Sadowsky Flats - Break-In?

Groover · #1 10-07-2008, 06:46 AM

I recently installed Sadowsky Flats on my 77 Fender Precision bass, and all I can say is... Wow, I'm glad I'm giving these a try!

They seem to be a combination between Labellas, TI's and Chromes... not sure how to explain it other than that. The tension and initial tone just seems to be right for me/this bass.

I did have a "strange" string in the pack, as in one of the strings seemed to have more nickel in it (or whatever metal in the alloy would cause it to be more golden)... it had more of a golden color under incandescent lighting, versus the other strings which looked more gray. I contacted the company, and they quickly sent me a replacement string which matched my other strings perfectly. That said, customer service (Alex) was quick to respond to emails (unlike Labella, which never replied ... twice ...to one of my questions in the past), and quickly resolved the issue in my case and actually seemed to care about me, the customer.

My ultimate questions is.... for those who are using these strings, how well do they break in? What should I expect? Will they break-in more like TI's where they respond better and become more articulate, or will they be more like Labellas where they get more thumpy?

Thanks!

Mastermold · #2 10-07-2008, 10:56 AM

I've not used these but I've heard they are more like GHS flats, which I've heard break in more like La Bellas.

Groover · #3 10-09-2008, 06:10 AM

Thanks for the reply. I take it these are not very popular strings?

climb · #4 10-09-2008, 06:16 AM

Although I'm not a huge flatwound guy, I have a set of these on my Sukop fretless. They sound great, but I can't say that they've broken-in much. Tension is definitely higher than the TIs that I've played. For a flatwound string, I'd say it's fairly bright--can actually get a decent amount of mwah on my fretless with these strings.

**ExaltBass** · #5 10-09-2008, 06:23 AM

I've had them on my fretless Jazz since January and they are not quite as bright as they were initially, but I really am happy with the broken-in sound. There is plenty of mwah/wood whatever you want to call it, and rich overtones - not just a thumpy tone. They're keepers!

(Late 70s Jazz - Rosewood neck Wilkinson Bridge - Bartolini pups and 3 band active pre)

Mastermold · #6 10-09-2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

Thanks for the reply. I take it these are not very popular strings?

As a rule, anything with a Sadowsky name is good so I bet you'll find they're great strings!

One Drop · #7 10-09-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExaltBass

I've had them on my fretless Jazz since January and they are not quite as bright as they were initially, but I really am happy with the broken-in sound. There is plenty of mwah/wood whatever you want to call it, and rich overtones - not just a thumpy tone. They're keepers!

(Late 70s Jazz - Rosewood neck Wilkinson Bridge - Bartolini pups and 3 band active pre)

My experience, too.

Though I do sometimes feel they sound better now than ever, after playing them on the same bass for about two years (though I play other basses, too) but it's so hard to quantify minute changes that occur over time.

They never get as thumpy as Labellas, and keep their articulacy and attack nicely. I really like the complexity and musicalness of these strings' tone, and they feel so right under my fingers.

Groover · #8 10-14-2008, 11:00 AM

Thanks again for the replies. I've played them for about a week now (just at practice), and so far so good. Not too much sonic change since brand new, but they do seem to be feeling better and better everytime I play the bass. They have just the right tension for me on that bass