I found a set of these (4 string 45,65,85,105) on Amazon.com for $15.00 and decided I would give them a try. I noticed when I got the strings that the packaging seemed really old, with an old pic of Bunny Brunel on the back and a mail order add for some Mel Bay books. Anyway, I threw the strings on my Hot Rod P and noticed that the E strings seems rather dull and lifeless compared to the other strings. So I hopped on their website in order to get their contact info, I wanted to see if the packaging was an indicator that I had been sold some really old strings or if they might actually be current. I looked on their product page and noticed that the Hard Rockin' Steels are not even listed.
http://www.labella.com/products.html
I assume the dulll/lifless E string is not typical, right? The funny thing is that other than the rather lifeless E, I really like the feel and sound of these strings. They have a unique tone for rounds, very different from what I am used to. Not too bright, thick low end. A bit stiff for slapping, (certainly stiffer than the Fat Beams I have been using, but not quite as stiff as DR Low Riders) but the fingerstyle sounds excellent. I'd consider buying a set for my Roscoe Beck fiver, though I'd probably try the 40,60,80,100,128 for a little more flexibility.
So TB'ers, would you recommend that I try and get this resolved through Amazon, or contact Labella directly? (provided they still make these strings)
