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Galli Synthesis Strings (Chrome flats on nylon core)

K

Karl Kaminski

Supporting Member
Aug 26, 2008
2,785
3,160
NYC
#1
Synthesis Flat

I just ordered a set of these and started the thread for discussion.

@HaphAsSard just turned me onto these strings over at the La Bella White vs Copper-White vs Gold-White? as Im eager to find the right set for my ABG with more of a nylon string sound than steel string sound.

I'll be comparing against TI jazz round/flat/acousticore, Dogal Hellborg, GHS pressure bronze, Labella black/gold-white on a 5string Furch ABG, piezo pickup.

I think they've been out for a while, has anyone played these yet?
 
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#2
Karl Kaminski said:
Synthesis Flat

I just ordered a set of these and started the thread for discussion.

@HaphAsSard just turned me onto these strings over at the La Bella White vs Copper-White vs Gold-White? as Im eager to find the right set for my ABG with more of a nylon string sound than steel string sound.

I'll be comparing against TI jazz round/flat/acousticore, Dogal Hellborg, GHS pressure bronze, Labella black/gold-white on a 5string Furch ABG, piezo pickup.

I think they've been out for a while, has anyone played these yet?
Click to expand...
Here's what I know about them.

Galli Synthesis BSN700 (4-string, gauges .048-.067-.085-.107); BSN750 (5-string, low B gauge .132); BSN760 (6-string, high C gauge .037); chrome flatwounds on a synthetic core:
galli-bsn700-chrome-flat-w-4-str-medium-full1x-i8235-jpg.4592168

>> Synthesis Flat <<
"Synthesis Flat Bass Synthetic & Chrome strings are made with a chrome flat wound on a synthetic core. The strings capture both the sensitive tone of synthetic and the sustain of steel. The sound is soft, clear with a stable intonation and they are rich in overtones. With a great touch and without any noise at all, they are ideal for live and recording."
The Italian version of the product page of each individual set adds that they "are suitable for electro-acoustic basses - long scale."

Dutch bassist Nick Kamphuis is able to make them work just fine on an electric Jazz Bass (and they don't sound half bad if you ask me):

Here's what Kamphuis says about them, machine-translated:
"I was very happy with Galli's flatwounds. First I had to get used to the tension; it also takes a while before the string really stays in tune. But after that it's really cool because they don't sound mega dull and dark, but rather have a high edge. That in combination with the slightly lower tension gives me a cool sound that goes a bit more towards a kind of funky 70s sound, than, for example, the traditional flatwounds, with which you come straight into James Jamerson area."

Here is Andy Irvine demoing the Galli Synthesis BSN700 synthetic-core flats on a P bass:


[TB user KohanMike has long proven that the similar, minibass-scale set that Galli makes for Kala (product codes, respectively UXB910C and KA-BASS-4FW) does work with mag pickups, albeit with reduced output: the chrome steel flat winding represents enough magnetically-active mass for the pickup to, well, pick up. Same thing with user Norm Whipple and the similarly contructed (only nickel instead of steel) Pyramid 235 set.]


User @FenderP mentioned using the Synthesis flats in this thread from the Classifieds, with pictures:
SOLD - Rob Allen Fretted Mouse 30 with Magnetic Pickups

High praise for them from user @kasbrey here:
kasbrey said:
As someone who has a love/hate relationship with TI flats (I hate the uneven tension of the A but love the sound), I recently bought a set of Galli Synthesis flats and they remind me of the TI Jazz flats in everything but tension (they have greater tension, similar or slightly lower than 045 Dunlop flats).
This is a holy grail moment for me, the only drawback so far seems to be that they take a few days to settle due to stretching with the synthetic core.
Click to expand...
 
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#3
I gave them a try last year on Warwick Starbass.
I am used to play with flat and tapewounds (Pyramid, Thomastik, Galli, Labella, DR, Ernie Ball, Dogal, Sadowsky).

I kept the synthesis on this bass for about a month and afterward put them back in the package. I think I will give them another shot this week.

The main issue was that every time I pick up the bass it was detuned of about a half tone. I don't know if the nylon core would ever stabilize.
The string construction is superb, in part with Dogal/DR legend level of polish, they fell very good.
I was amazed by the string to string consistency of the tone out of the package, IMO, it is unique for flatwound. Usually, you have to deal with a thumpy E vs bright D and G strings for few months, it was not at all the case with the Galli synthesis.
I found them a bit dull, like old flats, a bit too much scooped for my taste if I remember correctly.
 
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#5
Im still waiting on my order to arrive.:(
Im excited to try them on ABG. I imagine they'll be 'darker', and I could see how combination of chrome on nylon sounding scooped.

Im curious about the 'longer' settle-in time, which is the norm with classical guitar strings. I don't mind tuning up (I do it every time I pickup an instrument) but they will definitely need to hold pitch during a set ;)
 
#6
I bought mine directly from Galli in 2021, they never stabilized. "Kabrey" wrote in the quoted post that for him they stabilized in few days maybe Galli improved the formula?
They don't sound and feel bad at all, it is just that I tend to like flat not too old.
Actually, the first time I used them, I thought, these strings might be the holy grail for those who use with euricin cream to age their labella o_O;).
 
#7
still waiting...

heard from BassDirectUK today that my order had to be re-shipped due to "a cyber attack"(?). So maybe a few more weeks to arrive. I think next time—if theres one—I'll try Galli directly.
 
#8
Albert Henri said:
I use Gallistrings Synthesis Flats on my Eston fretless acoustic. The synthetic core works so well with the Fishman pickup and preamp. I used to use Labella LTF on the bass but now prefer the Gallistrings.
Click to expand...
@Albert Henri:
I've taken the liberty to quote your post from another thread an post it here. If you could share any further impressions on the Synthesis Flats and how they sound on an acoustic bass guitar it would be much appreciated. :)
 
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#10
Karl Kaminski said:
Yeah I'd be very interested to hear your experiences.

