Labella Low Tension Flats vs TI Flats?

[rojo412]

I'm in the market for some flats. I don't typically use them, but a recent bass purchase would definitely benefit from having them. It currently has flats, as it were, and they sound awesome with this, but they are Chromes and the tension is way too high for my liking.

After trying out a set of TI Jazz Flats briefly when I was working on a bass for a customer last week, I was digging the sound and feel of them. Problem is, with a nickel allergy, I can't use those. My fingertips start to itch and I hate that.

Looking for other low tension flats yielded (shockingly) LaBella Low Tension Flats. They are stainless wound, which works for me. But I've never tried them out.

If anyone here has experience with both and could let me know what the difference is when it comes to feel, sound, etc., I'd love to hear about it before deciding to try them.

 

[Yahboy]

Both Ti flat and LTF4A has pretty similar concept on paper, but tonal , string surface texture , fretting/plucking feel are notable different on me.

Ti flat on my Vintera 50 P (7.25 radius )and LTF4A on hybrid Squier Matt freeman P (9.5 radius). Both has same nut slot height and same action , but tiny amount of different on neck refief 0.12 Vs .010 .

String surface texture are smooth and slick on LTF4A, but it become sticky if your fretting hand got sweat or dirt. No problems on Ti flat which has little rough on their ribbon string winding.

Both has great string to string stiffness, but..... On Ti flat I can easily get big tone with just light pluck , meanwhile I need little more digging on LTF4A to get similar output.
On fretting hand, Ti flat play little easier and relax than LTF4A. Even overall tension are lower on LTF4A, but she still feel tense on my fretting fingers.

On tonal side, my 8 months old Ti flat has full mid voice make the Vintera 50 P sound to woody-aggressive side. Full tone knob roll back (.1uf cap) the tone still sound mid forward instead thumb.
LTF4A just nail that traditional Labella DTF voicing , the E string notable has better clarity than E string on 760FL I been play.
Overall tone are little bit lacking some heft compare to DTF, but better present on upper mid voicing.
I prefer add grindy on Ti flat and LTF4A for woody classic p vibe.

 

[rojo412]

That is an excellent comparison, thank you! Great to know that level of detail between the two different types.

 

[Hundred proof]

I use both … depending on the voicing preference of the bass. I have TI flats on a P bass and one equipped with a Darkstar pickup, the woody mids just works. On my EBMM Sterling the tonal range of the LTF LaBellas work.

 

[TheRealGru]

I need to drop of a set of flats for my soon to be built Lakland USA 44-64 P-style bass. I bought one of each strings in the subject but don't know which one to take to Lakland for the install.

Not trying to hijack the thread just wanting to learn more so I can make the best decision.

 

[Yahboy]

I need to drop of a set of flats for my soon to be built Lakland USA 44-64 P-style bass. I bought one of each strings in the subject but don't know which one to take to Lakland for the install.

Not trying to hijack the thread just wanting to learn more so I can make the best decision.

It depand to what kind of P vibe you looking for. Old school or modern, thumb or crunch.

Share my previous samples.

 

[rojo412]

Not trying to hijack the thread just wanting to learn more so I can make the best decision.

Hey, I'm all for more people sharing experiences. Looking forward to hearing how things go for you as well!
A buddy of mine gave me some DR Legends to try out, but I'm still leaning towards trying out the LTFs next.

 

[Yahboy]

Hey, I'm all for more people sharing experiences. Looking forward to hearing how things go for you as well!
A buddy of mine gave me some DR Legends to try out, but I'm still leaning towards trying out the LTFs next.

DR Legend flat has pretty close stiffness between Lo rider 45-105 and Fat beam 45-105. Once settle in, overall tonal more on mute and dry side compare to LTF4A.