Fender STNLS STL FW LS 9050L 45-100

I believe these strings are manufactured by D'Addario but they're not the same as the D'Addario Chromes. I've never liked the Chromes, they're too stiff and metallic/bright for my taste. With this in mind I didn't really expect to like the Fender flats but I wanted to give them a chance.

I actually like them more than I expected. They certainly have a bit of initial metallic brightness but unlike the D'Addario Chromes they slowly mellow out into a nicer, warmer tone (D'Addario Chromes just go completely dead in a really bad way).

These Fender flats will never sound of feel like proper old school flats though. They are brigher, feel stiffer and are lacking the "bouncy" feel of classic flatwound strings. You will never get a Motown thump or a 60s vibe out of these strings. These Fender flats will never get that bouncy feel and thumpy tone. They will also retain a certain midrange "grind" that you won't get with old school flats. Whether this is good or bad will of course depend on what kind of tone/feel you're looking for. Just be aware that these strings will not sound of feel even remotely like old school flats. If you're looking for THAT kind of tone/vibe you will be far better off with LaBella, Pyramid, Optima or any of the other old school flats that are available.

If you're looking for a set of stiffer "modern" flats with a tone that leans a bit towards roundwounds you might like these Fenders.

These are the growliest flats I have found and I love them to bits. They feel and sound like flats but with much more presence and bark. I use them on both fretted and fretless with great pleasure.

I used to play chromes but these are so much better. Whether I slap or play with a pick I always get a full, convincing sound. Chromes lost their clarity after a few weeks/months. I have been using the 9050l for over a year and they still sound great.

They are a a tiny bit more textured than other flats which makes them less slippery but they are very slick nonetheless.

I highly recommend them!