For me, Chromes just work better. LTFs are awesome and I have a set on my Jazz bass, but the chromes on my P just feel right.
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Chromes - Why choose over LaBella?
- Thread starter Mike Vee
- Start date
I like Labella Deep Talkin' Flats and DR Legends better than Chromes. I used Chromes for a long time. My final analysis is that they get better after being on for a year or more, then continue to sound good. I love them then. But they're way too bright for me when new. I really have to dial the tone knob down to get them close to acceptable (for me).
I used to love the GHS Precision Flats. They were my go-to's for years. Perfect right out of the pack. But then they discontinued the regular Long Scale. The Extra Long Scale are fine if you're going through the body, but most of my basses are top-load, so I pretty much stopped using them.
I have a set of T.I. flats on my StingRay SLO Special after having ignored them for years. So many people raved about them, so I finally took the plunge and got a set. I DO like them, but I was always a bit "gun-shy" of them because of the low-tension. I tend to dig in pretty hard when rocking out. They're actually quite nice. But for the price differential, I'll stick to the LaBella DTF's or the DR Legends. I love both of those.
I used to love the GHS Precision Flats. They were my go-to's for years. Perfect right out of the pack. But then they discontinued the regular Long Scale. The Extra Long Scale are fine if you're going through the body, but most of my basses are top-load, so I pretty much stopped using them.
I have a set of T.I. flats on my StingRay SLO Special after having ignored them for years. So many people raved about them, so I finally took the plunge and got a set. I DO like them, but I was always a bit "gun-shy" of them because of the low-tension. I tend to dig in pretty hard when rocking out. They're actually quite nice. But for the price differential, I'll stick to the LaBella DTF's or the DR Legends. I love both of those.
I tried the Labella LTFs on my P bass and I hated them. They were way too dead sounding for me IMO. I have used Chromes ever since and never looked back. I like the Chromes because even broken in, they still have some sparkle to them. Plus I've always like the stiffer feel that Chromes provide.
Wanna feel something different? Try TI JF344 and not Chromes …
Personally, I love that they’re stiffer and more difficult to play - I developed a heavy attack from decades of using an underpowered amp.
Anyway, as with any strings, it’s how they sound in the mix that matters, and if you’re home recording only, not playing with a band, that makes a difference. In the band context, I found Labellas mushy in the low end and indistinct in the high end, whereas Chromes (I use mediums) have a really strong and articulate low end with some really cool transients that just get my blood boiling, in a good way. I do not “treat” them with hand lotion or anything else however, I just put them on, wait for the truss rod to settle down, make whatever adjustments are necessary, and then get to work.
As always, everyone has different hands, different ears, different gear, and different applications or objectives. For what I do, I have enjoyed Chromes quite a lot - Fender flats would be my second preference, but Chromes have more character. Thankfully there are a lot of string choices, and lately I’ve been using DR Nickel Lo-Riders on every bass I play out as they give me more of what I want from overdrive and distortion effects.
Anyway, as with any strings, it’s how they sound in the mix that matters, and if you’re home recording only, not playing with a band, that makes a difference. In the band context, I found Labellas mushy in the low end and indistinct in the high end, whereas Chromes (I use mediums) have a really strong and articulate low end with some really cool transients that just get my blood boiling, in a good way. I do not “treat” them with hand lotion or anything else however, I just put them on, wait for the truss rod to settle down, make whatever adjustments are necessary, and then get to work.
As always, everyone has different hands, different ears, different gear, and different applications or objectives. For what I do, I have enjoyed Chromes quite a lot - Fender flats would be my second preference, but Chromes have more character. Thankfully there are a lot of string choices, and lately I’ve been using DR Nickel Lo-Riders on every bass I play out as they give me more of what I want from overdrive and distortion effects.
According to his rig rundown from a few years ago, Mark buys the 12-52 chrome flats, ditches the 52, moves them up so the 42 is the low E and then he uses a 10 for the high E. I'd use a 9 but I guess he likes the resistance of the 10.
Interesting.
If the drummer found a way to use a Chrome in his drumming, that would make it a trifecta. Great band.
