GH
Finally found the best flatwounds for me!
I've been playing bass about 30 years. For most of that time I've been using D'Addario Chromes flatwounds on Fender Jazz style basses, but I had started to get annoyed by the slightly metallic edginess to the sound, and after reading lots of reviews of other flatwound strings, thought I would try some out.
At first I tried the Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats but hated how rubbery and low tension they felt. The set I had also had different windings on different strings, leading to uneven tone across the strings.
Next I tried the Pyramid Golds, they sounded and felt great, and the tension was good, but in a week I had somehow managed to break the D string, something I have never done at any other time on a bass guitar. I did replace it once, but it put me off them and my interest was piqued by the La Bellas.
So I put these on, they are the largest gauge bass strings I have ever used, and possibly the highest tension, but the beautiful thing about them is that they don't really feel that high tension and are a joy to play. The strings feel lovely under the fingers, and after a couple of weeks of playing in, the tone is to die for. Very evenly balanced in tone and feel across the strings and fretboard. Just what I wanted. Very thumpy, bassy and percussive, with very few overtones and sustain.
No negatives I can think of, other than they are a little pricey, but they will probably stay on my bass forever now. Maybe not for someone looking for bright/zingy/sustained tones. Think old school thumpy Motown stuff, or Reggae bass lines etc. Highly recommended!
At first I tried the Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats but hated how rubbery and low tension they felt. The set I had also had different windings on different strings, leading to uneven tone across the strings.
Next I tried the Pyramid Golds, they sounded and felt great, and the tension was good, but in a week I had somehow managed to break the D string, something I have never done at any other time on a bass guitar. I did replace it once, but it put me off them and my interest was piqued by the La Bellas.
So I put these on, they are the largest gauge bass strings I have ever used, and possibly the highest tension, but the beautiful thing about them is that they don't really feel that high tension and are a joy to play. The strings feel lovely under the fingers, and after a couple of weeks of playing in, the tone is to die for. Very evenly balanced in tone and feel across the strings and fretboard. Just what I wanted. Very thumpy, bassy and percussive, with very few overtones and sustain.
No negatives I can think of, other than they are a little pricey, but they will probably stay on my bass forever now. Maybe not for someone looking for bright/zingy/sustained tones. Think old school thumpy Motown stuff, or Reggae bass lines etc. Highly recommended!
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IB
I wish I had found these years ago...
These are fantastic strings, best flatwounds you can get for that old-school feel and sound. The 52-110 gauge is chunky, heavier than anything I've used up to this point, but the noticeably higher tension surprisingly makes them easier to play, for me. If you're not used to setting up your own bass, it may be an idea to get a luthier to install these for you, due to the extra pull on the neck, and you may also have to do some work on the nut to get these bad boys through the slots. The sound is like your favourite records, balanced, smooth, without sounding muddy, like many of Labellas competitors. When first installed, the high frequencies are more pronounced, you may have to reach for the tone control to pull back some of the high end, but after regular playing the high end smooths out to that 'familiar sound'. Combined with some foam at the bridge, you're transported back in time to the golden era of music. Worth checking out for sure, especially on a P bass.
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k
Incredible sound!
I bought two sets of these strings to use on my Fender Jazz and my Ibanez SRH500F-NNF.
The strings sound awesome on both, however, I wasn't strong enough in my fretting hand to consistently get a clean tone on my jazz bass. So I've change strings on that one again.
But I'm pretty sure I will keep these forever on my fretless bass though, the sound is to die for.
The strings sound awesome on both, however, I wasn't strong enough in my fretting hand to consistently get a clean tone on my jazz bass. So I've change strings on that one again.
But I'm pretty sure I will keep these forever on my fretless bass though, the sound is to die for.
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At
Great string for old school sound
These strings sound amazing if you are going for this Motown/James jamerson sound. Super great and will last for ever, if you want them to(and don't mind them getting more and more dead in the tone).
All in all great.
A bit heavy tho, so be aware of you don't have strong fingers/hands
All in all great.
A bit heavy tho, so be aware of you don't have strong fingers/hands
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HH
Finally found that Motown sound & so much more!
Been using round wounds for years never thought to try flats till now and i am glad i did !
Totally worth the money the sound is so deep and smooth to play no annoying tinney twang you might get elsewhere.Finally I have been able to get that great soul,rock,jazz,classic rock varity of sounds just what i've been searching for my Jazzbass all these years and now the search is over never buying any other strings EVER!.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but try them out you can feel a handmade bespoke quality that you can't help to warm to.
Totally worth the money the sound is so deep and smooth to play no annoying tinney twang you might get elsewhere.Finally I have been able to get that great soul,rock,jazz,classic rock varity of sounds just what i've been searching for my Jazzbass all these years and now the search is over never buying any other strings EVER!.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but try them out you can feel a handmade bespoke quality that you can't help to warm to.
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SO
Great strings with the right feel!
These strings does move mountains on my Fender Precision with a sponge under the bridge. If you are into the Jamerson-vibe or just want a real oldies-styled pair of strings, this is what you should aim for.
For the average bassist, these may be a little too high tensioned, and you must of course play with them for a while to get the right sound- like with any other flatwound string.
If you want the 60s- sound from your bass, this is probably one of your best purchases ever. Great strings!
For the average bassist, these may be a little too high tensioned, and you must of course play with them for a while to get the right sound- like with any other flatwound string.
If you want the 60s- sound from your bass, this is probably one of your best purchases ever. Great strings!
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K
Great tone!
I change these every 5 years or so. I actually like their sound more and more as they get older.
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l
Best flatwound strings
I just love the feel and sound of these strings. Nice deep lows and a very balanced midrange.
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J
Great Sound and feel
It feels great and sounds like an upright bass.
Just what i was looking for.
Just what i was looking for.
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