Output of Labella flats vs D'addarios

JimmyM · #1 11-22-2011, 12:08 AM

This might be a bizarre question, but ever since I put Labella Hofner strings on my Realistic violin bass, the output seems lower than it used to be. I tried to tell myself that I was crazy, but it sure does seem like it compared to the Half Rounds that were on it before. I should change them back and see what happens, but I thought I'd throw out the question and see what those of you with more Labella experience think before I go wasting my time.

bongomania · #2 11-22-2011, 12:29 AM

The half-rounds would have more upper harmonic content than the flats... maybe that's what you're hearing?

shrimpflea · #3 11-22-2011, 07:51 AM

I have noticed that Labella flats seem to have less output than D'addarios chromes....I prefer the Labellas, so I just turn up the volume.

JimmyM · #4 11-22-2011, 10:12 AM

Ya, I prefer the sound of the Labellas too, but that bass has such low output as it is that every little bit helps. I think I'm going to switch back to the Half Rounds. Thx guys!

JimmyM · #5 11-30-2011, 09:41 PM

Wow, what a shock! Finally got around to swapping the Half Rounds back on this bass, and it turns out the Labellas actually have a little more output than the Half Rounds on this bass. Actually, it's not so much output as it is a bit more beef in the low and mid mids. Output is pretty close overall, but the Labellas are fatter sounding overall. Only thing is this bass is so fat already that I think I'll try the Half Rounds again for a little while.

Have to admit being a little bummed with Labella, though. They did send me a replacement string for one that wouldn't intonate properly in a set I got for my P Lyte, but then another string broke as I went to put it on again, and my request for another seems to have been ignored as it's been close to 3 weeks now. And the replacement string is $16! Crazy. I'll probably end up getting it just because I dig the totally dead sound they get, but so far I'm not being filled with warm fuzzies.

Mike in Chicago · #6 12-01-2011, 11:47 AM

Just bought my first set of labella flats after years of nothing but swing bass once in a while boomers. Probably gonna like them.

odin70 · #7 12-01-2011, 11:49 AM

Way more output with my labellas vs chromes. Maybe because the chromes are much thinner.

Mike in Chicago · #8 12-01-2011, 11:50 AM

And may I say...because of this board I had no idea so many guys used flats

I'm coming out of the cave

boynamedsuse · #9 12-01-2011, 11:56 AM

If you're breaking different strings for whatever reason, perhaps it would be cheaper in the long run to get an entire replacement set and use it for "singles."

BTW & FWIW, I suspect that one request for a broken string would be looked at differently than a second request, which would make you a "repeat offender." I mean, we know you are into bashing your bass into your amp as part of your act to prove how tough Ampegs are and all, so word may have gone out.

boynamedsuse · #10 12-01-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike in Chicago

And may I say...because of this board I had no idea so many guys used flats

I'm coming out of the cave

It's just a trend. I believe everyone is scheduled to start using pressurewounds in 2013.

Jay2U · #11 12-01-2011, 12:07 PM

If you didn't change the setup with regard to the distance between pick-up(s) and strings, it all comes down to the percentage of iron present in the strings. The more iron, the more distortion of the magnetic field op the pick-ups, resulting in more output. Don't forget that flatwounds tend to have a little less output, as the higher harmonics are less present.

Mike in Chicago · #12 12-01-2011, 01:51 PM

What the hell is a pressure wound?

Handyman · #13 12-01-2011, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Have to admit being a little bummed with Labella, though. They did send me a replacement string for one that wouldn't intonate properly in a set I got for my P Lyte, but then another string broke as I went to put it on again, and my request for another seems to have been ignored as it's been close to 3 weeks now. And the replacement string is $16! Crazy. I'll probably end up getting it just because I dig the totally dead sound they get, but so far I'm not being filled with warm fuzzies.

Unfortunately, I've had similar issues with Labella strings. The quality control has been questionable, and I've broken strings for the first time in probably a decade.

Jay2U · #14 12-01-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike in Chicago

What the hell is a pressure wound?

A pressure wound is a roundwound with huge pressure applied to it to flatten the windings, to give them a smoother feel.

boynamedsuse · #15 12-01-2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2U

A pressure wound is a roundwound with huge pressure applied to it to flatten the windings, to give them a smoother feel.

It also reduces fret noise and brings them somewhere between rounds and flats sonically.

Mike in Chicago · #16 12-01-2011, 04:08 PM

Just put the flats on. What a weird ass feeling.

Mike in Chicago · #17 12-01-2011, 04:12 PM

Btw...the VT bass I bought off a guy here just came. Talk about stepping out of the dark ages. What a serious pedal! Makes my PF350 sound like a tube amp

All together now...duh!

Marty Forrer · #18 12-01-2011, 04:18 PM

Trend? I dont think so. I've used TI Jazz Flats (the same set) for twelve years. I've just changed over to LaBella flats ( I just felt like a change) and I'm digging the more vintagey sound they have than the TIs. Time will tell. I did notice the the LaBellas are not as loud as the TIs, but then the TIs are the loudest strings I've ever come across.
I wonder if the LaBellas will last me twelve years?

RFMac · #19 12-02-2011, 01:34 AM

After using TIs for years I have finally, finally found what I was looking for in a flat. The tone was there, the deadness, the low mids. I noticed nothing output wise between them, TI flats, or the rounds I have to use to retain my position in a specific band. I have never received a set that was bad out of 4 I have ordered though. Also note that I have been primarily putting them on the same style basses though, Fender Jazzes. I have also restrung multiple times when searching for what I was after with no problems. It does disapoint me to hear that when you spend so much on a set that you like and you have a problem that the company does not respond. If I am going to be loyal purchaser of a string that costs that much and makes the semi-boutique claim, I expect better.That wasn't the case with TI... Cheers.

madmatt · #20 12-02-2011, 01:42 AM

So were you going to go D'Addario Chromes Jimmy?
And you never told us what set of LaBellas you bought.