Sidenote: While waiting for the Gallis to arrive I found a few more possible options (albeit more expensive like Tis and Dogal) NS Double Bass/Cello NS710 OmniBass, and the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] —both flat on rope core 34" scale.
Click to expand...
I was kind of underwhelmed (and my past history with exposed copper/bronze makes me...not the target audience), but these upcoming Aquila synthetic-core, copper flatwounds fall into this general category of superflexible flats
(EDIT - in quotecode for post compactness, since it is off-topic re the Galli, after all):
Click to expand...


[MODS: I have no affiliation whatsoever with Aquila.]
 
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#11
Oh I'd love to try those too -just sent them an email. ;) Edit: Oh wow that vid is only 11hrs old...I guess it'll be a while before I could a set.

FWIW, I hate when they do vids thru the pickup... does NOTHING for hearing the strings and the instrument, just the pup and amp.


If you have any old sets that fall into this category, hit me up—I'll take em off your hands:thumbsup:
 
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#12
Hi TB,
I haven't forgotten about these strings. They finally got delivered! But in a turn of events, I received a demo set of the aforementioned Aquilastrings to try so that that has been my focus recently. I started a thread over here for those strings (with reviews starting at post #26).

But I will be posting a demo of these shortly, but no ETA ;)
 
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#13
1st Impression:

#1 C .95mm /.037"
#2 G 1.22mm /.048”
#3 D 1.71mm /.067”
#4 A 2.17mm /.085”
#5 E 2.71mm /.107”
#6 B 3.36mm /.132”


Unpacking:
Surprisingly, the strings were really stiff out of the package—It was hard to believe they were nylon core.
I wasn't very pleased with the 'fit and finish' of the wraps and silks, and the ball ends seemed loosely attached.

IMG_2051D.jpeg


Installation:
The B silk is shorter than normal (B/E silks = 38"—they should ideally be at 36.5" from ballend). The B string is so thick it would create issues having the wrap "mount the peg"—I added a 1" spacer to B and G strings to better accommodate the silks and pegs.

IMG_2052D.jpeg


Playing:
On 1st impression, I don't know what to say... I was a bit disappointed. Mostly, that my expectations were different. These strings upon installation felt like I was playing set of Labella Gold Flats, or a really stiff TIJF. It felt like these were made for EB (though I wonder what the pup response is like with the Nylon core?—It must ok since there are EB demos online). The notes feel a bit choked on ABG, theres a nice thump to the attack and while there is a decay, its shelved. By that I mean the attack is strong, then there's a big drop-off with a gentle sustain. I can see how they may have been going for the 'upright sound/feel' for EB, but at least on my AGB/for my playing style they are counter-productive.

B String:
The sound of D/G are the strongest of the set IMO. The lower the string, the more flaccid they become. The B is not floppy but 'eh'. NO real center to the tone, just a percussive attack.

2nd Impression:
After about a week—as they settled and stretched—I started to warm up to the strings. They become "more playable" to me but the lack of overtones and quick decay are just not "my thing". Though~ to me, they sound much better in the demo than my actual playing experience. YMMV
 
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#16
I was listening back to a variety of the string demos (Galli, Aquilastrings, Fisoma) ...and prepping for some upcoming LaBellas. And Im torn, I REALLY like the attack of these Galli's in the Demo, but not the feel (a combination of the lack of sustain and stiffness). It's a bit of a Sophies choice for me.

They have a great tone, but an unexpected decay (acoustically and with the piezo pup) that I wish was somewhat longer/sustained. Again all this is related to ABG, I imagine on EB it may be different. I have a Lace Ultra Thin mag pup Im going to test out this week with so maybe something to try with these?

Has anyone tried these strings yet? Very curious to hear other's take on them.

While a few TBers mentioned earlier, a long/never "settling in" period, I found them to be somewhat on-par with other non-metal core strings—a week of playing and constant retuning to settle in.
 
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#18
I like clanky attack and quick delay for ABG. Looking for synthetic core flats for a sub short scale (27”) and wondering if the Galli synthesis chromes would work. But I think I would need something for that odd scale. Do the gauges increase in the shorter scale lengths? Did you order direct from Galli?
 
#19
angelopb said:
I like clanky attack and quick delay for ABG. Looking for synthetic core flats for a sub short scale (27”) and wondering if the Galli synthesis chromes would work. But I think I would need something for that odd scale. Do the gauges increase in the shorter scale lengths? Did you order direct from Galli?
Click to expand...
Is your 27"-scale ABG either the Alvarez MSB1 or the Journey OB660G1? Or is it another model?

Anyway:
if you read the posts above, you'll find answers to all your questions. Most importantly, that the Galli are long-scale only, but there is a set - with gauges roughly the same as the BEAD subset of the Synthesis flats - made for ukulele basses, and also available in a slightly longer version that could fit some guitar-scale acoustic bass guitars, but unfortunately not yours: said longer version has only 26.5" winding length, ball to start of taper.

[If I'm not mistaken, the new Aquila Flat Spirals aren't available for your scale length either, but a double-check won't hurt.]
 
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#20
Karl Kaminski said:
They have a great tone, but an unexpected decay (acoustically and with the piezo pup) that I wish was somewhat longer/sustained. Again all this is related to ABG, I imagine on EB it may be different. I have a Lace Ultra Thin mag pup Im going to test out this week with so maybe something to try with these?
Click to expand...
How did these strings work with the Lace pickup? What did you think of the Lace in general?
 

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