TI Jazz flats vs. Labella DTF

sirdugh · #1 11-22-2009, 08:32 PM

I'm a recent flatwound convert. It all started when I played Chef's precision that was sporting flats. Before long, I had flats on my precisions. Now, in addition to the precisions that have LaBellas, my recently acquired jazz also has them and my Casady is wearing tape-wound LaBellas. I had a credit at a friend's shop and got some Chromes to go on the Ric I just received.

I thought I would keep some of my basses in rounds to have some variability but i'm now finding that I can't bear the feel of rounds and just don't play them.

My question (yes, I do have a point) is this. Should I spend the cash to buy a set of the TI flats for the Ric (I've heard they like a lower tension string) and put the chromes on my Stingray? Or, should I spend the same amount to get 2 sets of Labellas to put a set on my Stingray and another set on my fretless jazz? Is it worth it to pay twice as much to try a different string when I already like the LaBellas?

Jefenator · #2 11-22-2009, 09:42 PM

It's a slippery slope, isn't it?

I haven't tried DTFs yet - they're on my short list.

But IMO the TI's are definitely worth a try. They are somewhat unique among strings and on the right axe, they can really sing.

cripula · #3 11-22-2009, 11:16 PM

I would try them - I bet they'd sound great on a Ric!
If you end up not liking them you could likely sell them here and re-coup some of your cash. At least you'd know if they were for you or not.

fretwear · #4 11-23-2009, 12:05 AM

Hi, What gauge Labella do you use. I've got the DTF on two basses, 82 G&L SB-1 has 760 FL 43-104, and a '83 G&L L-1000 has 760 FS 45-105 that I think sounds better, more low end, and more like but still different than a set of TI's that's on a '81 L-1000. The prob is the SB-1 and L-1000 have such different PU's it's hard to compare the two? It might be that the SB-1 doesn't work as well with the Labellas, to me it sounds thin?

But back to your question, I've found the Labella 760 FS sound just as good as the TI Flats JF-344 (both on G&L L-1000's for comparison), there are some slight differences but both sounded killer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdugh

I'm a recent flatwound convert. It all started when I played Chef's precision that was sporting flats. Before long, I had flats on my precisions. Now, in addition to the precisions that have LaBellas, my recently acquired jazz also has them and my Casady is wearing tape-wound LaBellas. I had a credit at a friend's shop and got some Chromes to go on the Ric I just received.

I thought I would keep some of my basses in rounds to have some variability but i'm now finding that I can't bear the feel of rounds and just don't play them.

My question (yes, I do have a point) is this. Should I spend the cash to buy a set of the TI flats for the Ric (I've heard they like a lower tension string) and put the chromes on my Stingray? Or, should I spend the same amount to get 2 sets of Labellas to put a set on my Stingray and another set on my fretless jazz? Is it worth it to pay twice as much to try a different string when I already like the LaBellas?

seanm · #5 11-23-2009, 12:13 AM

Warning: This reply is based on conjecture, no facts where hurt in the writing of this thread. You have been warned.

I love flats, but don't like TI flats. In fact, I consider them anti-flats or super-rounds. Now that you know my biases....

It seems, from reading a lot of flats threads, that people with a light touch love TI flats. And people with a heavy hand (like me) don't like them. So if you have a light touch, I would recommend trying them. If you don't have a light touch, you still might want to try them.

There, doesn't that clear things up?

P.S. If you do like to dig and, and love TIs, I would love to hear about it!

Jefenator · #6 11-23-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

P.S. If you do like to dig and, and love TIs, I would love to hear about it!

They "dig" pretty nice w/ high action IME.

I must confess: after 7 happy years I finally bumped them off the P-bass in search of something thumpier.

But I can't foresee myself ever trying anything else on the 5-string fretless.

ljazz · #7 11-23-2009, 05:21 AM

A few of things to consider.....

I've played all 3 brands mentioned.... plus some others. In fact, I recently had one of each of the three brands on at least one bass up until a month ago. All sound wonderful, and some infact sound better on certain basses, while others aren't as good. My SB1 absolutely sounds stellar with the TI's. Think Pino's tone on the JM3 stuff. My '08 MIA P sounds like complete trash with the TI's and Labella's. But with chromes on, it's become my number one player. All three sound good on my SB2, but the chromes and labellas edge a bit ahead. Labellas and chromes sound horrible on the L2K.... It just doesn't like steel wrap. I haven't tried the TI's on it yet, because it really sounds great with a well worn set of nickel rounds.

Now for the problem..... I actually get sore going from one bass sporting chromes or labellas, and then going to another with TI's. So much so, that I can't straighten my right arm out. There is just so much "give" in the rubbery TI's, that it takes a ton of concentration to play properly. Now, if I only play the TI's I'm fine, but going back and forth is a killer for me. The SB1 with TI's has been relegated to recording only duty.

lmfreeman9 · #8 11-23-2009, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cripula

I would try them - I bet they'd sound great on a Ric!
If you end up not liking them you could likely sell them here and re-coup some of your cash. At least you'd know if they were for you or not.

Agree on the fact that they are easy to resell.
IMHO Rics need something heavier like LaBella DTF FS or FM.
My Ric never thumped enough with the TI's.

Still using TI's mostly to tame excessively loud basses.
Sold the Ric.

bassbully · #9 11-23-2009, 08:07 AM

I just picked up a 73 telecaster w/ humbucker that i needed to put flats to. If anyone know the history of this bass it is known as the mudbucker pup. I think thats a bit harsh since my model is very hot and bassy but cuts decent. I tried the chromes and i liked it overall, but now I love it since I added a set of TIs i took off one of the basses i traded for the Tele. With the maple fretboard the bass sings now with the TIs. TIs pushed the mids and i get more of an old school P bass thump. I agree the TIs are diffrent and kind of a flat/round in their sound but they also have a woody thump to them...strange strings.