Sound Comparison: Labella LT Flats vs TI Jazz Flats - Which do you prefer?

[TomB]

I've used both. Over time the TI's mellow out more than the LTF do IME, and the two strings end up sounding more similar than different. I didn't find their tension all that different either, and both are a little too light for my taste. I'd steer towards LaBella 760FL's for a similar broken-in sound if you need strings with a little more fight in 'em. Lately too, I've discovered Ernie Ball Group III that seem to maintain a bit more of the "new TI" midrange focus longer. And, their Group IV are even lighter (40-95) but I think they have a little stiffer feel than TI or LT's - is it the hex core, maybe? They too seem to keep that somewhat brighter tone than the two compared in this thread, but honestly I haven't had them on long enough to really be sure. ...worth a try though!

 

[fourstringdrums]

I ended up prematurely breaking in my TI's with some beard wax and some hand lotion. I'll probably update the clips since they sound more broken in. I definitely prefer them to the Labellas. They thump in their own way but have more sustain and are all around more versatile I think.

 

[fourstringdrums]

I used some wax and lotion to break in my TI's. What do ya'll think?

 

[Pantone 333]

I used some wax and lotion to break in my TI's. What do ya'll think?

Sounds great

 

[shoulderpet]

I used some wax and lotion to break in my TI's. What do ya'll think?

Sounds good, they will continue to improve as they age, my TIs took a good month or so to fully break in (this was with me applying shea butter to them daily) , initially when i got the TIs i found them too bright but this calms down and whilst they still sound unique they do get more traditional sounding as they age

 

[Pbassmanca]

I used some wax and lotion to break in my TI's. What do ya'll think?

Hey man, sounds great! Very nice consistent recordings demonstrating the various tones of the TI Flats. I'm assuming that was recorded on a Jazz bass?

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Oh I didn't know she played TI's.

She started endorsing around 2000, swapping from Rotosound.

 

[JRA]

I say TI Flats

i agree. it's just a preference!

thanks for posting the sound clips. for me: it's a neat comparison...and reinforces my belief that TI's are pretty hip!

although i'm using the jazz rounds!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Hey man, sounds great! Very nice consistent recordings demonstrating the various tones of the TI Flats. I'm assuming that was recorded on a Jazz bass?

Nope...... A Musicman Caprice . I call them Jazz bass and P/J killers. ( That’s what mine did for me .)

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I used some wax and lotion to break in my TI's. What do ya'll think?

Sounds like a set of TI’s hould ..... sweet fat mellow thump yet expressive and clear with just the right amount of sustain when needed.
These strings really shine in the hands of those that like to embellish and accent notes using different hand techniques .

 

[fourstringdrums]

Hey man, sounds great! Very nice consistent recordings demonstrating the various tones of the TI Flats. I'm assuming that was recorded on a Jazz bass?

No, Musicman Caprice with the neck pickup (P) soloed and the tone all the way up.

 

[armybass]

I have both on my Basses and love both. I voted LaBella because they are what I’m looking for tone wise but TIs are very useful too. I use TI’s on my fretless Basses. Perfect.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I’m curious to know what string you use on your Caprice now. It’s been a while since you’ve posts these clips. I often revisit them. I have a 3 yr old set of TI flats . I’m considering putting them on my Caprice .

 

[fourstringdrums]

I’m curious to know what string you use on your Caprice now. It’s been a while since you’ve posts these clips. I often revisit them. I have a 3 yr old set of TI flats . I’m considering putting them on my Caprice .

I've got Dunlop Flats and I love them.

 

[Nestor Raschia]

Both are recorded with my Musicman Caprice with the neck pickup only and the tone on full. In both cases, the strings are only a few days old. I'm trying to decide if I like the TI's or if I want to go back to the Labellas. Honestly it's a tough choice.

Labella LT Flats



TI Jazz Flats (week old)



TI Jazz Flats (broken in with wax/lotion)

You should make a recording using with both pickups. Why you use only neck pickup for a string comparison?

 

[Root 5]

You are correct. I just re-read the article. Stock Fender flats.

And new GHS Precision Flats are the closest thing to 60s Fender flats.

 

[Root 5]

I like both TI & LaBella far more than Chromes. Both brands are the cream of the crop of the bass string, Flatwound world.

I'd add Optima into the mix. Great strings.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

And new GHS Precision Flats are the closest thing to 60s Fender flats.

I thought GHS was the OEM for Fender flats... maybe it's not coincidence.

 

[michael_t]

I thought GHS was the OEM for Fender flats... maybe it's not coincidence.

GHS was founded by three people who used to work for V.C. Squier, who manufactured strings for Fender back in the 60's.

 

[TomB]

GHS was founded by three people who used to work for V.C. Squier, who manufactured strings for Fender back in the 60's.

That's been a while now! I'm not sure the newer Fender flats are GHS. They sound & feel more like EB Trads to me - but I have no inside info. Rumor has also been that they're rebranded Chromes, but I wonder about that.