Wondering if there's any thoughts/impressions that anyone's had about the newer lower tension flatwounds, i.e the Thomastiks or the Labella low tensions vs. the higher tension more traditional flats. Have a second jazz bass i've not used in a while and getting the frets dressed. Making plans to put flat wounds on it and looking for opinions. My main thing is double bass so I'lm not looking to try and make the bass sound like that. I have that sound already covered. Something different.
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Traditional tension Flatwounds vs. Lower Tension Flatwounds
- Thread starter Wilfer34
- Start date
This may be of interest to you:
Sound Comparison: Labella LT Flats vs TI Jazz Flats - Which do you prefer?
Sound Comparison: Labella LT Flats vs TI Jazz Flats - Which do you prefer?
If you're used to the feel of DB, higher tension flats shouldn't faze you. If you want something different from DB tone, you could try something modern like Fender Flats, or something even more modern sounding like EB Cobalts
I like the lower tension ones a lot better. I have TIs, they are great. Feel is really nice, I don't have a low action (on purpose) and these things are just really fun to play and they sound really good too.
I just tried LaBella Deep Talkin and then Low Tension on my Mustang (30" scale). I loved the sound of the Deep Talkin, but couldn't do the tension. The Low Tension had a much better feel, but didn't feel too noodly which I was worried about. The sound was a bit more rounded, less deep. I think this is similar to how people have described the difference between TIs and Deep Talkin. The balance between the E string and the other strings was better as well, the E didn't sound like a thunk.
So to summarize,
1) They named the strings very well
2) The feel was the biggest difference, although there was a sound difference.
So to summarize,
1) They named the strings very well
2) The feel was the biggest difference, although there was a sound difference.
I tried chromes but tension was more than I expected (used to playing tapes). So tried labella low tension and love them.
Regular Labella DTF flat you need longer time to get break in tone than LTF4A which already has 80% break in tone fresh from pack (only the G string sound brighter but get well after couple weeks.... ).
And the E string on LTF sound better clarity and less thuddy than DTF . LTF has give you more in Tone control than DTF.
And........ LTF has pretty comfort in plucking and fretting feel.
Hopehelp.
EDIT.
I found you wanna use flat on Jazz bass. If you prefer flatwound feel with Roundwound like and growl tone. Highly recommend EB Cobalt 2814.
This flatwound make you jazz bass sound juicy growl and similar stiffness like 45-105 round.
And the E string on LTF sound better clarity and less thuddy than DTF . LTF has give you more in Tone control than DTF.
And........ LTF has pretty comfort in plucking and fretting feel.
Hopehelp.
EDIT.
I found you wanna use flat on Jazz bass. If you prefer flatwound feel with Roundwound like and growl tone. Highly recommend EB Cobalt 2814.
This flatwound make you jazz bass sound juicy growl and similar stiffness like 45-105 round.
Last edited:
I went down the low tension road about a year ago. It didn’t work out. I’m 6’2”, 225...nobody ever mentions the size of the player with tension, which is definitely a factor for the sake of subjectivity. The lower tension makes me feel like I’m trying to caress some sensitive cat that could attack at any moment. Play the strings lightly or else they will clack sort of analogy.
Sound wise, really depends on the person and all the variables they bring to the situation. Feel and playability are tied with tone in my decision making. The tone difference between the light tension and regular is negligible, no different from comparing Fender Flats to Ernie Ball Flats.
Choose the tone you’re going for, then tie that into string playability. But, if the question is whether the light tension flats are somehow inferior, the answer, in short, is no.
Sound wise, really depends on the person and all the variables they bring to the situation. Feel and playability are tied with tone in my decision making. The tone difference between the light tension and regular is negligible, no different from comparing Fender Flats to Ernie Ball Flats.
Choose the tone you’re going for, then tie that into string playability. But, if the question is whether the light tension flats are somehow inferior, the answer, in short, is no.
I put the lightest gauge Chromes on my '66J. I really like the feel and tone, and that tiny neck is holding up well. Still, it's 1.5", so just can't deal with it, it was worth a shot though. If it didn't weigh 9.1 lbs, I'd stick a P neck on and play it, but I've got lighter basses to play.
I've tried both ends of the spectrum. TI's and Roto 77's.
If I could get the tone of the TI's in the tension of the 77's, I'd probably buy a set. Not a fan at all of the TI's.
If I could get the tone of the TI's in the tension of the 77's, I'd probably buy a set. Not a fan at all of the TI's.
I have the lowest gauge Chromes on 3 of my basses,and although i like the sound, i get fretting hand fatigue from playing them.
I have Optima RB and Labella LTF sets on 2 other basses,and find myself playing those basses much more.
They may not have quite the bark of the heavier tension strings,but i really love the sound,and the easier playing feel.
I have Optima RB and Labella LTF sets on 2 other basses,and find myself playing those basses much more.
They may not have quite the bark of the heavier tension strings,but i really love the sound,and the easier playing feel.
Zombie thread, maybe someone will answer.
I love Labella Black tapes, the tension is perfect for me.
Deep Talkin Flats are too stiff for me.
Do Labella Low Tension Flats feel similar to the Black Tapes?
But sound a little like DTFs?
I love Labella Black tapes, the tension is perfect for me.
Deep Talkin Flats are too stiff for me.
Do Labella Low Tension Flats feel similar to the Black Tapes?
But sound a little like DTFs?
I have had all three sets at some point over the years. I can’t do the DTF’s either. Too stiff for me. I currently have LTF’s on an MIM Fender P and an Ibanez Mezzo. They are much more comfortable and fit just fine with my playing style. I have Labella black tapes on an Ibanez SRX. They are buttery smooth.
I would say that the LTF’s are right in the middle between the DTF’s and the tapes. I go to the tapes when the arthritis hits hard. The sound of the LTF’s is your perfect P bass with flats sound, but allows you to bend pitches and not kill your hands.
Thanks for the answer, that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm thinkimg of putting them on an active jazz bass for a guitar bass drums trio that plays a good mix of standards and originals with a sort of prog/rock/alt perspective.
