VO
If you're after THAT bulky and punchy Motown bass sound, look no further...
Although I myself was slightly irritated by the "Vintage 54" and "James Jamerson" marketing gimmick stamps on the package, I have to admit I was extremely surprised how huge affect these strings just made. If one's after the authentic old school "thump", these strings will certainly produce it. So, as far as the tone is concerned, this is it.
The string gauge is also an essential factor: I used LaBella 760FL set before for a couple years, but couldn't reach that thumpy sound. 760M and 760FM nailed it immediately. So it's not all in your fingers... :)
There are a couple things to complain, though.
First, the strings, and especially the E-string, break rather easily when bent. This might be a real issue, if you prefer loading your strings thru-body, or if your bridge forms otherwise a considerably steep angle. LaBella is offering sets precisely for thru-body usage, though, and I guess that this issue doesn't plague them.
Second, the price... Yes, they are THE classic string, and of high quality. But my personal supposition is, that one is paying relatively lot just for the brand.
Although I myself was slightly irritated by the "Vintage 54" and "James Jamerson" marketing gimmick stamps on the package, I have to admit I was extremely surprised how huge affect these strings just made. If one's after the authentic old school "thump", these strings will certainly produce it. So, as far as the tone is concerned, this is it.
The string gauge is also an essential factor: I used LaBella 760FL set before for a couple years, but couldn't reach that thumpy sound. 760M and 760FM nailed it immediately. So it's not all in your fingers... :)
There are a couple things to complain, though.
First, the strings, and especially the E-string, break rather easily when bent. This might be a real issue, if you prefer loading your strings thru-body, or if your bridge forms otherwise a considerably steep angle. LaBella is offering sets precisely for thru-body usage, though, and I guess that this issue doesn't plague them.
Second, the price... Yes, they are THE classic string, and of high quality. But my personal supposition is, that one is paying relatively lot just for the brand.
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LM
Problem intonating, otherwise great
These strings give you exactly what you want if you're after that vintage tone. I just have a problem intonating the E-string on my bass. Because it's such a thick string, I can't get the saddle far back enough.
La Bella was even friendly enough to send me a replacement string. This because at first I, and they, thought the intonation problem was due to a faulty string. Sadly, not so much.
But I don't think anyone can really hear it's not in tune perfectly, so the strings are still on my P-bass.
La Bella was even friendly enough to send me a replacement string. This because at first I, and they, thought the intonation problem was due to a faulty string. Sadly, not so much.
But I don't think anyone can really hear it's not in tune perfectly, so the strings are still on my P-bass.
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f
Excellent for Standard D tuning.
First of all, as far as bass stings are concerned, I am an 100% flat wound guy so don't expect a comparison with any round wound sets.
I've been using an Ibanez GSR300 for the past years (older model) and I installed some 50-100 Fender flats the very fist day I bought it.
The problem was, all my instuments are tuned in Standard D while the bass was in Standard E. Dropping a whole tune while on 50-100 gauge would turn the heaviest strings into a flabby party and the sound would be subpar.
I did the math (string tension calculators) and this particular gauge seemed perfect for what I needed. And the truth is, that IT IS!
Now, while I can tell you upfront that the tension of all the strings seems fine for the standard D tuning, I'd rather not comment on the sound yet as I am used on playing very old (and to some people, dead) strings,
I'll update this review in a year or so to comment on the sound, quality etc.
I've been using an Ibanez GSR300 for the past years (older model) and I installed some 50-100 Fender flats the very fist day I bought it.
The problem was, all my instuments are tuned in Standard D while the bass was in Standard E. Dropping a whole tune while on 50-100 gauge would turn the heaviest strings into a flabby party and the sound would be subpar.
I did the math (string tension calculators) and this particular gauge seemed perfect for what I needed. And the truth is, that IT IS!
Now, while I can tell you upfront that the tension of all the strings seems fine for the standard D tuning, I'd rather not comment on the sound yet as I am used on playing very old (and to some people, dead) strings,
I'll update this review in a year or so to comment on the sound, quality etc.
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