I like the presence of the Chromes the best. I don't get the clank comments. I think both brands have a clank and I like it. I find the chromes to have a classic flats sound, similar to the DTF Labellas, but with more clarity. I do not find the Chromes to feel stiffer. I run the ECB84 40-100 sets and do not find the tension feels different than the DTF 760L Lights, I also use. I also really like the way Chromes sound fresh out of the package, where the DTFs seem to need a break in period.
Both are local companies to me so I have been trying to bond with the Labella flats. I like their tapewounds. I have a labella special run polished set on my 51 style bass and just gigged with a set of the 760L flats on a P w geezer pu this last weekend, which I really enjoyed, mainly the pickup sounds much better than the previous. Full disclosure, I just put a set of rounds on that bass yesterday. I have a set of Chromes on my number #1 P that are not coming off and "to my liking" the Chromes have the best P with flats tone.
I get more compliments with the Chromes and I can hear myself better in the mix than the DTFs, but I have not entirely given up on the labellas. The other plus for the Chromes is they do not break if some of the wind past the silk goes around the post. My #1 P has a reverse headstock and I originally thought the Labella Gold flats would look great on the bass but they will not work on that set up which was a drag.
Both are local companies to me so I have been trying to bond with the Labella flats. I like their tapewounds. I have a labella special run polished set on my 51 style bass and just gigged with a set of the 760L flats on a P w geezer pu this last weekend, which I really enjoyed, mainly the pickup sounds much better than the previous. Full disclosure, I just put a set of rounds on that bass yesterday. I have a set of Chromes on my number #1 P that are not coming off and "to my liking" the Chromes have the best P with flats tone.
I get more compliments with the Chromes and I can hear myself better in the mix than the DTFs, but I have not entirely given up on the labellas. The other plus for the Chromes is they do not break if some of the wind past the silk goes around the post. My #1 P has a reverse headstock and I originally thought the Labella Gold flats would look great on the bass but they will not work on that set up which was a drag.
I tend to pluck near the bridge, this is probably the main reason I prefer lower tension/less stiff strings.
I really love the sound of fresh Chromes, (no dulling creams please), and like the OP, tried the lowest gauge set,
and still found them to be too stiff for comfortable playing or fretting. The sounds of chromes and Labellla LTF set
are pretty much diametrically opposed to my ears. I’ve had chromes on several basses for years, and they never
“Mellowed” like is widely reported.
I really love the sound of fresh Chromes, (no dulling creams please), and like the OP, tried the lowest gauge set,
and still found them to be too stiff for comfortable playing or fretting. The sounds of chromes and Labellla LTF set
are pretty much diametrically opposed to my ears. I’ve had chromes on several basses for years, and they never
“Mellowed” like is widely reported.
Fortunately in today’s world, we have lots of choices! Plus, with our online shopping, getting what you want is easier than ever.
Once you find what works for you, stick with it, and enjoy it!
Once you find what works for you, stick with it, and enjoy it!
BobDeRosa
Commercial User
- May 16, 2012
- 2,444
- 4,402
- Disclosures
- Owner, Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps
A few days is not sufficient to judge flats. More like a few months.
It's funny because both me and my son replaced Chromes with Labella DTFs on our basses. But I still recommend Chromes and think they are good, the Labellas just give me more of a DB string vibe/feel, and that's what I'm going for in a flat.
Can’t offer my personal positive on Chromes.
I did the reverse. I originally had Chromes on my fretless. Didn’t use the crème, but played the hell out of them to “soften” that stiffness. Could never feel that ease from them. That and I was getting a generic sound no matter what setting I was using. Started using LTFs and I dig them. Easy on the fingers and nice thump and yes, that mwah thing. But as stated, it’s all to your personal taste.
I love the way DTFs sound and feel. But for me, the 5 string player, it's the tapered B on LaBellas that keep them off my basses. It sounds sooooo off compared to the others. YMMV. I used to love the higher tension of Chromes, but these days the noodle-like TI's are my go-to. I never throw away a set of flats and have some newer ones that are only 5-6 years old, and I still experiment with different flats on different basses.
