Chromes vs LaBella on JMJ Mustang?

[strost]

Sorry I'm late to the show here. My JMJ came (used) with Chromes. Actually liked them more than I thought I would but still wanted to try the La Bellas.

When I put them on, the E string was super dead. Took it off, put it on, took it off, put it on - making sure it wasn't twisted (not a big fan of string-through). Finally just kept it on for a week. Still bad.

I contacted La Bella and told them about the issue. I had recordings and everything to send them. But they just sent out a new E string. And it was WAAAY better. It still started out darker than the ADGs but they all mellowed to match the E.

Super happy now and glad I got a new E string.

But all of this is probably too late for the OP. I did really like the Chromes - but made the bass more aggressive - and that's what my P bass is for.

 

[lm183902]

I ended up putting on the Chromes yesterday and no issues whatsoever. This is the first time I’ve heard the E on this bass have any clarity and it’s like a whole new instrument! I still prefer the feel of LBellas but I’ve just had too many bad experiences to bother at this point. Once these Chromes are broken in, I’m sure I won’t even think about it

 

[Pier_]

I ended up putting on the Chromes yesterday and no issues whatsoever.

I've had a similar experience years ago with a Vintera fiesta red.

I first put on the Fender 9050L, but the E sounded "chorusy" (yes, I mounted it right and checked any possible twisting)

then a set of Chromes ECB81M, that worked perfectly and sounded even, cutting-through in the mix and with a spot-on flatwound sound after some use.

then tried a set of La Bella MUS, they worked as I expect from La Bellas (thuddy E string, bright D and G), but they didn't work in the mix, they were too scooped on the mids, and sounded good only with a pick.
playing with fingers resulted in a ton of basses and no definition at all.

so I switched back to Chromes and alternated them to a set of D'Addario EXL170M when I wanted a roundwound sound.

 

[davelowell2]

I ended up putting on the Chromes yesterday and no issues whatsoever. This is the first time I’ve heard the E on this bass have any clarity and it’s like a whole new instrument! I still prefer the feel of LBellas but I’ve just had too many bad experiences to bother at this point.

This is how I ended my relationship with LaBella. Good product when it’s right, mostly inconsistent and not very good customer relations.
I like chromes for everyday flats and GHS balanced for old school thumpy flats.

 

[silvaquas]

Reviving this topic with a slightly different angle.

I just picked up a JMJ Mustang and absolutely love the fit, finish, and feel—but the tone has me a bit frustrated. Like many others, I'm getting that chorusy, warbling sound from the E string. I've tried lowering the pickups, adjusting the witness points, and even restringing, but no luck.

I was already planning to replace the stock strings, but I'm torn between LaBellas and Chromes. I use Chromes on my P bass and don't mind the break-in period, but I'm concerned they might still have that same E-string issue. Are LaBellas a safer bet? Or should I be looking at GHS, TI Flats, or something else entirely?

 

[fretless714]

Reviving this topic with a slightly different angle.

I just picked up a JMJ Mustang and absolutely love the fit, finish, and feel—but the tone has me a bit frustrated. Like many others, I'm getting that chorusy, warbling sound from the E string. I've tried lowering the pickups, adjusting the witness points, and even restringing, but no luck.

I was already planning to replace the stock strings, but I'm torn between LaBellas and Chromes. I use Chromes on my P bass and don't mind the break-in period, but I'm concerned they might still have that same E-string issue. Are LaBellas a safer bet? Or should I be looking at GHS, TI Flats, or something else entirely?

when I first got my JMJ a couple of years ago I played it with the stock strings while waiting for a set of medium scale TI Flats to come in the mail, I didn’t experience any of that warble with either set of strings and the TIs really sounded great after a short break-in period.

 

[Yahboy]

I've had a JMJ Mustang since right when they came out and immediately put on the LaBella Mustang set when I got it. It had the "Dead E" thing going on and I decided to just play it for a while in hopes that the rest of the strings would eventually match. That has unfortunately not been the case, however. I actually love the way the E sounds and wish the A, D and G would match, tonally, but they're so much more articulate sounding, even after all of these years of use.

I'm currently debating whether to try a new set of LaBellas (maybe I twisted the E on install?) or to switch things up and try Chromes. I honestly prefer the feel and sound of LaBellas on average - I have Chromes on my P Bass, but only because I kept having issues with the G on LaBellas when I first got the bass. I like the naturally darker tone of the LaBellas as well, but the Chromes are fine after being broken in.

Above all though, I want balanced, even tone across all strings. Is the dead E just the way it goes with the Labellas? Would Chromes offer me the balance I'm wanting?

Check the EB short scale flatwound bass string.

 

[andare]

Reviving this topic with a slightly different angle.

I just picked up a JMJ Mustang and absolutely love the fit, finish, and feel—but the tone has me a bit frustrated. Like many others, I'm getting that chorusy, warbling sound from the E string. I've tried lowering the pickups, adjusting the witness points, and even restringing, but no luck.

I was already planning to replace the stock strings, but I'm torn between LaBellas and Chromes. I use Chromes on my P bass and don't mind the break-in period, but I'm concerned they might still have that same E-string issue. Are LaBellas a safer bet? Or should I be looking at GHS, TI Flats, or something else entirely?

Labellas (excpt for the low tension flats, maybe) and Chromes will also have that chorusy E. All flats need time. If you can wait, the stock Fender flats will reward you with a beautiful, warm midrange.