Need help choosing new flatwounds

Hello all, first-time poster.

I'm looking to put some new flatwound strings on my Ibanez SR500. Currently, I have .50-.105 Chromes on the bass right now and I really enjoy them. However, they just seem to have a bit of clankiness to my ears. They've been on at least 1.5 years, and their clankiness seems to be characteristic of chromes from what I've read so far about them.

The local music stores that are nearby have Chromes, EB Cobalt Slinkys, and Rotosound Jazz bass strings as my options. I know most people will say order online, but I much prefer giving my business to brick and mortar stores.

I was wondering what TB's opinions would be on choosing between these strings. I'm not 100% sold on changing the Chromes just yet, but possibly in the very near future. I really enjoy how smooth they are, and tension is not an issue. I play hymns in my church and also play with some bluegrass and country players as well if that helps.

Thank you
 
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Hello @AppalachianBen and welcome to TalkBass.
Currently, I have .50-.105 Chromes on the bass right now and I really enjoy them. However, they just seem to have a bit of clankiness to my ears. They've been on at least 1.5 years, and their clankiness seems to be characteristic of chromes from what I've read so far about them.
Bingo-Zingo. All you can do is roll off your highs both on your bass and amp to throttle back the metallic klank.
The local music stores that are nearby have Chromes, EB Cobalt Slinkys, and Rotosound Jazz bass strings as my options. I know most people will say order online, but I much prefer giving my business to brick and mortar stores.
Given your music needs, I'd go with the Rotosound flats. Steve Harris signature set if you can get them. Your local stores should be happy to order any stringset you desire. You'll just have to pay a little more and have a longer wait.
 
Hello @AppalachianBen and welcome to TalkBass.

Bingo-Zingo. All you can do is roll off your highs both on your bass and amp to throttle back the metallic klank.

Given your music needs, I'd go with the Rotosound flats. Steve Harris signature set if you can get them. Your local stores should be happy to order any stringset you desire. You'll just have to pay a little more and have a longer wait.

I've heard the Rotosounds are a little rougher than the chromes. Is the fingernoise bad? And do they mellow out nicely? Thanks for the input.
 
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I've heard the Rotosounds are a little rougher than the chromes.
Maybe. All flats are pretty smooth with very little difference in my life experience. They all continue to smooth out as you play them. I have no experience with the new EB Cobalt flats that have a reputation of being rough; grippy & grabby.
Is the fingernoise bad?
No, of course not. They're flats. If you hear finger noise with flatwounds it's your fault, not the strings.
And do they mellow out nicely?
Yes they do.

Thanks for the input.
You are welcome.
 
I've got 50-105 chromes on an EB Stingray and they don't clank. They're about 6 or 7 years old now, but they didn't clank even when new. I play them finger-style or with a pick. I play a very broad spectrum of music. They thump- but they don't clank. just my .02
 
The Chromes you have installed currently are not wet noodles, especially at that higher gauge. I’m not a fan of Chromes, but I never found them to clank, but, due to their enhanced high end, the clank is more audible when it does occur.

The Rotos would be your best bet, locally. They are monel flats, they sound good and have high tension, and their darker nature—compared to Chromes—will help mask any clank. Also, and this is what I’d do, you could have some strings ordered for you through your local shop. Get yourself some 1954 LaBellas and your clank will be greatly lessened to eliminated. GHS would be a good option as well.
 
Hello all, first-time poster.

I'm looking to put some new flatwound strings on my Ibanez SR500. Currently, I have .50-.105 Chromes on the bass right now and I really enjoy them. However, they just seem to have a bit of clankiness to my ears. They've been on at least 1.5 years, and their clankiness seems to be characteristic of chromes from what I've read so far about them.

The local music stores that are nearby have Chromes, EB Cobalt Slinkys, and Rotosound Jazz bass strings as my options. I know most people will say order online, but I much prefer giving my business to brick and mortar stores.

I was wondering what TB's opinions would be on choosing between these strings. I'm not 100% sold on changing the Chromes just yet, but possibly in the very near future. I really enjoy how smooth they are, and tension is not an issue. I play hymns in my church and also play with some bluegrass and country players as well if that helps.

Thank you
Your local music store might be able to order in some strings for you if they don't keep them in stock. I know my local store does for me. Which gauges are you looking for?