What the hell's wrong with La Bella??

Stride000 · #1 03-13-2007, 12:15 PM

I recently put a set of Slappers back on my bass. I had steered away from La Bella due to some unsatisfaction with quality. But as I found myself longing for the sound of these strings I decided to give them another chance. Yet they disapointed me again.

Until now, I've bought at least 5 different sets of slappers. All of them are the same model, SN45B. On the first one, the B and E strings were tapered, nothing wrong with that. The second set I bought, the A string was tapered as well and the G string unwound at the post upon installation. The two subsequent sets, back to only the B and E strings tapered and no other problems. On this recent set i just bought, only the B string is tapered.

What the f**k? Do they decide which string to taper according to how they feel that day??

Has anyone ever had the same problem? How come they don't control their production quality better than this?

I'm really disapointed since I love their sound but I don't want to have to adjust the bridge everytime I change a set.

Any other nickel strings suggestion that have the same warm, dark and fat tone as the slappers but from a company that has better quality control??

Monkey · #2 03-13-2007, 09:20 PM

I had a similar experience a while ago with a few sets of LaBella double-ball flatwounds. The G and D strings would snap in exactly the same place when first tuned to pitch. They promptly answered my emails and sent a couple of other G and Ds, but the same thing happened. I eventually gave up.

I figured that double-ball flats had probably sat on their shelf for a long time!

I like LaBella strings, and still use them occasionally, but I'm a little wary after that experience.

RayO5421 · #3 03-14-2007, 12:43 PM

No idea whats happening, I love La Bella Strings and have been using the same set of Slappers since my January setup.

BaldBass · #4 03-14-2007, 12:46 PM

I use Labella's and have never experienced a QC issue. Although my experiences are limited to Deep Talkin' Flats

DavePlaysBass · #5 03-14-2007, 08:59 PM

I have been thru a few sets of Hard Rockin' Steels without any issues.

Dave

Stride000 · #6 03-15-2007, 10:43 AM

OK, got emails from Richard and Eric Cocco.

They said that they updated technology and now only the B string will be taper. Some old sets may still be sold in stores and that's what could explain the differences.