Chromes, LaBellas - The best of both worlds

[eagle67]

I have 2 basses, one strung with Chromes, the other with LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats. I love the sound of the LaBellas. The classic thump. But I really like the feel of the Chromes. They are less sticky, and are much easier for me to play. Is there a flatwound string out there with the best of both worlds? Or can I do something to make the LaBellas feel and play like the Chromes?

[bluesdogblues]

I've been told here by JTE that'd be:
Lakland Joe Osborn Signature or GHS Precision Flats strings. But I haven't try them.

I use Deep Talkin'.

[Rocky McDougall]

I believe the majority of bassists will say Thomastik Infield Jazz flats are the best strings they have used. Tone, clarity, feel, long lasting. Even though they are initially expensive, they are the cheapest when you consider they last for years and years. They actually get better with age.
Rocky

[bluesdogblues]

Originally Posted by Rocky McDougall

I believe the majority of bassists will say Thomastik Infield Jazz flats are the best strings they have used. Tone, clarity, feel, long lasting. Even though they are initially expensive, they are the cheapest when you consider they last for years and years. They actually get better with age.
Rocky

But from what people said here; the TI don't have that vintage sound... I don't know, never try TI either.

[Luckydog]

Sounds like sadowsky flats would work well for you. Search for reviews.

[J-O]

Based on what you are after, I'd give the sadowsky flats or the rotosound flats a spin.

[bluesdogblues]

I know what it feels like. Actually I really like LaBella Deep Talkin' sound, and I know I have to sacrifice some playability.
Man, the strings are so heavy and hard to play yes.
But recently as I'd like to 'relearn my basic technique' in easier way, I adjusted the truss rod & lowering the bridge (brought them lower) and tuned them down one step (to D-G-C-F).
Now I get better playability while still maintaining the good tone/sound.

But if I ever break the strings or if I own/have a new bass I'll try the Lakland Joe Osborn or GHS Precision or TI Jazz.

But for now I'm happy with the LaBella. And I know I have to deal with their minuses (playability, less definition, dull sounding, have to check and adjust the truss rod, etc.)

My 2 cents

[Bassamatic]

I have the LaBellas on my P and love them, but I have been considering stringing one of my Jazz basses with Chromes.

How do you compare the sound?

[eagle67]

Yeah bluesdog, I really like the Deep Talkin' sound too. And sound is what it's all about. I know the Chromes will never sound like them, even after a long break in period. And I don't mind the heaviness or the high tension of the Labella's, I just wish my fingers would glide over them like they do on the Chromes.

[bluesdogblues]

Well, I don't have problem with 'glide over' LaBella. But I haven't try Chrome.

Maybe you can try tha Lakland JO? And if you do, please tell us how it's feel & sound compared to the LaBella.

Cheers.

[bassboysam]

I have played chromes and the La Bellas. The Sadowsky flats are definitely what you are looking for. They are a mix between the other two.

[DTF]

ghs precisions

[Surly]

Originally Posted by Luckydog

Sounds like sadowsky flats would work well for you. Search for reviews.

They are some sweet flats.