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flats for Ibanez AFB200 ss hollowbody

Rugaar

Rugaar

Apr 11, 2007
1,275
101
wisconsin
#1
I recently picked up a 30.3" scale Ibanez AFB200 hollowbody off the TB classified. It's still got the factory strings and I'd like to replace them with some flats. I was looking at Invalid Link Removed but I'm unsure on which length to get--medium or standard long. Ibanez recommends mediums for the Artcore line.

LaBella lists mediums as 34" ball-end to silk and longs as 37" ball-end to silk. The Ibanez measures ~34" ball to nut, ~36.25" ball to closest tuners and ~38.75" ball to furthest tuners. I emailed LaBella CS and was told that none of their standard sets will fit and that they could make me a custom set, 3 sets min and not til after the holidays. That's not really the route I'd like to go.

Anyone put LaBella's on their Ibby? Any other suggestions that'll fit? I've got Chromes on my P but wanted the thumpier sound from the LaBella's for the hollowbody. Thanks.
 
#2
You might, just, if you're very lucky, get the long scale set on. I did once (Labella longs on a shortscale DeArmond Starfire) and the unsilked part on the string would round the tuner. The tone was awesome by comparison to a Roto medium scale set (much fatter E on the Labellas).

The second time I tried it, the E string broke on the portion that wound round the tuner. 1 wasted set of strings. Well, if the shop hadn't take pity on me and given me a replacement.

You are much better off pursuing the right length string ... but the long set might be an option provided you're willing to risk a ruined set of strings
 
#3
Thanks. What about the medium set? The silk starts at 34" per LaBella and that's approx where the nut is on the Ibby? Furthest tuners are 4.75" more. How much silk wrap is on the strings? Surely there'd be enough to reach?

I'll email Ibanez CS and see if they have any suggestions, too.
 
#4
You need medium scale strings for that bass.

Short scales will not work at all. Long scale might work, but you might have trouble with the tuners.

I have that bass, and have La Bella 760FS medium scale strings for it. Perfect match.
 
#7
Yeah, I assume it's not a perfect fit like LaBella would recommend but I was thinking I'd order some and try it anyway, even before jasper 383 chimed in.

I also emailed Ibanez and D'Addario. I'll post their replies, too.

And I'll definitely post up when I get the strings. I haven't even posted any pix or my review yet.
 
#8
Ok, I had a bit of a delay but here we go.

I got the medium scale, installed them and was checking my tuning and intonation when the D string popped at the tuner. Dang! But LaBella's awesome customer service came through and the bad string was promptly replaced. Thanks, LaBella!

They fit is close but just barely. I'm extremely happy with the sound, though, so no big deal.

0126003_zps96178f47.jpg
 
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#9
A nice old thread! I'll revive by saying that I picked up a 2022 AFB200 this year. I tried a set of LaBella tapewounds, but they were so low-tension that I could not get the neck relief going, even fully backed-off. I had a set of 32" Chromes which I put on, and the tension was much better. I've played the Chromes for a number of months and performances, but would like to find an even better set for the AFB, something that is more thumpy and upright-esque. Have any of you AFB200 players found a set like this?
 

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