quality of the strings. They mention that they have a nice rich thump, and age very nicely. They also appreciate the warm full woody sound, and deep soulful funky tones. Some say that the strings have sassy feel and are great for flat picking.

"...not a zingy as the round wounds they have a nice bright sound and a fuller, rounder tone overall. I highly recommend." Read more

"...compared to the other strings but with this set the string-to-string balance is excellent and, most importantly, my upper register notes have plenty..." Read more

"...Even when the bass is adjusted for a bright sound, it is a fuller, fatter bright and not so tinny...." Read more

"...They also age very, very nicely, in that each string ages equally, even the E string, which is really surprising since I've found that the E string..." Read more

77 customers mention77 positive0 negative

Customers find the musical instrument strings so smooth that they can no longer feel the fret wires below. They say the flats are perfectly smooth, and the action is now smooth. The strings provide outstanding smooth lows and bright highs, and handle tuning exceptionally well.

"...But then- after about five months, the TONE became AWESOME. Smooth, silky, right there when you need it. And no scratching...." Read more

"...Very smooth playing, easy on the fingers, QUIET and they hold their tuning...." Read more

"...These strings handle that tuning exceptionally well at extremely low string height...." Read more

"...' without being 'on top' or distracting, as well as a bright but still smooth and full lead for great jazz, country or rock...." Read more

37 customers mention34 positive3 negative

Customers find the musical instrument strings easy to use. They say the sound, smooth feel, and play-ability are a pleasure to play on. Customers also say the scale bass strings are able to produce excellent sound with no finger noise. They also say that the flat winding is super easy on the fingers. Overall, customers are happy with the ease of use and recommend the strings to others.

"...Very smooth playing, easy on the fingers, QUIET and they hold their tuning...." Read more

"...The flatwounds feel smooth slick and amazing to play. They are a bit stiffer with more thud than rounds and also have less ring...." Read more

"...much fuller on the Labellas and they are way, way, smoother and easier on the hands...." Read more

"...What i found was the pleasure of playing increased dramatically...." Read more

33 customers mention29 positive4 negative

Customers like the value of the musical instrument strings. They say they are excellent value for the money, well worth the investment, and smooth. Some customers also mention that the seller is great and the best on the market.

"...This is worth the cost of admission and completely makes up for some of the strings cons...." Read more

"...I feel this was a good upgrade, and worth the effort and cost, and this is the best intonation this bass has seen!..." Read more

"So much nicer than round wound. Worth the extra money" Read more

"...n't very familiar with D'Addario flatwound strings, they are well worth the investment to check them out...." Read more

23 customers mention19 positive4 negative

Customers like the brightness of the musical instrument strings. They mention that they have just the right amount of brightness, making the bridge pickup sound less muddy. They also appreciate the outstanding lows and smooth flatwounds.

"...Even when the bass is adjusted for a bright sound, it is a fuller, fatter bright and not so tinny...." Read more

"Bright enough to slap, fat enough for even sound across the neck. Long lasting too. My new go-to for every day gigging" Read more

"Useful to reduce string slide noise. Still ok bright on electric (Fender Mustang Bass) , but very dead on acoustic bass (Fender Kingman)...." Read more

"...The strings provide outstanding smooth lows and bright highs as well." Read more

72 customers mention35 positive37 negative

Customers are mixed about the fit of the musical instrument strings. Some mention that it fits perfectly on their 30 1/4" scale Rogue VB100 Violin Bass Guitar, while others say that the strings wouldn't fit.

"These strings are a perfect fit on my Fender Kingman V2 acoustic bass...." Read more

"...And for you fellow Rapture owners, the B string was a tiny bit tight but fit in the bridge without modification...." Read more

"...They're quite evenly tensioned with very relative string sizings and sound like butter after about three to four months when the zing wears off...." Read more

"...Silks look new. Great! Go to put them on my bass... these are short scale strings, silks run to the 2nd fret!..." Read more

26 customers mention11 positive15 negative

Customers are mixed about the stiffness of the musical instrument strings. Some mention they have relatively high tension, while others say they feel stiff and rough.

