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LaBella LTF-4A Low Tension Flat love thread

#401
Not 4s but 5s set of LaBella LT flats-5 purchased online.
Planned to put them on my new MB Gloxy GV5. But I first found a very lightly used set of flat whites I took off my Godin Ultra Frtless 5 a few yrs ago. I keep used strings that I think I will use again one day. Well sure glad I kept this 5 set of flat whites. They feel n sound awesome on my Gloxy GV5.

So the LaBella LTs arrived today and I installed them on my also very new Yamaha TRBX605.
First time using these type strings, less tension. Usually use Chromes or some brand of nickels, DR, SIT, etc. My recent busy gigging/rehearsal schedule has my fingers pretty trashed by most Sundays. Even on my basses w nickels. Although a couple fave basses do have DR Black Beauties. Love them but they do beat my finger tips up.
So I'm trying these LT-5s. Let's see how I like them after this week. Just here at home noodling after I install them on the TRBX, then I did a small neck/bridge adjustment to my liking. They feel pretty nice. Kinda noticed I lighten my touch and not dig in like I was with the stock strings.
They sound very nice to me. Let's see if I can get along with them feel-wise to my lighter touch it requires; for me.
And I really like that OP that started this post in 2021 is still active in their thread very recently asking folks of their experience, good or bad, with these strings.
I'll get back to ya on that.
 
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#403
LTF Tension

So, after quite some time on the fence, decided to finally give these a try on my P. Went through this whole thread (+ many others) and found your experiences very helpful, so thank you very much, guys! Special mention to @Ricky Rioli for his recent crazy experiment. Hats off to you!

I'm writing to "confirm", basically, that the LTF are nowhere near the TI flats, tension wise.
Just to clarify: I'm not talking about flexibility to the touch. I'm referring to actual pulling tension on the neck. LTF vs TI JF standard long scale, 4 string set.

If I'm not mistaken, TI JFs have 140lb of tension, and the LTF package advertises them as being 134.9lb (although I've read many times that this seems unlikely, being that the A string was increased from 70 to 75. I've got the 75 one). Regardless, I'd say that the real tension of LTFs is quite a lot more.
How? As simple as installing them on a bass that had been wearing TIs: I had to tighten the truss rod almost 1/4 of a turn to keep the same exact neck relief.
How much more tension, in numbers, might that be, I don't know. But that same bass with LaBella DTF-FL (104E set), would need the full quarter of a turn (or a wee bit more) coming from TIs to get that same relief.
So there's that: LTF are much closer in pulling tension to DTF-FL than to TI JF.

I thought this might be interesting to someone, as I've read that many people go for the LTF as a "low tension" option for delicate necks.
 
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#404
Hillbilly Sam said:
LTF Tension

So, after quite some time on the fence, decided to finally give these a try on my P. Went through this whole thread (+ many others) and found your experiences very helpful, so thank you very much, guys! Special mention to @Rick Rioly for his recent crazy experiment. Hat off to you!

I'm writing to "confirm", basically, that the LTF are nowhere near the TI flats, tension wise.
Just to clarify: I'm not talking about flexibility to the touch. I'm referring to actual pulling tension on the neck. LTF vs TI JF standard long scale, 4 string set.

If I'm not mistaken, TI JFs have 140lb of tension, and the LTF package advertises them as being 134.9lb (although I've read many times that this seems unlikely, being that the A string was increased from 70 to 75. I've got the 75 one). Regardless, I'd say that the real tension of LTFs is quite a lot more.
How? As simple as installing them on a bass that had been wearing TIs: I had to tighten the truss rod almost 1/4 of a turn to keep the same exact neck relief.
How much more tension, in numbers, might that be, I don't know. But that same bass with LaBella DTF-FL (104E set), would need the full quarter of a turn (or a wee bit more) coming from TIs to get that same relief.
So there's that: LTF are much closer in pulling tension to DTF-FL than to TI JF.

I thought this might be interesting to someone, as I've read that many people go for the LTF as a "low tension" option for delicate necks.
Click to expand...
In tension chart LTF4A list slightly lower tension compare to JF344, but when on plucking hand , LTF4A feel stiifer and firm .

I love LTF4A, but sometimes she becomes quite sticky once my fretting finger getting sweat.... No issue with both EB Cobalt flat and JF344.
 
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#405
Totally different construction and materials, resulting in different feel and tone.
Both sets fall into the low tension numbers category, comparatively. I love them both, but find the TI set a bit more playable.
As Yahboy mentioned, the Ltf sets can get a bit “grabby”. I’m constantly wiping them down with a polishing cloth to reduce drag.
But they have a magical vintage sound on a J bass.
 
#406
woodyng2 said:
Totally different construction and materials, resulting in different feel and tone.
Both sets fall into the low tension numbers category, comparatively. I love them both, but find the TI set a bit more playable.
As Yahboy mentioned, the Ltf sets can get a bit “grabby”. I’m constantly wiping them down with a polishing cloth to reduce drag.
But they have a magical vintage sound on a J bass.
Click to expand...
If you consider the LaBella DTF 760FL to fall into the low tension category, then the LTFs fall into that category too...
I'm not getting into flexibility/stiffness to the touch, feel or tone. My post was simply addressing the tension (pulling weight) topic.

And regarding that "grabby" feeling, I'm not getting that at all (in the almost 2 months I've been using them). I find them smooth polished as any other LaBella flat I've tried.
But everyone's body chemistry is different!
 
