[ABG] LaBella 750s Copper-White Tapes

[Karl Kaminski]

Hey HaphAsSard
Once I installed the CW I’ve left them on the Furch (ie still the last set I’ve installed on the bass). But…
The Aquila Flat Spirals are awaiting an install (spoiler) on a new bass I just got. …to be posted soon

 

[SBassman]

Curious to hear comparison to the Aquila Flat Spirals.

Also, I now have an aging Flat Spirals set on one of my acoustics. I leave the bass out all the time.
I am loving how the copper Aquila Flat Spirals are aging.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

what specifically do you want compared? (there are vid demos and comments for both in the threads)

If its "which is a better string?" I don't do that sort of comparison since it's impossible for every bass/player/string/style.

 

[SBassman]

Just though you might compare attributes side by side. This string has less tension than this, this string is warmer than this, etc.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Yes read the 1st post and following. Discusses feel and Aquila, volume in a following post. I suggest listening to the demos with headphones side by side—It’ll be the best way to compare sound/tone to form your own opinion. (If you post specific questions, list them and I'll offer my experiences.)

IMO —on my ABG, Flat Spirals are slightly darker and less stiff 'in the hand' than CW. They have a similar sustain.

but in general...

I like the expression in CW but hate the subtle plasticy clack.
Love the Flat Spirals but would like a little more attack in front of the note.
Surprisingly, the Gallis have beautiful attack but dreadful decay/sustain​

Life of comprises
Hope that helps.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Lifespan:

Just an update on the CW. I noticed over the past week that the volume and tone in general is starting to diminish for this set. Tuned to pitch they don't harmonize as well, overtones aren't balanced. Kinda feel they're reaching their lifespan—for me. Not dead, but definitely the point at which the top end and 'sweet expression' in the string have faded. At this point Im generally thinking about a new set (though I prefer a 'newer' / 'just broken in' string sound).

—thats roughly about 5month on bass with moderate play time. YMMV

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Lifespan:

Just an update on the CW. I noticed over the past week that the volume and tone in general is starting to diminish for this set. Even tuning to pitch they don't harmonize well, overtones aren't balanced. Kinda feel they're reaching their lifespan—for me. Not dead, but definitely the point at which the top end and 'sweet expression' in the string have waded. At this point Im generally thinking about a new set (though I prefer a 'newer' string sound).

—thats roughly about 5month on bass with moderate play time. YMMV

Sure beats Roto Sound Swing 66 tho.

 

[MrAB4003]

Lifespan:

Just an update on the CW. I noticed over the past week that the volume and tone in general is starting to diminish for this set. Tuned to pitch they don't harmonize as well, overtones aren't balanced. Kinda feel they're reaching their lifespan—for me. Not dead, but definitely the point at which the top end and 'sweet expression' in the string have faded. At this point Im generally thinking about a new set (though I prefer a 'newer' / 'just broken in' string sound).

—thats roughly about 5month on bass with moderate play time. YMMV

I recommend the La Bella (regular) White tapes if you want a "newer" / "broken in" sound. They're my favorite tapes and the only ones I'll ever really use. I didn't like the La Bella Black tapes or Gold White tapes. Alternatively, I recommend the Rotosound 55 pressurewounds for that kind of sound. They're not as smooth as tapes, but they have the sound!

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Thanks for your rec. I lean towards a very flexible 'easy in the hand' string for ABG. My experience back in the day (80s) with rotosounds are that they're on the stiffer side. (not sure what their sets are like today)

Of the LaB tapes, for me it's always the 750s. I like the CW then GW, Blk are too dark for my needs—but in general Im not fond of the LaB tape's subtle 'plasticky clack' thats more prominent on ABG (since theres no amp to drive the sound). True, I havent tried the Whites yet, but they're on my 'to-do' list

If anyone with a lightly used 5str set would like to donate, I'll post a new thread for um

 

[MrAB4003]

Thanks for your rec. I lean towards a very flexible 'easy in the hand' string for ABG. My experience back in the day (80s) with rotosounds are that they're on the stiffer side. (not sure what their sets are like today)

Of the LaB tapes, for me it's always the 750s. I like the CW then GW, Blk are too dark for my needs—but in general Im not fond of the LaB tape's subtle 'plasticky clack' thats more prominent on ABG (since theres no amp to drive the sound). True, I havent tried the Whites yet, but they're on my 'to-do' list

If anyone with a lightly used 5str set would like to donate, I'll post a new thread for um

No problem! I always use the 750s / light gauge too because I don't want to alter any of my bass' nuts. The GWs and Blacks were too plasticky for me too, but I don't get that with the regular Whites. Those sound closer to nickel rounds or broken in stainless steel rounds than the rest.

 

[MrAB4003]

No problem! I always use the 750s / light gauge too because I don't want to alter any of my bass' nuts. The GWs and Blacks were too plasticky for me too, but I don't get that with the regular Whites. Those sound closer to nickel rounds or broken in stainless steel rounds than the rest.

Update - I no longer use the La Bella regular White tapes. I switched to D Standard tuning and the light gauge La Bella tapes of all colors are way too floppy for anything below standard tuning. I tried them in D Standard and my bass lines were out of tune because of the lack of tension. I switched to D'Addario Chromes because they have more tension and a similar sound.

I still recommend the La Bella regular Whites for those who want tapewounds that sound like broken in rounds and who play in standard tuning. But I don't recommend them if for those who play in any lower alternate tunings. They are very low tension strings.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Dig. I do similar 'down tuning' to get a set to my preferred tension. (did this with both Labella LTF [Eb] and Gold flats [D]) Which can get hectic on the bandstand in a 'senior moment' if transposing songs on the fly. But still for me, a downtuned hex core string isnt as expressive as a round core string at pitch.

Man, theres so many ways to "season your stew"