La Bella LTF compared to others?

[ColdEye]

So I am currently using a (7 month) set of LA Bella low tension flats. Soundwise I am very happy with it, the feel is really good too. I was browsing thru some flat and tape strings and it seems that there is a la bella dtf fx, which seems to be the lightest version of the dtf line. How do they compare to the LTF? And how about to the lightest set of chromes? Or should I just go ahead and try TIs? String experimentation GAS is striking again. In the past I tried Dunlop flats, Jameson set from LA Bella, and some medium chromes. Did not like the dunlops and medium chromes at all.

 

[michael_t]

The La Bella 760FX would be slightly stiffer than the Low Tension Flats due to the difference between the hex core (DTF) and the round core (LTF).

The 760FX would be similar in stiffness to the Chromes 40-55-75-95, but the Chromes are brighter in tone.

The La Bella LTF are slightly stiffer than the TI JF.

 

[ColdEye]

Thanks for the info. I also saw some Ernie Ball flats (cobalt and the non cobalt) any idea how the compare tension wide and sound wise? Thanks very much.

 

[michael_t]

Thanks for the info. I also saw some Ernie Ball flats (cobalt and the non cobalt) any idea how the compare tension wide and sound wise? Thanks very much.

Ernie Ball Non-Cobalt: Very similar to the Chromes and the Fender 9050s in tone and tension.
Ernie Ball Cobalt: More flexible than the non-Cobalt, much brighter tone (almost round-ish when new) with aggressive growl.

 

[tallboybass]

The 760FX would be similar in stiffness to the Chromes 40-55-75-95, but the Chromes are brighter in tone.

I just switched from this ^ Chrome set to the 760FX set on my P and was surprised to find that the Chromes are a little bit stiffer than the LaBellas!

 

[hotbass57]

i use the labella LTF on my Yamaha RBX 260 and TI's on my jazz. The labella's are a little higher tension than the TI's. Way smoother feeling and a little more thump. I love both and to me they are very close. The TI's sound great but you change the way you play, because of the tension/stiffness. You need a lighter touch. You can dig in a bit with the labella's. I'm going to try 45-95 chromes on my Ibanex SR650 I have a set already that I have used. I say they are close to the labella's in tension/stiffness.

 

[aborg1]

I finally took the dive to Labella LTF 5a on my Lakland 55-01 . LTF's got more thump, smooth to the touch and the tension is perfect for me since I to slap and finger style. I was surprised that my mids and highs are still very much alive. At first I did the through the bass, the B & E didn't work. Through the bridge perfect and no neck adjustment needed. This is my main funk master axe. I've had them for 6 months just reading comments and deciding which way to go. I wasted 6 months of perfect synced to my playing style harmony. I've tried most flats accept the TI's, I'm in love

 

[ljazz]

I haven't tried the LTF's , but I have found that the lighter gauge Sadowsky Blue Label Flats are just a hair more tense than TIJF's.... It took less than a eighth turn of the truss rod to get just a hair lower action going to the Blues from the TIJF's. They are a bit stiffer due to being hex core, but so far the mids are remaining intact as they break in.

 

[ColdEye]

I ended up with Ernie Ball group 3. A bit more tension, but I can really dig into it as I am heavy handed. Let's see how long the brightness lasts.

 

[quickfix]

I have a set of Labella LTFs. I'm on and off again with them. Removed them a couple months ago (again) and reinstalled my Chromes, 105-50. I don't think I'm a floppy string kinda guy. I am slowly zeroing in on what works well for me.
If my arthritis acts up I tend to throw the LTFs on for a couple weeks or so until the pain subsides. Then, I'm usually ok for a few more months after that.