"...They are stiffer, so you will need to adjust the action a tad.-Good luck!" Read more

"...They're quite evenly tensioned with very relative string sizings and sound like butter after about three to four months when the zing wears off...." Read more

"...mind them being steel, however, therein lies the problem of tension being TOO HIGH for an acoustic instrument...." Read more

"...They have relatively high tension.I like this to be able to set the action low as possible and more easily play the quick licks...." Read more

ECB81M - awesome replacement strings for my Ibanez AEB10E
5 Stars
ECB81M - awesome replacement strings for my Ibanez AEB10E
This is my first foray into flat wound strings. I'd read lots of recommendations on different forums about what strings to put on my acoustic/electric bass, an Ibanez AEB10e (medium (32") scale).A number of folks had these specific strings on this exact model bass, so I decided to give it a try.I'm a relatively new bass player I've been playing extensively for about 7 months, but have played electric guitar, keyboard and many woodwinds over the course of my life. I picked up my AEB10e from a friend who had not been maintaining it.I brought the strings over to a luthier to install and also assess whether other things needed to be adjusted. He popped the strings on and also addressed some bowing/action.While the bass overall plays better, I'm very delighted by the feel of flat wounds vs the much more abrasive "standard" round wounds that come on most basses. Very smooth.While I liked the sound of the old "dull" sound of the ancient strings (reminiscent of an upright!), I've quickly become accustomed to the response and pop to the sound.Next time I need to replace strings on my other basses, I'd definitely look to get an equivalent of the ECB81's in my scale.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
Size: Long ScaleStyle: Light, 45-100Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2023
Size: Medium ScaleStyle: Light, 45-100Verified Purchase
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2018
Size: Long ScaleStyle: Light, 45-132 (5-String)Verified Purchase
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5.0 out of 5 stars Old School Thump, New School Brightness
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2018
Been playing for a long time and I am in a band playing 60's through 80's music again. The roundwound strings I had been using just didn't seem to cut it for music from this period. Upper register notes just didn't have the authority necessary (strong mids) so I decided to go back to flatwounds. Did a lot of internet research and learned that the flatwound that appeared to me to be most respected by other bassists is the D'Addario XL Chromes. I'm here to say, these are the real deal and I think, through my bass's active tone controls, they have all the highs and lows I'll ever need for any kind of music. On one flatwound set I tried before (I won't mention the name), and on some roundwound sets, the B string was too hot compared to the other strings but with this set the string-to-string balance is excellent and, most importantly, my upper register notes have plenty of mid to cut through the mix and still sound like they came from a bass.

Pictured is my lovely Pedulla Rapture RBJ2-5 with a set of D'Addario XL Chromes ECB81-5, the lightest gauge set of Chromes. And for you fellow Rapture owners, the B string was a tiny bit tight but fit in the bridge without modification. I was a bit worried at first because I like keeping this bass in original condition. I have a very light piece of foam at the bridge to eliminate unwanted harmonics and add a little Jamerson thump, and yes, these strings do harmonics well. Some flatwound sets do not. I am very happy with this set of strings.

Oh, I need to add that my band plays tuned down one-half step. These strings handle that tuning exceptionally well at extremely low string height. The strings are a bit more taught than the roundwounds I previously had on this bass but not so much I cannot bend them easily. After setup (neck adjustment, string height and intonation) there is almost zero fret noise. I like that. These are great strings!
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3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2011
Size: Long ScaleStyle: Light, 40-100Verified Purchase
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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J.A
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelentes cuerdas
Reviewed in Mexico on March 8, 2024
Size: Long ScaleStyle: Medium, 50-105Verified Purchase
CocoaBeWhere
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome strings....so smooth!
Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2023
Size: Long ScaleStyle: Light, 45-100Verified Purchase
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CocoaBeWhere
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome strings....so smooth!
Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2023
Perfect for my D-1 bass. Love the tone and the smoothness is a finger saver.

well worth the price!
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Pablo Jimenez Perez
5.0 out of 5 stars Las mejores Flats con sonido moderno
Reviewed in Mexico on February 10, 2022
Size: Long ScaleStyle: Light, 40-95Verified Purchase
Marcolla
4.0 out of 5 stars Toque suave por uma pequena fábula
Reviewed in Brazil on December 31, 2021
Size: Super Long ScaleStyle: Light, 40-95Verified Purchase
SteveB
5.0 out of 5 stars D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings - ECB81S - Short Scale - fantastic product
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2024
Size: Short ScaleStyle: Light, 45-100Verified Purchase