La Bella 760FLs vs. GHS Precision Flats

Ryan Mohr · #1 09-06-2009, 08:23 PM

From reading a lot of the flatwound threads in the strings section here on talkbass, it seems like these two sets are "it" for that classic flatwound tone. But, they can't sound exactly the same can they? I'm just curious what the differences are between the two sets. After all, the GHS are much cheaper so this could be a useful resource for people looking for the classic flatwound tone.

From what I've read, I think the La Bellas are darker with more of a low mid thickness/fatness/presence, and the GHS are more articulate in the upper mids with a thumpier, more percussive bottom. For anyone that has played both sets, do you find this is true?

Bassman203 · #2 09-06-2009, 08:26 PM

Interested and subscribed

HEADLE · #3 09-06-2009, 08:36 PM

I don't know about the LeBellas but I'd describe the GHS exactly like you did. I love them!

H

Fetzu · #4 09-06-2009, 09:34 PM

I would not "exactly" say that I have tried both sets, but I did buy some GHS Precision Flats 3050 (55-105). I got them used in the TB classifieds. I literally had them on for less than 5 minutes. The tension was too tight for my liking.
I now have LaBella 760FL's on both of my P-Basses and absolutely love them. My first set of LaBella's were used, and I don't know how long the previous owner had them on for. I have had them for 4 months now and they seem to sound better every day. A warm and thumpy sound, nice tone, definately mid friendly. Really nice and enjoyable tension. My latest set on the other P has been on for 2 weeks now.
Check out this place for LaBella's:
http://imperialguitar.stores.yahoo.net/760fl.html
I had bought 3 sets of strings, and shipping was around $7.

Ryan Mohr · #5 09-07-2009, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fetzu

I would not "exactly" say that I have tried both sets, but I did buy some GHS Precision Flats 3050 (55-105). I got them used in the TB classifieds. I literally had them on for less than 5 minutes. The tension was too tight for my liking.
I now have LaBella 760FL's on both of my P-Basses and absolutely love them. My first set of LaBella's were used, and I don't know how long the previous owner had them on for. I have had them for 4 months now and they seem to sound better every day. A warm and thumpy sound, nice tone, definately mid friendly. Really nice and enjoyable tension. My latest set on the other P has been on for 2 weeks now.
Check out this place for LaBella's:
http://imperialguitar.stores.yahoo.net/760fl.html
I had bought 3 sets of strings, and shipping was around $7.

Thanks! Was the "mid friendly" sound focused in the low mids or high mids?

mongo2 · #6 09-07-2009, 08:51 AM

I prefer the tone of Labellas over the GHS. The GHS sound much thuddier than the Labella's to me.

I also prefer the feel of the Labellas.

lmfreeman9 · #7 09-07-2009, 08:57 AM

I sold Fetzu the GHS 50-105s and I concur as to the high tension. I have used LaBella FS and FM and like them much better. Haven't tried the FL yet. Pyramids have the most classic sound but are pricey.

JTE · #8 09-07-2009, 11:56 AM

Hmmm, I've had the same set or GHS Medium Precision Flats on my P bass for years. I like them because they have the fundamental "thud" I want from a flat, but they have a precise note in there too. My experience with LaBellas is limited to a set of "Deep Talkin' Bass" flats I got in 1978 and used for about six weeks (5 nights a week gigs), and a set of "Old Originals" (which are now sold as "The James Jamerson Set") I got around 1984 and used off and on for about four years. I frankly don't recall much about the set from '78 except that I went back to Fender 850s after that "tour".

The Old Originals had a great big low end, but it was muddy and indistinct. I do NOT want to sound like a kick drum. I didn't play any flats until I tried the GHS and some T/I Flats around 1995. The TI's are a great sounding string, but not a traditional flatwound sound. That combined with the the very light tension led me to try somethig else and I opened up an old set of GHS Precision Flats. They're perfect for me. After they break in they feel about the same under both hands as the DR-Sunbeams and DR Hi-Beams I use for rounds. They have a classic flatwound thump that carries the lows but they also have a definite note in them without sounding twangy.

John

Mastermold · #9 09-07-2009, 12:54 PM

Don't forget to consider DR Hi-Beam flats. I've found them to be as percussive as LaBellas but more flexible. Great strings.

Fetzu · #10 09-07-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mohr

Thanks! Was the "mid friendly" sound focused in the low mids or high mids?

IME low mids. Just buy 'em. If you don't like them, you can always sell them in the TB classifieds.
If you wanna try the GHS 3050's, PM me.

lmfreeman9 · #11 09-08-2009, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

Don't forget to consider DR Hi-Beam flats. I've found them to be as percussive as LaBellas but more flexible. Great strings.

+1 on the DR's they are my second favorite to the TI's and I like using them on P basses with an Ampeg for a grindy, tubey almost Stingray sound that is great for rock and blues.

Mastermold · #12 09-08-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

+1 on the DR's they are my second favorite to the TI's and I like using them on P basses with an Ampeg for a grindy, tubey almost Stingray sound that is great for rock and blues.

Agreed. I've got three P-basses I'm using right now, one strung with DR flats and the other two (including a fiver) are strung with TI flats. I think I prefer LaBella flats on my Jazz basses, however.