TI Flats, vs. LaBella 760FS

[Bulltrout]

Good morning everyone,

I have a P Bass that I've put some flats on. Fo reference, I've been using flats on my P Basses for quite some time now. Although I typically enjoy chromes, I'm finding that the midrange isn't quite what I'm looking for, but I enjoy the tension. I've had good success with TI's in the past and threw a worn-in set on my P, but I found it floppy and bright and didn't enjoy the midrange on this bass.

I'm going to try a set of 760 FS's to hopefully get a bit more stiffness (I'm almost 50, I'm sure there's a joke in there) and less brightness. I know I'll have to give them a few months to break in properly and I don't intend to speed the process up with hand creme, but was wondering if anyone in a similar position had some insights into what I should expect as a tonal difference between the TI's and the LaBellas, or even chromes for that matter.

 

[Moving Pictures]

Having played all three, the LaBellas will have a stronger fundamental which will make the bass feel punchier. Out of the three brands they will definitely be the ones that thump.

 

[Bulltrout]

Sounds like what I'm looking for.

 

[michael_t]

I'm going to try a set of 760 FS's to hopefully get a bit more stiffness (I'm almost 50, I'm sure there's a joke in there) and less brightness.

What @christle said above... You're on the right track.

 

[FunkyYeti]

I'm having a similar dilemma, but with a Jazz bass. It's currently strung with La Bella 760FS, which I enjoy on my Precision, but there's no growl to them.

 

[Bulltrout]

I use Roto 66’s on my jazz basses. I like them once they wear in and keep them in longer than most J suspect. Definitely not a flat one sound, but it’s the jazz bass tone in my head. I know that doesn’t help you at all

 

[FunkyYeti]

Yeah, I think I'm looking for something in-between--not as thumpy as the La Bella 760FS, but not as bright as rounds. I'm not sure if I should be looking at brighter flats, such as Chromes, TI or the Fender 9050, or half rounds.

Have you tried the TI with your Jazz?

I use Roto 66’s on my jazz basses. I like them once they wear in and keep them in longer than most J suspect. Definitely not a flat one sound, but it’s the jazz bass tone in my head. I know that doesn’t help you at all

 

[Bulltrout]

I have in the past and liked the results. I definitely got growl out of them.

 

[Papuzzo]

I too ditched Chromes because there was a lack of mids, and tried TI Flats but wasn't thoroughly convinced with the tone (EA strings sounded a little different from the GD strings) and lost patience waiting for them to come of age. Bought GHS Precision Flats and they pretty much nailed what I was looking for. I think they probably sound reasonably close to the Labella DTB flats, and will be a good middle road between the Chromes and TI Flats.

 

[Yahboy]

I think your pbass need GZR or Benson Handwound pickups rather than string swap.
Both has strong mid range present, and the benson pickup has more low end punch.

Hopehelp

 

[onestring]

I never cared for the sound Chromes (I've tried them a few times) and can understand why someone might fall out with them after a certain point.

I had TI's on one bass for almost 20 years, but as soon as I replaced that set I got bored with the new ones. They are unique strings though, really nothing compares to them so I find it hard to describe their sound. They are clear and cushy and play like butter. I completely understand why they are beloved.

I've really fallen in with LaBella DTFs the last few years and have them on two basses. To me, LaBellas sound like all my favorite old records. Thumpy, sure, but they also have great definition--they are not muddy at all. Yes, they do change over the first year as they settle in. They are quite bright at first, but I'm not into putting stuff on my strings to help them along. They sound great from the get go even when sparkly.

 

[Phaidrus]

Good morning everyone,

I have a P Bass that I've put some flats on. Fo reference, I've been using flats on my P Basses for quite some time now. Although I typically enjoy chromes, I'm finding that the midrange isn't quite what I'm looking for, but I enjoy the tension. I've had good success with TI's in the past and threw a worn-in set on my P, but I found it floppy and bright and didn't enjoy the midrange on this bass.

I'm going to try a set of 760 FS's to hopefully get a bit more stiffness (I'm almost 50, I'm sure there's a joke in there) and less brightness. I know I'll have to give them a few months to break in properly and I don't intend to speed the process up with hand creme, but was wondering if anyone in a similar position had some insights into what I should expect as a tonal difference between the TI's and the LaBellas, or even chromes for that matter.

Any updates on the current state of that 760FS set? Have they changed and mellowed out over time? Has the difference been big? Just put a set on my Pbass yesterday and they still sound very new but I believe I can already hear their thump potential.