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Chromes - Why choose over LaBella?

#65
The ability to easily do custom sets of flats without breaking the bank, makes Chromes irresistible in my view. You can chuck a gauge on, and if doesn't feel right, easily reach for another. Damned if I will buy a whole set of some brand ( typically a 5iver set) just to get 1 string. I've had Chromes, Labella and Dunlops side by side on the same bass. I wasn't a fan of the Chrome sound initially, but they have settled in good. I found the Dunlops better than the Chromes or Labella, but Dunlop doesn't do singles like D'addario does, at least not upfront. I found the labella DTF a bit grabby
 
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#66
Bass4LifeRS said:
Flats can be fun, dry, crispy, spongey, snappy, deep and cool, but the chromes are stiff, dull lifeless and uninteresting. :D
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As noted, I prefer a stiff string, so that’s a YMMV thing. Dull and lifeless? One of the brightest flats out there, actually. As noted, you need to play with some strength to bring out the best of them. That’s not for everyone, and I respect that.
 
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#67
lermgalieu said:
As noted, I prefer a stiff string, so that’s a YMMV thing. Dull and lifeless? One of the brightest flats out there, actually. As noted, you need to play with some strength to bring out the best of them. That’s not for everyone, and I respect that.
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I respect your preferences. As a matter of fact, i have the chromes on a 33" scale bass, and the stiff tension is why I tried them. Whenever I play that bass at home, I get sleepy….very sleepy…zzzZzZZ…
 
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#68
My P is currently sporting chromes - medium light 45-100. They've been on there for about 2 months, and are settling in nicely right about now. They have a pretty nice vintage 70's soul/funk tone, and a strong fundamental. My bandmates really like the sound. Jumped on the flats train about 4 years ago with Labella LTF's, but thought they were a bit too thumpy, not enough fundamental. To be fair, they could just not be jiving with my bass. Also tried TI Jazz Flats for a bit - they actually had a really pleasing and unique voice, but I didn't like the low tension. Chromes are definitely my favourite so far.
 
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#69
AceOfBassFace said:
My P is currently sporting chromes - medium light 45-100. They've been on there for about 2 months, and are settling in nicely right about now. They have a pretty nice vintage 70's soul/funk tone, and a strong fundamental. My bandmates really like the sound. Jumped on the flats train about 4 years ago with Labella LTF's, but thought they were a bit too thumpy, not enough fundamental. To be fair, they could just not be jiving with my bass. Also tried TI Jazz Flats for a bit - they actually had a really pleasing and unique voice, but I didn't like the low tension. Chromes are definitely my favourite so far.
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I think I'll leave the Chromes on for a few months and see what happens. I keep going back to the bass with the LTFs and they are starting to feel so sticky and a little floppy compared to the Chromes.

One additional benefit over LTF is that these can get LOW, and I mean 2/64ths without buzz. My fretboard is almost like a touch screen lmao.

Here's a little eye candy:

AOchromes.jpg
 
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#73
MdC64 said:
Good discussion. I like reading what others have to say about bass strings I’m using.
I just put a set of ECB81 chromes on my Fender Vintera P, replacing a well worn set of SS Swing bass 66 rounds. First time using Chromes. I’m really liking them and look forward to breaking them in.
About LTFs, I’ve had them on my Jack Casady bass for almost a year. They go well on the JC and sound/feel great.
So I guess that I’m a fan of both.
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Yea and different basses like different strings.
 
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#74
Mike Vee said:
I have been using LaBella LTFs on my P-basses for a long time. I would say it's my favorite string for P-bass by far.

I got a new American Original Precision a few days back and decided to try super light Chromes (ECB80 / 40-95) this time around. So many people I love use them and I figured I would give them a try. I used Eucerin cream on them to deaden them a bit, and then all of my usual techniques for breaking them in faster (light stretching, super rough playing and and hard fretting up and down each string for a while) and they are feeling settled after a few days.

I like them (not love). They feel good. They sound, good. However, I see NO BENEFIT over LaBella LTFs. They are stiffer and slightly more difficult to play, they sound way more generic and vanilla, and are just the most BORING flats I've ever used!

So I ask you, the experts, why would anyone choose Chromes over LaBella flats? Is there a reason I should try to keep these on for a while?

View attachment 5158355
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Sound and feel
 
#75
Chris Doherty said:
It's all subjective, but what you mentioned about playing over the pickup rings true to me. I use them for a lot of rock/pop music, compared to Labellas (ime) they're as deep but not buttery, as defined, but with a different top end clank. I've had them on a p bass for about 5 years now and they work for pretty much all my gigs.
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Yep. I’ve got a set on a MIM Pbass. Seven years and they sound great.
 
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#79
I love Labellas, the older the better, and that's my #1 flat for a P for sure--it's "the" sound, classic. But Chromes have their place--they're brighter, and more clanky if you want to go that way. I have them on one bass--it's cool, good for rock. That said, unlike Labellas, IMO Chromes do not age well. They just kinda get dead and lifeless. They also don't feel that nice under the fingers at any point in their lifespan.
 
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