#407
Wish La Bella would replace the LTF G string with something that fits in with the other strings. Been trying these LTF’s for awhile now and the G is just the odd man out. Too bright, and tension just isn't right imo. Put something around the core again ( if indeed the earlier LTF G had a filament wrap on the core like the other gauges have) and drop the gauge to 40 maybe
 
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#409
Mastermold said:
My G-string fits just fine. Wait, what are we taking about?? 😅
Click to expand...
Check the post #392 on the previous page of this same thread, in case you haven't!
Long story short: it was found out that all the strings of this set contain an inner silky wrap (a la TI flats), except for the G string. This could explain why, out of the package, the G is much brighter and also why these LTF come almost broken in!

Also, although I've only been using these for a few months, my G is still clearly brighter, has more sustain and is less dead, so to speak, overall. But it just might need more time, so IDK.
Has your G eventually evened out and matched the others, tone wise?

I also do find the G string a bit too tense, at least compared to the rest of this set. But I also think that's the general trend with all the G flat strings I've tried, so...
 
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#410
Hillbilly Sam said:
Check the post #392 on the previous page of this same thread, in case you haven't!
Long story short: it was found out that all the strings of this set contain an inner silky wrap (a la TI flats), except for the G string. This could explain why, out of the package, the G is much brighter and also why these LTF come almost broken in!

Also, although I've only been using these for a few months, my G is still clearly brighter, has more sustain and is less dead, so to speak, overall. But it just might need more time, so IDK.
Has your G eventually evened out and matched the others, tone wise?

I also do find the G string a bit too tense, at least compared to the rest of this set. But I also think that's the general trend with all the G flat strings I've tried, so...
Click to expand...

Unlike current day multi color ball end version , all LTF4A i been use previously all has brass ball end , and i never experience with bright sounding and too tense issue on G string .

If more coming report with that issue on new version, i believe La bella may change something with their formula...... it could be the person who incharge the LTF production has hearing issue with him .....who know ??? :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
 
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#413
Not sure about love. I put the first set I purchased on my TRBX605. They are ok, I guess, not played that bass much lately. But I did cancel the 2nd set that was on backorder. Guess it's not love.

I did just re-use a set of T.I. Jazz flats on a BB435 I just took delivery of last week. Gotta say, I am loving those strings on that bass.
I need to go play my -605 some to compare. Both basses do sound pretty great. Love those Yammie necks.
 
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#415
Prodigus Filius said:
Ok. Has anyone swapped out the LTF G string with the G string from another flatwound set, La Bella or otherwise, with any success. I can’t handle the LTF any longer
Click to expand...
I did try this, . . . I don't remember the exact Gs I tried (after Labella - credit thier execellent customer service - sent me a replacement G that was exactly the same), but the set in the a drawer now, if that tells you anything . . . and yeah, I know, its the love thread, but hey, question was asked. I feel like the G from the Olinto set would be a good match but those weren't available at that time. The Olinto set is my preferred Labella set these days. I'd say, if you like the tone of EAD of the LTF set, can take a little more tension/stiffness, try the Olintos.
 
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#417
I had the thought, ‘The LTF’s are low tension but but.. who says they can’t be subjected to higher tension’
So I tuned the EB 130 up to E and the LTF’s EAD up to ADG. The total tension is arround what the Rotosound 77 Steve Harris set exerts. Around 250lb. And none of the strings groaned under the strain a pulled apart. Tightening the truss rod was required of course. The strings feel tense but not unplayably so. In the end the G string is now .056 gauge and sounds way better imho to the .042 gauge G . This is just an experiment mind you. Maybe round cores flats designed to be low tension go ass up under prolonged high tension.
 
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#418
Prodigus Filius said:
I had the thought, ‘The LTF’s are low tension but but.. who says they can’t be subjected to higher tension’
So I tuned the EB 130 up to E and the LTF’s EAD up to ADG. The total tension is arround what the Rotosound 77 Steve Harris set exerts. Around 250lb. And none of the strings groaned under the strain a pulled apart. Tightening the truss rod was required of course. The strings feel tense but not unplayably so. In the end the G string is now .056 gauge and sounds way better imho to the .042 gauge G . This is just an experiment mind you. Maybe round cores flats designed to be low tension go ass up under prolonged high tension.
Click to expand...
So no more "love" or "low tension" either 🤣🤣🤣
But hey, that's some great unconventional way to tackle your problem! Hats off to you.

Although with this current tension figures it might not be worth to keep this set anymore... And I also think that the round core might suffer too much strain given enough time.
But hey, we've already tore them apart and dissected them just to know the insides... Shall it all be in the name of science and TalkBass common knowledge ✊🏻
 
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#419
Hillbilly Sam said:
So no more "love" or "low tension" either 🤣🤣🤣
But hey, that's some great unconventional way to tackle your problem! Hats off to you.

Although with this current tension figures it might not be worth to keep this set anymore... And I also think that the round core might suffer too much strain given enough time.
But hey, we've already tore them apart and dissected them just to know the insides... Shall it all be in the name of science and TalkBass common knowledge ✊🏻
Click to expand...
He he. The EB and the LTF really don’t feel ‘on the verge of breaking’ tense. I can play them no problem. I don’t feel I have to apply any more force to get them vibrating or anything. Haven’t observed anything happening to the appearance of the strings thus far. Like unravelling or something.
 
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#420
12 days with the LTF .100 .075 and .056 tuned up to ADG. Have noted no physical issues with the strings or the bass for that matter. I’m liking the feel and the sound of this experiment thus far. Should I call them ‘HTF’ flats now he he
IMG_0620.jpeg
 
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