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LaBella LTF-4A vs Chromes Super Light ECB80L?

Mike Vee

Mike Vee

Inactive
Oct 8, 2012
3,718
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Los Angeles
#1
How does the tension and playability of these compare? Unable to find anything found anything on this specific comparison.

I have LTF now, and like them, but can't help but wonder about Chromes, the only flat I've never tried (and the flat a ton of bass players I enjoy seem to use). However, I HATE high tension strings.

Thanks!
 
#2
Hex core vs. hex core, D'A Chromes ECB80 (40-95) would probably be closer to the La Bela DTF 760FX (39-96) in terms of overall playing feel (stiffness/flexibility) than to the LTF-4A, which are round core.

In terms of tonal character, the Chromes are very different from the La Bella.
 
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#3
michael_t said:
Hex core vs. hex core, D'A Chromes ECB80 (40-95) would probably be closer to the La Bela DTF 760FX (39-96) in terms of overall playing feel (stiffness/flexibility) than to the LTF-4A, which are round core.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I actually find FX to feel looser than LTF...and they feel too thin. I actually can't stand that string lol.

How do they compare to Fender 9050L? That is a string I sort of like, but not better than LaBella. a little hollow and metallic and perhaps just a TAD too stiff for me....I bet they (9050L) sound good after years but I can't afford that time haha.
 
Last edited:
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#4
Mike Vee said:
How do they compare to Fender 9050L? That is a string I sort of like, but not better than LaBella. a little hollow and metallic and perhaps just a TAD too stiff for me....I bet they (9050L) sound good after years but I can't afford that time haha.
Click to expand...

The metallic clang of the 9050L does subside within a few months with regular playing. They're stiffer than the ECB80 and the LTF, but not as stiff as ECB81.
 
#6
Mike Vee said:
michael_t said:
They're stiffer than the ECB80 and the LTF, but not as stiff as ECB81.
Click to expand...
The chromes are more supple than the Fenders?
Click to expand...
The lightest Chromes (40-60-75-95) are suppler than the 45-60-80-100 Fenders, which in turn are less stiff than the next lightest Chromes (45-65-80-100) is what I've gathered. It makes sense: gauges matter.
 
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#9
Mike Vee said:
I have LTF now, and like them, but can't help but wonder about Chromes, the only flat I've never tried (and the flat a ton of bass players I enjoy seem to use). However, I HATE high tension strings.
Click to expand...

If you want to try a flat with a semi-modern flavor similar to the Fender 9050L but slightly more flexible, I would suggest the Ernie Ball Group IV (40-95) Stainless Steel Flats. That's what I've been trying on my P bass for the last couple of months, and so far I really like them. A very nice midrange character with clarity without the metallic edge of the Chromes.
 
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#14
I agree with you on high tension strings

I just went through yet another Flatwound test phase and have some out in the classifieds used for sale

what I stayed with was the chrome ECB80 because of how balanced it felt under my fingers and yet I could run around on them like rounds.
 
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#16
jhfishn said:
I agree with you on high tension strings

I just went through yet another Flatwound test phase and have some out in the classifieds used for sale

what I stayed with was the chrome ECB80 because of how balanced it felt under my fingers and yet I could run around on them like rounds.
Click to expand...

I ordered the super light Chromes! I think I might try them on my Sabre Classic first. I have cobalt flats there now but they are a little too growly. If I enjoy the tension, feel and sound I will get some for my PJ.
 
#17
HaphAsSard said:
The lightest Chromes (40-60-75-95) are suppler than the 45-60-80-100 Fenders, which in turn are less stiff than the next lightest Chromes (45-65-80-100) is what I've gathered. It makes sense: gauges matter.
Click to expand...
There is a set of Chromes that runs .040-.060-.080-.100 I believe it is called ECB84
HaphAsSard said:
The lightest Chromes (40-60-75-95) are suppler than the 45-60-80-100 Fenders, which in turn are less stiff than the next lightest Chromes (45-65-80-100) is what I've gathered. It makes sense: gauges matter.
Click to expand...
 
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#18
Mike Vee said:
Interesting. I actually find FX to feel looser than LTF...and they feel too thin. I actually can't stand that string lol.

How do they compare to Fender 9050L? That is a string I sort of like, but not better than LaBella. a little hollow and metallic and perhaps just a TAD too stiff for me....I bet they (9050L) sound good after years but I can't afford that time haha.
Click to expand...
The CV50s is wearing a set of 3 year old 9050L:
Same set here in the CV70s:
 
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