LaBella LTF-4A Low Tension Flat love thread

[CameronJohnson]

Totally agree with the above @fig - the B string is clear and defined all the way up and down the neck on my Xotic XJ5. Lower gauge seems to be a major contributing factor, and a pattern I’ve noticed on other 5 string string sets.

 

[biguglyman]

Been using the 5 string LTF's version for years.

I put a set on my G&L L2500 while straightening out some neck issues and they're not coming off! I love the way they sound and feel. With a little tweaking of the preamp on the bass and the controls on my GK MB212-ii I get an amazing variety of sounds. I'm trying a four string set on my Vintera 50's P-bass that is also having some neck issues. Should know within a week or so if they help. I have a set of GHS Precision flats on another bass (Squier VM Cab. w/TV Jones Thunderblade) and when they come off, it's Labella time!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Low Tension Flats on my semi-hollowbody and they aren't coming off


... off again, that is. Lured by the siren song of Dunlop flats, pulled the LTFs off "just to see." Six months later the LTFs were re-installed for good.

 

[BargeOn]

Low Tension Flats on my semi-hollowbody and they aren't coming off


... off again, that is. Lured by the siren song of Dunlop flats, pulled the LTFs off "just to see." Six months later the LTFs were re-installed for good.

Your Chowny is a 32" scale? Do the LTFs come in short scale or do the 34s fit?

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

Your Chowny is a 32" scale? Do the LTFs come in short scale or do the 34s fit?

Yep, they have short-scale: https://www.labella.com/strings/category/low-tension-flats-bass/

Click on the drop-down at link above to see all the sets they have.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Your Chowny is a 32" scale? Do the LTFs come in short scale or do the 34s fit?

The Chowny CHB-1 takes 34 inch medium scale on account of the tailpiece. The actual scale length of the Chowny is 30.7 inches.



The silks look a bit wooly, on account of a second install.

 

[TemplesOfSyrinx]

LTF-4A Low Tension Flexible Flats are my new favorite flat. Was always a lover of the LaBella 760FL strings, but recently noticed a lot of fatigue after playing them for 4 hour gigs. These I can play for 4 hours easy.

 

[friend33]

LTF-4A Low Tension Flexible Flats are my new favorite flat. Was always a lover of the LaBella 760FL strings, but recently noticed a lot of fatigue after playing them for 4 hour gigs. These I can play for 4 hours easy.

What bass do you have them on?

 

[biguglyman]

I have them on a Vintera 50's precision and a G&L tribute L-2500. I love the way they feel but I'm going to try some GHS Brite Flats on the G&L to see if I can brighten up the sound a bit. I may try a set of precision flats on the precision too. I WILL be saving the LTF's I remove...

 

[GwenOnBass]

I have them on a Vintera 50's precision and a G&L tribute L-2500. I love the way they feel but I'm going to try some GHS Brite Flats on the G&L to see if I can brighten up the sound a bit. I may try a set of precision flats on the precision too. I WILL be saving the LTF's I remove...

Using GHS 045-098 Brite Flats on my 'Ray right now. At about the 7 week mark they feel and sound nicely broken in. Very pleased with them all around. They feel reasonably stiff, and the low pulling tension is kind to this old neck.



The Low Tension Flats stay on my Chowny CHB-1

 

[TemplesOfSyrinx]

What bass do you have them on?

On my LB-100. It was wearing Pressurewounds in this photo though.

 

[Root 5]

25643230[/URL], member: 284122"]Good to know they seem SS on the outside .. no issues they are the best of the best .. I suggest LaBella to adopt the silk interlayer as well eh, eh

They are in fact wrapped with pure nickel even though it’s described as an “alloy” and they have a silk underlay

 

[HelpImaRock]

Labella's customer service is excellent, too. I broke the E string on my first set of LTF's by stringing it through the body (my fault, they clearly state that is a no no, but I don't read instructions until something goes wrong). Anyway, I called to buy a replacement, admitting guilt, and they just sent one gratis. That and the way they play has settled me on Labella LTF's.

Dear LaBella,

I intend to buy a Squier Mustang and string it with LTFs. Please make a string-thru Mustang LTF set so this doesn't happen to me.

Thank you.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Very interested in through-body LTFs

 

[Root 5]

I ended-up with the slightly heftier DTF 760FL-B set, but just had to note La Bella definitely makes good strings.

Had the DTF 760FM set years ago, so was surprised when the 760FLs were about like rounds re: stiffness and tension. In addition to the classic thump and pick sound, I even get a bit of a slap thing out of these strings on an active bass with the treble maxed.

Also glad to see some love on TB for flats. Was feeling like “grandpa” about my love for flats.

Flatwounds are the shizzle. Forever.

 

[woodyng2]

View attachment 4501205
On my LB-100. It was wearing Pressurewounds in this photo though.

That’s one beyootifull LB ya got there!

 

[Mike Vee]

LTF-A continues to the the absolute best sounding string imaginable. I will never take them off my P bass.

 

[JazzyJacuzzi]

Let me get this straight: These strings have slightly higher tension than TIs but sound like La Bella's Deep Talkin' Flats?

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Let me get this straight: These strings have slightly higher tension than TIs but sound like La Bella's Deep Talkin' Flats?

According to my records (sorry I can't cite the sources), TIJF 140lb, LTF 135lb.
Yes, they sound like the thinner sets of DTFs like the 760FX, but clearer and less thumpy than the thicker DTFs.

 

[JEDI BASS]

To me, I feel they have the same perfect tension that TIs have, but they definitely sound like LaBellas.

So I agree with LetItGrowTone