I would choose chromes over because I play 5's and the tapered B on the LaBellas sounds terrible IME. But I'll take TI's over both of those...
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Chromes - Why choose over LaBella?
- Thread starter Mike Vee
- Start date
This is spot on. The B string for LaBella is near unusable. I actually use the B from Chromes or TIs instead.
Also, just to try and speed-up the breaking in process of the GHS strings, this time I applied just a tiny SMIDGE of Euceric to the strings after they were already installed. Just rubbed a VERY small amount into my palms and then rubbed up and down the strings, then went over a bit with a dry rag. Instant magic. I used MUCH less than on the Chromes and it aged them at least 3-4 months instantly. These strings were also a little grippy and that is now completely gone.
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More rambling from me. It's crazy, now I am missing the Chromes. The GHS are too flexible. The tone is UNDOUBTELY better though.
Something big has also dawned on me. About 2-3 months ago I started having some discomfort in my fretting hand while playing. With Chromes (more tension) it was 100% completely gone. Today, as I play these GHS, it's back. Then I play my other bass with LTFs, also hand discomfort. Is there something about strings that are more flexible that can cause hand pain?
Something big has also dawned on me. About 2-3 months ago I started having some discomfort in my fretting hand while playing. With Chromes (more tension) it was 100% completely gone. Today, as I play these GHS, it's back. Then I play my other bass with LTFs, also hand discomfort. Is there something about strings that are more flexible that can cause hand pain?
Maybe your string height is too high? Or, you just feel the need to crush the strings against the frets. Or, maybe a combination of the two... I have some pretty low tension flats - TI's, DTFFs, and some stupid flexible, low tension Dogal JCs - and some others that are pretty flexible - on some of my basses. I play with a light touch; I've never felt the need to crush any strings against the frets, much less flexible/low tension ones. But, I also set my strings - any strings - as low as I can, with the neck as straight as I can get away with. And, my 1st fret string height is pretty low, too - usually about 0.020". All my basses are very easy to play, and in 50+ years of playing? Well, I have some discomfort in my hands, but... it's from what I did for a living, and 56 years or riding motorcycles; not from playing a bass...
Yep, I think so. You can get chromes so low that you barely have to touch them.
Maybe your string height is too high? Or, you just feel the need to crush the strings against the frets. Or, maybe a combination of the two... I have some pretty low tension flats - TI's, DTFFs, and some stupid flexible, low tension Dogal JCs - and some others that are pretty flexible - on some of my basses. I play with a light touch; I've never felt the need to crush any strings against the frets, much less flexible/low tension ones. But, I also set my strings - any strings - as low as I can, with the neck as straight as I can get away with. And, my 1st fret string height is pretty low, too - usually about 0.020". All my basses are very easy to play, and in 50+ years of playing? Well, I have some discomfort in my hands, but... it's from what I did for a living, and 56 years or riding motorcycles; not from playing a bass...
I hear ya! I LOVE and will only play ultra-low action.
I spend hours getting my strings as low as possible, Chromes or LTFs, whatever. I was able to get Chromes down to 2/64ths on this bass and it was still pretty forgiving for buzz. My lowest ever. The GHS were able to go a little under 3/64th. To me that's a sizable difference, haha.
It's just weird man, I started thinking that it was the thick neck on the American Original that was making my hand feel better. The bass with the LTFs that started my hand hurting is a Performer P/J with a very thin and narrow neck. I thought maybe that was to blame, but nope, as soon as I put low tension strings on the new bass, the discomfort was back.
I ordered a custom set of chromes with the lighter D. We'll see hoe that goes. I literally have about 20 sets of strings to sell!
That seems inherently backwards, but you never know…probably down to one’s technique.
I absolutely loved the sound of Chromes on several basses (GL LB-100,Rick 4000, Fender J), but they really messed with my fretting hand, and I didn’t care for the stiff feeling of the strings near the bridge where I pluck.
They did sound really good played with a pick, which I do a lot.
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My left hand is a lot happier with a wider neck/nut, no matter what string I use. And a more shallow depth.
Technique and action. It’s been a while but I do recall Chromes allowed for very low action, if that’s something you desire. …and that may help with hand issues for some.
I don’t actually like ultra low action, but everyone who plays one of my basses seems to think it’s low…or at least well set up for playability.
Whenever I’ve played a bass with really low action I’ve had a difficult time with it.
Ok, just an update. I tried Chromes again, and regardless of how they feel, the tone is crap compared to the GHS. So, I decided to try GHS CM3050. So far, these are providing just a tad more tension (they arent bad!) which is making them FEEL a little more like Chromes, but the tone is to die for. Damn, maybe all this time I actually prefer HIGHER tension strings and just didn't know it? ZERO hand discomfort, tone for days and a great playing feel.
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Ok, still rambling. Hopefully this thread will help someone in the future.
The thicker GHS CM3050 is where it's at. I have been playing them for a few hours straight and they are just perfect. Amazing balance, great tone, they setup nice and low. Can't wait for a few months from now to see how they develop / evolve. HIGHLY recommended. This IS THE P bass sound. Even more than LaBella, in my opinion. They translate very well to different amps, too. SO sweet sounding.
The thicker GHS CM3050 is where it's at. I have been playing them for a few hours straight and they are just perfect. Amazing balance, great tone, they setup nice and low. Can't wait for a few months from now to see how they develop / evolve. HIGHLY recommended. This IS THE P bass sound. Even more than LaBella, in my opinion. They translate very well to different amps, too. SO sweet sounding.