My old boss used to say, “horses for courses,” meaning you pick the right horse for the right course.
Having played on all these strings, they are definitely different horses.
Labella’s are perfect for old school thump and tone. Literally and instantly transformed my Jazz bass.
Chromes (similar to TI flats) are brighter and - with EQ/tone knob adjustment - more versatile. They can get very close to the old school thump, but also get close to the “zing” of roundwounds. Prefer playing these with heavy overdrive/distortion and slap if I want those higher transients ringing through.
My 2 cents, but several prior posts seem to be hovering around the same experience.
Having played on all these strings, they are definitely different horses.
Labella’s are perfect for old school thump and tone. Literally and instantly transformed my Jazz bass.
Chromes (similar to TI flats) are brighter and - with EQ/tone knob adjustment - more versatile. They can get very close to the old school thump, but also get close to the “zing” of roundwounds. Prefer playing these with heavy overdrive/distortion and slap if I want those higher transients ringing through.
My 2 cents, but several prior posts seem to be hovering around the same experience.
- Apr 29, 2003
- 9,074
- 9,790
- Disclosures
- Contributor- Bass Musician Magazine | Marketing Manager- Trickfish Amplification
Labella flats: smooth and round sounding (and feeling)
Chrome lights: crunchier sounding, more bite/snarl, rougher texture (pretty much anything is rougher than Labellas)
for this sound/feel its a toss up for me between chromes and DR legends. I think I prefer the DR's for their mid voicing over the chromes. I really only care for the light chromes. as for medium gauge chromes, I would take a lot of other flats over those. They are kinda the worst of all worlds. there is just something nice about the light ones.
Chrome lights: crunchier sounding, more bite/snarl, rougher texture (pretty much anything is rougher than Labellas)
for this sound/feel its a toss up for me between chromes and DR legends. I think I prefer the DR's for their mid voicing over the chromes. I really only care for the light chromes. as for medium gauge chromes, I would take a lot of other flats over those. They are kinda the worst of all worlds. there is just something nice about the light ones.
Wow… such great info/opinions in this thread. I’ve been playing the Chromes non-stop and they are growing on me a lot.
I adjusted my truss rod a little bit more last night and have achieved ridiculously low action. I’m talking LESS that 2/64ths with zero fret buzz, not even close to buzzing. Incredible. I have to give credit to this neck as well. Straight as an arrow. Fender did a great job with the American Original series. Love the fat neck and flatter radius. Incredible easy to play this low with these strings. That alone is why they won’t be coming off.
And they sound SUPER thumpy and warm with a mute. There is no brightness at all after the cream treatment. It sounds VERY old school. I had to turn up some mids and highs on the SVT to compensate, and now, especially with the mute option, there is a wide range of sounds.
If you like Chromes and like to experiment, I could also recommend EBMM group flats. They feel similar to me. (I had a Joe Dart for a bit.)
I adjusted my truss rod a little bit more last night and have achieved ridiculously low action. I’m talking LESS that 2/64ths with zero fret buzz, not even close to buzzing. Incredible. I have to give credit to this neck as well. Straight as an arrow. Fender did a great job with the American Original series. Love the fat neck and flatter radius. Incredible easy to play this low with these strings. That alone is why they won’t be coming off.
And they sound SUPER thumpy and warm with a mute. There is no brightness at all after the cream treatment. It sounds VERY old school. I had to turn up some mids and highs on the SVT to compensate, and now, especially with the mute option, there is a wide range of sounds.
If you like Chromes and like to experiment, I could also recommend EBMM group flats. They feel similar to me. (I had a Joe Dart for a bit.)
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Labella DTF's are rough compared to Dunlops. But seeing this is about Chromes and Labella, the DTF are smoother than Chromes. But smoothness doesn't exclude grippyness. The DTF, despite the smoothness, feel like they have more friction than a Chrome, comparing them on a fretless ( who wants friction on a fretless), I don't know if some mean sticky when they talk about friction. I prefer sticky to mean manufacturing residues and not structural friction based on type of alloys and what not. So I prefer the term 'grippy' to refer to friction
