LaBella Flatwounds for P bass

oprema · #1 03-02-2012, 07:19 AM

I’m looking to replace stock strings on Squier Matt Freeman P Bass with La Bella strings. The stock strings on this bass are Fender nickel plated steel (045-105) and they are too bright sounding for my taste.

I would hope not to have any truss rod/intonation adjustments made since its current setup is perfect in terms of action and intonation.

I have no info on tension of Fender stock set, so I was wondering if La Bella 760FS would be adequate for this.

I saw a lot of recommendations for LaBella 760FLs, but I'm not sure if going from my current 045-105 set to 760FL (lighter set) would make it more likely to have to make truss rod/intonation adjustments, and whether the fact that nut slots are wider then what would be optimal for 760FL set would be an issue.

Any suggestions on other strings that would be a good fit for this bass would be appreciated too.

Thanks.

BassBob1 · #2 03-02-2012, 07:27 AM

Regardless you will probably have to make at least slight intonation adjustments. Sorry I can't help you with tension though.

JulienJeff · #3 03-02-2012, 07:33 AM

I went from 45-105 DR strings to Labella 760FS and it was great. The tension was roughly the same.

SLaPiNFuNK · #4 03-02-2012, 07:58 AM

With any string change especially with a change of string type and construction a basic setup of action and intonation will be needed. Truss rod adjustment as needed.

pbassnut · #5 03-02-2012, 08:06 AM

The LaBella 105 - 45 Deep Talkin' Flats are probably higher tension strings than the stock Fender roundwounds so I would recommend going with a lighter set of LaBella flats if you want to keep the string tension roughly the same. You may have to make some truss rod and setup adjustments with the new strings anyway ... it's just the nature of the beast.

Konigstiger22 · #6 03-02-2012, 08:52 AM

Went from light gauge Roto 66s to Labella Flats and the Labella's definitely have more tension however what a great sound and feel! Try it and enjoy! But you will need to do a setup. Truss rod, string height and intonation will all be different.

oprema · #7 03-08-2012, 07:22 PM

Thank you all for replying! I appreciate your advices.

And sorry for this delayed posting - I was away for a few days, and couldn't reply earlier.

petrus61 · #8 03-14-2012, 10:44 PM

I just tried the Light Deep Talkin set on my 62 AVRI...and they are now on my jazz. I jut DID NOT like the feel and sound of the E. It felt very un-balanced compared with the other strings and it's output wasn't to be tamed, even when lowering the pup. Great tone though and the tension wasn't too bad...it was just that damn E. The Light set has some funky gauges though so I can't knock the brand on this experience. I probably should have went with the lightest set they offer. Anyway, the TI's are back on the P now and all is good.

JimmyM · #9 03-15-2012, 01:21 AM

Adjusting a neck for different tension strings is no big deal. More is made out of it than needs to be. Just turn the truss rod in slight increments like 1/8 turn until you get it to your liking.

So I just recently tried a couple sets of Labellas in 40-95 gauges. Once they went dead they had a great thump and this crazy bright treble response to go along with it. On my Realistic violin bass, they totally copped that McCartney vibe that was missing with the Half Rounds I had on it. On my P Lyte they sounded identical to this:

That Happy Feeling - Bert Kaempfert ("Sandy Becker" theme) - YouTube

So they're staying on my Realistic but I went back to Chromes on my P Lyte.

SLaPiNFuNK · #10 03-15-2012, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petrus61

I just tried the Light Deep Talkin set on my 62 AVRI...and they are now on my jazz. I jut DID NOT like the feel and sound of the E. It felt very un-balanced compared with the other strings and it's output wasn't to be tamed, even when lowering the pup. Great tone though and the tension wasn't too bad...it was just that damn E. The Light set has some funky gauges though so I can't knock the brand on this experience. I probably should have went with the lightest set they offer. Anyway, the TI's are back on the P now and all is good.

Twisted E string during install?

Mojo-Man · #11 03-15-2012, 08:36 PM

LaBella's sound great on a P-Bass.
But for me, tension is just to high.
I can never get comfortable with them.

SLaPiNFuNK · #12 03-15-2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo-Man

LaBella's sound great on a P-Bass.
But for me, tension is just to high.
I can never get comfortable with them.

You are aware they make 5 different tensions of flats?

Which were you using?

**lowendfriend** · #13 03-15-2012, 10:51 PM

DD Chromes, baby!!

Learn to do setup. You are talking about picking a sub-optimal string to avoid 5 minutes of work.

Watch part 1 and 2 videos:

Lakland Bass Setup With Carl Pedigo (Part 1 of 2) - YouTube

Lakland Bass Setup With Carl Pedigo (Part 2 of 2) - YouTube

Mojo-Man · #14 03-16-2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

You are aware they make 5 different tensions of flats?

Which were you using?

I was using the 1954-set.

bluesblaster · #15 03-16-2012, 03:49 PM

yup, those things are cables. Try the 760 FL, I think they may be more to your liking, much lower tension than the '54s

guroove · #16 03-16-2012, 03:53 PM

I have gone back and forth between the 760FL and the 760FS strings. It seems that standard gauge rounds .045 - .105 are somewhere in between the two, tension wise. Right now I have the FLs on my P bass and the FS on my jazz. I still can't decide which gauge I like better. I like the FS more when new, and the FL more when worn in a little.

I'd say the FLs are the string you want if you like twang, and the FS if you don't. The difference in gauge is .001 on the E string, and .002 on the G.

mazdah · #17 03-16-2012, 03:54 PM

Labella FL's are AMAZING. I'm addicted to this strings to the point where I can't stand any other strings. Tried Rotos 77 45-105 for three weeks, today I came back to 760Fl's andy my bass is alive again :]

vin*tone · #18 03-16-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guroove

I have gone back and forth between the 760FL and the 760FS strings. It seems that standard gauge rounds .045 - .105 are somewhere in between the two, tension wise. Right now I have the FLs on my P bass and the FS on my jazz. I still can't decide which gauge I like better. I like the FS more when new, and the FL more when worn in a little.

I'd say the FLs are the string you want if you like twang, and the FS if you don't. The difference in gauge is .001 on the E string, and .002 on the G.

I considered the FSs but was put off by the higher guage of the A & D. Posters have said tension is not even. Have you found this? I love the tone of the FMs but am finding them a tad on the stiff side. I just put FLs on my jazz and like them.... but is not as rich & meaty as the FMs (...yet). On paper the FS should be perfect but was put off by the inconsistency thing.

jbassbob · #19 03-16-2012, 11:18 PM

I've been using chromes for the past few years and recently went to FM's on my P/J. I'm in love with the rich, deep fundamental. A lot richer sounding to my ear than chromes. They are stiffer, the finger tips on my fretting hand are getting noticeably more callused. I like 'em.

One Drop · #20 03-17-2012, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vin*tone

I considered the FSs but was put off by the higher guage of the A & D. Posters have said tension is not even. Have you found this? I love the tone of the FMs but am finding them a tad on the stiff side. I just put FLs on my jazz and like them.... but is not as rich & meaty as the FMs (...yet). On paper the FS should be perfect but was put off by the inconsistency thing.

Sadowsky .105 flats might be the ones for you.

I love the thump and bottom of the FL760s, but the extra growl and richer mids make the Sads a bit more versatile and interesting for me on anything but Motown-y type of tones (which they can cop very well anyway). They can be smooth and refined or greasy and meaty as you wish, really beautiful strings.