I have the standard gauge labella flats on a jazz style bass right now. I like them but would like a bit more growl and complexity to the midrange. I've seed description of the sadowsky flats as sounding very close to the labellas. Others say they are brighter and noticeably different. Looking to get more direct comparisons - if you've tried both let me know what you think. Please don't suggest the TI's - the low tension of those is not for me.
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Sadowsky flats vs. La Bella
- Thread starter basss
- Start date
bongomania
Commercial User
Thats what I gather from reading posts here. I'm wondering if the sadowsky's are any different.
Yes, La Bella makes the Sadowsky flats, to Sadowsky specs.
They are different; the Sadowskys are brighter, more like Chromes, to my ears. If you married La Bellas and Chromes, that is what I hear.
I could be wrong though, strings are funny. People can hear huge differences between Ernie Ball flats and Chromes, or the new Fender flats and Chromes, and I can't at all. So, I may not be the best authority.
They are different; the Sadowskys are brighter, more like Chromes, to my ears. If you married La Bellas and Chromes, that is what I hear.
I could be wrong though, strings are funny. People can hear huge differences between Ernie Ball flats and Chromes, or the new Fender flats and Chromes, and I can't at all. So, I may not be the best authority.
No, both are SS. I have a feeling the alloys are different, the wrap colours are not the same.
I find the Sadowskys are growlier, and a bit brighter than LaBellas in a similar guage. Chromes emphasize slightly higher mid frequencies than the Sads, IMO.
Both can cut better than Labellas, which are thumpier than the other two, but they cut in different ways.
+1
Sadowskys have the most "growl" and "grind" of any flat out there IME. Sads almost sound like rounds in a flats package to me.
Sadowskys also seem to be much more flexible than LaBellas to me.
I used both available gauges. I preferred the .40-.100 light gauge, but I like the heavier .130 low B much better.
I've only played the 4 string .105 set. Honestly I can't say much about the tension, they feel like the LaBella FL760 set to me, but I'm not too sensitive to tension differences.
I got mine from an eBay seller, cheapest I found them. I have 2 basses with them and they are both a few years old now; they can do the Motown think and they can rock pretty hard, too. Very versatile.
I think they are very popular with session guys, they record beautifully.
I got mine from an eBay seller, cheapest I found them. I have 2 basses with them and they are both a few years old now; they can do the Motown think and they can rock pretty hard, too. Very versatile.
I think they are very popular with session guys, they record beautifully.
The light gauge is a looser feel (obviously), but I personally don't think there is much of a tone difference.
Ha! so I go to order a set from Sadowsky and they want to charge me $19 to ship 1 package of strings....found another set at bassemporium $37.99 (that's just the shipping!!!)
forget it, i'll stick to my La Bellas.
forget it, i'll stick to my La Bellas.
Their shipping is a bit pricey! I paid $7.something for priority mail from brooklyn to queens. The subway would have cost $4.50 though. I paid an extra $2.50 to get them shipped to my door.
Since this is the most recent thread regarding Sadowsky Flats, can I link to my new thread here? You've convinced me to try these strings, now I can't decide how to string them up. There are no directions on the package, but I know it's a no-go with the Labella's. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f16/sadowsky-flats-tapered-b-string-strung-through-body-760649/
Also, in response to the shipping complaints, Link Removed mailed me my set for $3. I doubt they would ever charge more than $5 flat rate. Those guys are great.
Also, in response to the shipping complaints, Link Removed mailed me my set for $3. I doubt they would ever charge more than $5 flat rate. Those guys are great.
I'm using Sadowsky XL flats on my Lakland 55-94, 35" scale, strung through the bridge, and the B is not too long this way. I'm very pleased with the strings -- punchy, lots of bottom and just enough snap. Nice tension, too, but I never had a problem with the way TIs feel. Mush less stiff than Chromes. I have Labellas on my Hofner but that's not a fair test of tension.
The thing that bugs me the most about being a bass player is how much it costs to try out a new set of strings. I know flats last forever, and once you settle on a pair you like the cost is minimal, but it's so expensive to try a set out if you don't like them.
I come from the double bass world so to me buying a set of BG strings is like buying a candy bar at the grocery store.
The only difference between strings and Hershey bars is you can sell the stings on TB if you don't like them and recoup at least half of your money.
