D'Addario

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The D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings are designed to produce a vintage tone preferred by many jazz, pop, and R&B bassists. With a ribbon-wound, polished flatwound construction, these light gauge strings provide a smooth feel and balanced tension, while generating a full, thumpy bass sound. The ECB81-5 set is ideal for fretted and fretless basses alike.

Flatwound Design Provides a Smooth Feel and Vintage Tone

D'Addario's ECB81-5 strings feature a flatwound design. Made with a high carbon steel core, the stainless steel flattened ribbon wrap wire is expertly wound onto a series of interlocking under-windings, then precisely polished for unrivaled smoothness and a tonal presence. This construction gives the strings an exceptionally smooth feel that allows fingers to glide easily across the fretboard. Bassists looking to emulate an upright bass sound will appreciate the deep, thumpy tones these strings provide.

Light Gauge for Balanced Tension and Playability

With a .045-.132 gauge range, the ECB81-5 strings provide a light, evenly balanced tension that makes playing comfortable and effortless. The lighter gauge pairs well with long-scale basses, allowing the strings to vibrate freely without feeling too taut. For bassists who prefer a slinkier feel and fuller low end, these light gauge flatwound strings are an ideal choice.

Corrosion-Resistant Packaging Keeps Strings Fresh

D'Addario's ECB81-5 strings come packaged in a corrosion-resistant envelope to ensure the strings remain fresh when you open them. The reusable envelope also provides an ideal way to store your strings after opening to keep them protected and prevent tarnishing during storage. With high-quality, long-lasting materials and corrosion-resistant packaging, D'Addario strings provide exceptional value and performance.

D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge
D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge
D'Addario ECB81-5 Chromes XL Flatwound Bass Strings - Light Gauge

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.68

28 Reviews

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

D'Addario 5-String Bass Wires

As a lifetime luthier, I must admit that I was originally a bit cautious about ordering the lower priced wires for my customer's 5-string bass. I was extremely surprised, therefore, to discover that the entire restringing procedure went smoothly with no final adjustments necessary other than a few tunings to stretch the wires. The action is responsive with a very mellow tone that can be beefed up with a bit of EQ work without sacrificing any of the response. I would compare these wires to a set that would cost at least 50% more. I hope that my local Guitar Center will start carrying these wires as a standard inventory item in the future.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

Not long scale like the package says...

If you are going to call a set of strings long scale, don't start the wrapping 3" before it can even get to the nut.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing9
  2. Concerts8
  3. Back-Up3
  4. Classic Rock2
  5. Jazz2
Cons
  1. Not Consistent1
  2. different touch for attack and release. gr8 tone1
  3. Too bright sounding1
  4. Can't Find A 6 String Set1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced14
  2. Professional Musician5
  3. Novice1
Pros
  1. Good Tone17
  2. Long Life10
  3. Consistent7
  4. Well Built / Quality5
  5. Smooth Feel2
  • Love them

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byNichlas

    fromLebanon Ohio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    They sound freat

  • Awesome strings, smooth and great tone on a Stingray

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byFrancisco

    fromMedford OR

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    MM Stingray 5 bass and the Chromes are a great combination for powerfull and thumpy tone.

  • An old standby

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byLane

    fromKansas

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've used these the majority of my bass career. Always versatile, consistent, and ready to go.

  • Perfect for my need

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byRay

    fromSouth Carolina

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    My acoustic electric bass had an annoying fret buzz using round wounds. Replaced with these flat wounds and the buzz is gone. Slightly darker tone is great too as I use the amplified acoustic to simulate an upright string bass. Just what the doctor ordered - can even come very close to pizzicato sound

  • Big sound from small package

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byGene

    fromMiami

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I love it! Sounds incredible for such a small package.

  • What a great sound!!!!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byRob

    fromNew Prague, MN.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    It's the best of round wound/ flat wound strings. Great sound high and lows.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byLarry

    fromAustin, TX

    What is scale do these strings fit in inches?

    What is scale do these strings fit in inches?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    It would be a 35" scale