Labella vs Daddario chromes tension question

Cieran · #1 01-16-2010, 08:07 PM

Am i right in thinking that that the D'addario chromes are higher tension than Labella deep talkin' strings? If i were to compare both strings in identical gauges which would have more tension....

I have read mixed information about this but reading between the lines it seems as if the daddario's are higher.

Any info appreciated!

jasper383 · #2 01-16-2010, 08:32 PM

I would agree with that. I would put La Bellas second only to TI flats in the lower tension category.

Have had a set of Chromes 50-105 and the 45-105 La Bellas on the same bass back to back--the La Bellas are softer, and seem to vibrate more freely.

king_biscuit · #3 01-16-2010, 08:42 PM

If you compare La Bellas and Chromes/EBs of the same guage the La Bellas have more tension. And unless you are talking about the ultra light 760FX set, La Bellas are nothing like TIs, thanks god!

Cieran · #4 01-16-2010, 08:57 PM

So thats +1 agreeing and +1 disagreeing

Stll confused......

jasper383 · #5 01-17-2010, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by king_biscuit

If you compare La Bellas and Chromes/EBs of the same guage the La Bellas have more tension. And unless you are talking about the ultra light 760FX set, La Bellas are nothing like TIs, thanks god!

The Chromes 50-105 and the La Bella 760FS set have the same gauge E and A strings. Between those two strings, to my fingers, no contest. The La Bellas are not as tense.

Too bad La Bella doesn't publish tension data.

Cieran · #6 01-17-2010, 11:08 AM

Found this video comparing flats on youtube. His notes on the right hand side seem to confirm that the chromes are indeed higher tension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDZJMKfgaCk

jasper383 · #7 01-17-2010, 12:58 PM

This stuff is very subjective, and to some, Chromes might seem looser. It would put a lot of arguments to rest of all the makers would publish their tensions. As far as I know, D'Addario and TI are the only companies that publish tension data.

The most important part is the sound, and Chromes and La Bellas sound different. What are you going for?

The Chromes are brighter, even after breaking in, and retain a high end "ping" in their sound that the La Bellas just don't have.

Cieran · #8 01-17-2010, 01:45 PM

Sound wise i prefer the chromes - this is after watching various sound clips on youtube.

Problem is i am new to the world of bass - I have ordered myself a short scale gretsch g2202, and money is a bit tight (otherwise i would just buy both strings).

My main concern is that i intend to play drop D (as i do with my regular guitar) and i am inclined to go for a higher tension to help with the short scale.

I am almost certain from what I have read/ heard that the chromes are the way to go, bearing in mind what i have said above about playing drop D.............

Craig_S · #9 01-17-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by king_biscuit

If you compare La Bellas and Chromes/EBs of the same guage the La Bellas have more tension.

nope

JustDavid · #10 01-17-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cieran

Sound wise i prefer the chromes

Then Chromes it is, eh?

jasper383 · #11 01-17-2010, 06:17 PM

Love the Gretsch you are buying! There's one at the GC here in town, and I play it every time I go in.

Chromes on there will be fine. Fat and clear. Let them break in for a few weeks, and you'll be fine.

ljazz · #12 01-18-2010, 03:41 AM

Tension does not necessarily translate into how stiff the string will be. For instance, I can put 100 lbs of tension on a string, and 100 lbs on a steel block, and one will be stiffer than the other..... there is a bit more to the feel than purely tension. Alot has to do with construction, and how they wear. For instance, have you noticed how much more stiff TIJF's become after they've worn in?

I find the "stiffness" of broken in chromes (45-100) to be closer in feel to broken in similarly gauged Labellas than what initial tension would indicate.

Cieran · #13 01-18-2010, 10:33 AM

Sounds a lot more complicated that I was hoping for.

Looks like i will just have to dig deep and get both sets of strings - try them out and use whatever feels best..........

ljazz · #14 01-19-2010, 03:22 AM

Exactly.... and no matter which you try, make sure you played them long enough to ensure they've broken in properly. You can't make a decision until you can hear them in their "proper" state.

morebass! · #15 01-22-2010, 12:40 PM

I have the Chromes in .050 - .100 and the ultra heavy Jamerson set of La Bellas (.063-.110 I think). The La Bellas are certainly more stiff but there is a much bigger difference in tone than in tension. The Chromes have a more full range sound but are a bit clacky. The La Bellas are smoother and softer up top and fuller in the lows but lack some definition in the lows.

morehorn · #16 01-22-2010, 01:51 PM

i swapped out my labellas for chromes once --- identicle gauges, 105-45. my well-broken-in labellas E and A were stiffer than the brand new chromes..had to raise the action a bit to get rid of the buzz. i can't remember how the d and g compared, though.

ljazz · #17 01-23-2010, 04:00 AM

And the clak on the DA's go away after a few months. We gigged the other night at a place where there was a new soundman. During sound check he asked if there was something wrong with my rig, 'cuz he wasn't getting any high end. I told him I was playing flats.... he says "oh.....". After the soundcheck, he tells me, "Now that is how a bass is suppossed to sound!"