labella flats gonna hurt my neck?

funkateer86 · #1 11-30-2009, 09:22 PM

Hi guys, need some advice,

I'm gonna try out some Labella DTF's (medium gauge w/ the .109 E string), really want more thump I'm getting kinda tired of the roundwound zing. I've been using DR Hi-beams .45-.105. How badly do you think the higher tension from the Labella's is gonna pull my neck up, if at all?

funkateer86 · #2 11-30-2009, 09:24 PM

Oh yeah, I'm gonna put them on my '08 MIA P. Thump!

MarkusBass · #3 11-30-2009, 09:31 PM

Nothing a twist of the truss rod wouldn't fix.

nutso42 · #4 11-30-2009, 09:31 PM

Adjusting the tuning machines on the headstock would fix any problems..... I think....

rosanne · #5 11-30-2009, 09:36 PM

I'm using Labella DTF (760's) on my MTD Z4. The reason I put them on there was because it had a floppy E string. With these strings the floppyness is gone. I was a little worried that it wouldn't stay in tune cos the tension is quite high, but it's fine - no problem. And it hasn't caused the action to creep higher either. They've been on there over a year now, and I haven't needed to adjust the neck at all.

funkateer86 · #6 11-30-2009, 09:38 PM

thanks for the quick responses! i'm not so worried about it now.

rodl2005 · #7 11-30-2009, 09:40 PM

Yeah I had some on a '05 American Series JAZZ for about 1 yr & ali'l adjust of the neck relief was all it needed the whole year. These were the Jamerson Fencing wire set ;-) At LEAST a 110 E string

CamiloDíaz · #8 12-01-2009, 10:56 AM

you had me convinced: Pappa's gonna get a new set of Labellas for christmas!! (self-gift)

EricF · #9 12-01-2009, 11:10 AM

I have LaBella 760FMs (.109 E) on two basses. They're thick, they're tight, and they THUMP. A small turn of the trussrod was all it took to get the proper relief in my neck.

Word of note regarding LaBella flats - they are not recommended for string-thru-body. You'll need to string them through the bridge.

drnknmstr · #10 12-01-2009, 11:36 AM

I concur with all these. My MIA P Bass pulled, but I just tightened the truss rod. I actually had them through the body only because my bridge didn't have other options. Still worked ok for me. Currently they're on my Lakland hollowbody. Oh yeah.

funkateer86 · #11 12-01-2009, 03:41 PM

awesome! just what I wanted to hear. Okay then, another question. How much of a difference is there between the 760MF's and the Jamerson's, both in relief and sound? If I want thump, should I just go ahead and get the Jamerson's or will the 760MF's do well enough. I'm not much for settling for something.

Rama · #12 12-01-2009, 04:07 PM

Just to point out, I've never tried the 760MF's.

Just go ahead with the Jamerson set.
But be warned! Once you go Motown, You ain't goin' back.

I am very happy with the overall set-up, tension and sound off the Jamersons.

drnknmstr · #13 12-01-2009, 04:39 PM

Haven't tried the Jamersons, but the .109s are pretty dang close I imagine. It sounds huge enough to me.

west*coast*bass · #14 12-01-2009, 04:40 PM

Only if you tie them too tight.

EricF · #15 12-01-2009, 05:06 PM

I have a set of Jamersons and a set of 760FMs - there's not much difference between them. Both are thick, tight, and thumpy.

funkateer86 · #16 12-01-2009, 09:22 PM

thanks everybody!

I went ahead and ordered a set of Jamerson's. Figured I'd go ahead and go big...ger than what I thought about initially. Can't wait for my P-Bass to thump. Might hafta change it to "Poop-bass," 'cause thats what it'll make you do!

MarkusBass · #17 12-01-2009, 09:42 PM

The dreaded Brown Note...

Meatrus · #18 12-02-2009, 04:28 AM

I know its too late now, but heres my opinion.

I agree with everything that has been said, and they will not harm your neck. However, if your truss rod is tight already, you may not have enough adjustment to flatten the neck.

If your truss rod is fairly loose, there shouldnt be a problem, but remember that the tighter you go with it, the closer you get to the end of the rod. So if the strings are on there a while, and you get a climate or temp/humidity change which causes the neck to shift you will then have to tighten it again, then if it happens again...again. Eventually you may run out of adjustment (quicker than standard gauge) and have to get the neck/rod sorted, which isnt a massive deal, as it can be achieved, but only once normally. If its a bolt on you could get a new neck if this ever happened.

I have seen quite a few basses and guitars with the above problem, normally they are over 5-10 years old, and it could have nothing to do with the string gauge on these. But its a fairly common problem, and a complete pain if you buy used.

To be honest though I wouldnt let that stand in the way of you enjoying them. Just thought you may like to know.