LaBella LTF-4A Low Tension Flat love thread

[Wfrance3]

I've been playing with strings on my Ibanez 205 passive mod bass. I have always liked the vibe and feel of LTFs. I put some Dunlop flats on it and always like the sound initially, but after about 30 minutes it feels like I'm listening to an AM car radio no matter what I do to the EQ...
I ordered a 5 string set of LTFs from Sweetwater, should be here tomorrow. if FedEx does what they are supposed to do...

 

[HaphAsSard]

Anyone use ltf on a mustang? Which set do you need? Short or medium scale

Medium-scale if the bridge is string-through-body only, as is traditionally the case with Mustangs; short-scale if it's one of the toploading models.

 

[drewphishesp]

and ltf can handle string thru?

 

[HaphAsSard]

and ltf can handle string thru?

I don't know from experience, so bump for firsthand accounts. One data point is that the usual warning La Bella gives against through-body loading of their DTB flats both stainless and Gold, is NOT found on Low Tension Flats, nor on the new Olinto Signature Flats.

 

[HelpImaRock]

Anyone use ltf on a mustang? Which set do you need? Short or medium scale

I've had LTFs on my Squier Mustang for about 18 months now. Yes, you need the medium scale.

 

[noeinstein]

and ltf can handle string thru?

No, I think you’ll need an ltf set designed for string through.

 

[HaphAsSard]

No, I think you’ll need an ltf set designed for string through.

There's no such thing. As I said above, it's the Deep Talkin' Bass flats that come with a warning against through-body, and have a couple dedicated TB sets; not the Low Tension Flats.

 

[BASS YODA]

Anyone use ltf on a mustang? Which set do you need? Short or medium scale

- La Bella LTF-4A-M Low Tension Flats 42-100 Medium Scale
LTF-4A-M Low Tension Flats 42-100, Medium Scale

FENDER MUSTANG BASS : Links, Tips, Tricks & Things | TalkBass.com

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I have no experience with these flats. I use TI Flats and Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt flats. How do these compare? Are they basically the same as Deep Talking Flats with a low tension?

 

[Holdsg]

LTF more akin to TI Flats than probably any other kind of flat.
I like them a bit more than the other kinds of Labellas, but it's hard to knock any kind of Labella flat (for me, they all work well, including tape wounds).
LTF very different than EB Cobalt Flats, which are brighter and more round-sounding, with a little more tension to boot than LTF.
That's all IME. YMMV.

 

[Yahboy]

I have no experience with these flats. I use TI Flats and Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt flats. How do these compare? Are they basically the same as Deep Talking Flats with a low tension?

You should try set of ltf5a on your SR5 for tone experience. Maybe there are an unexpected result on positive site.

I been try well broken in LTF4A on my PJ bass, surprised me that she sound like well use Elixir nanoweb on Ibanez SR500 with stock MK1 pickup.
But EB cobalt flat sound lively and useful tone tweak out on PJ bass.

I am still honeymoon with Ti flat on my 4th Indo CV50P, don't know I favor on the tone myself or not. But I can sure LTF4A great match with the CV50P stock pup.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

and ltf can handle string thru?

Yes, no problem.

 

[dfp]

First time trying these Low Tension Flats, installed a few days ago and not much playing yet but G string definitely zingy compared to the rest. In spite of that, loving the tone and the feel. Wish there was some variety in available string gauges, though.

Anyone tried with any success treating the G with something like lotion, oil, etc to dampen the zing?

 

[Doug4321]

I don’t remember that trouble with LTF, but Pyramid Golds are definitely unbalanced, zingy on D and G, at first. Took a while to settle in! I’d say, just keep playing.

 

[Selim]

It’s been my experience over the years that most flats have a brighter G relative to the other strings in the set. When new, that is.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

First time trying these Low Tension Flats, installed a few days ago and not much playing yet but G string definitely zingy compared to the rest. In spite of that, loving the tone and the feel. Wish there was some variety in available string gauges, though.

Anyone tried with any success treating the G with something like lotion, oil, etc to dampen the zing?

Yeah, the G is a bit brighter at first. But my experience is it settles down quickly, like other La Bella flats. I’d say play it another week or 2 and if you aren’t getting the sound you want, try something then.

 

[Yahboy]

More i play the Ti flat on my indo Squeir CV50P, more disappointed to me on the tone. But Ti flat shine on my Vintera 50P.....

So, i loaded a set of Pre-2023 LTF4A (Gold ball end) on it yesterday, man, welcome back my favor sound.

And , lucky me no sitar issue on both D and G string !!!

 

[dfp]

I had an old lightly used set of DTB La Bella flats in my strings box so I swapped in the .045 G from that set, to see if the “zing” thing could be attenuated… what do ya know it was just as zingy, and a whole lot stiffer and not at all a comfortable feel compared to the loose, easy playing feel of the other 3 LTFs… so it came off quick. And I am less inclined now to also try any other gauge of DTB flat G in search of one that will blend better (ie, be less zingy) with the LTF set.

So I next went the route of trying to treat the LTF G string. First a wipe down with some thick mineral oil. No discernible difference in zing.

Next a wipe down with chapstick, per Stax guitar legend, Steve Cropper. And I have to say I believe I am now hearing a difference… we’ll see if the perception is lasting and not just some confirmation bias… but so far, it’s making the G a better blend with the rest of the set. YMMV!

For the inquiring minds: Blistex Five Star Lip Protection. SPF 30. In the gold colored tube.

 

[Yahboy]

I had an old lightly used set of DTB La Bella flats in my strings box so I swapped in the .045 G from that set, to see if the “zing” thing could be attenuated… what do ya know it was just as zingy, and a whole lot stiffer and not at all a comfortable feel compared to the loose, easy playing feel of the other 3 LTFs… so it came off quick. And I am less inclined now to also try any other gauge of DTB flat G in search of one that will blend better (ie, be less zingy) with the LTF set.

So I next went the route of trying to treat the LTF G string. First a wipe down with some thick mineral oil. No discernible difference in zing.

Next a wipe down with chapstick, per Stax guitar legend, Steve Cropper. And I have to say I believe I am now hearing a difference… we’ll see if the perception is lasting and not just some confirmation bias… but so far, it’s making the G a better blend with the rest of the set. YMMV!

For the inquiring minds: Blistex Five Star Lip Protection. SPF 30. In the gold colored tube.

What bass you strung the LTF4A ?

 

[dfp]

What bass you strung the LTF4A ?

A parts P bass. Old Squier (Affinity?) body in candy apple red, AllParts maple neck, Fender Player P Bass series pickup…