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La Bella 0760M, 760FS, 760FL On A Short Scale?

Bassnomer

Bassnomer

Oct 16, 2013
443
318
Lakewood, CA
#1
I'd like to get a set of La Bella DTF's to put on my short scale Gretsch, and I'm considering tuning the bass to D standard, which I've been enjoying on my 34"s. I was originally going to go with the FL's in standard tuning, though if I'm going to give D a try I'm considering the FS set for some added tension. At the far end of the spectrum, the .52-.110 set may be an option, though in my experience I did not like the tension of them on a standard tuned 34". If I decide to tune to standard E, I'd like to not have to buy another set. So, who has experience with the La Bella DTF's on a short scale? Thanks!!
 
#3
I have the LaBella DTF 760FS-S on my short scale (30") Musicmaster, in standard tuning. I'm about to add a Hipshot Extender on the E string to allow me to switch to drop-D tuning, so I experimented this weekend. That .105 string tuned down to C with no problem, so I know I won't have any problem with it at D. Didn't try anything with the other strings, but I'd bet that they would work fine tuned down for D Standard tuning.
 
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#4
Bassnomer said:
Nobody has used these on a shorty before? :roflmao:
Click to expand...
Your question is about experience with the strings on the intended application i.e. a short-scale. I haven't any, so you can stop reading now.

This said, a flat .110 on a shorty, when tuned to E, will have about the same tension as a round .105 on a 34". It will probably feel stiffer because it is, but not uncomfortable (assuming you are used to and at home with .105 on a full-scale). Now tune that to D and you get a long-scale roundwound .090 or .095's worth of tension: I am used to that so I can make it work, but if you already have the Gretsch so do you (it's about equivalent to a round .100 or .105). What you do have to watch for is too stiff a string tuned too low and thus having noticeably wobbly pitch on the immediately-after-attack portion of the note. You could hunt posts about the Jamersons and ask the poster to kindly try detuning (on a 34") his E down to C (a decent approximation of its behaviour @30" tuned to D) and see how it fares pitch-wise.
But as far as the set still being playable at E standard, I think, FWIW, you'd be covered. Speculation out.
 
#5
Bassnomer said:
So, who has experience with the La Bella DTF's on a short scale? Thanks!!
Click to expand...

My son has La Bella DTF mediums on his Squier Jag VM SS and I love them. I seem to pick it up more than my Lakland HB30 mainly due to the feel and tone of the flats, although I prefer the HB30 playability. Been thinking about buying DTFs for it too, just can't decide between mediums and standard. On the few occassions I drop tune I haven't noticed any issues.
 
#6
DaddySangBass said:
My son has La Bella DTF mediums on his Squier Jag VM SS and I love them. I seem to pick it up more than my Lakland HB30 mainly due to the feel and tone of the flats, although I prefer the HB30 playability. Been thinking about buying DTFs for it too, just can't decide between mediums and standard. On the few occassions I drop tune I haven't noticed any issues.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response! Are the medium you're talking about the FS .105 set?
 
#10
Labella Deep Talkin' flats are my go-to string, 760FL in the light gauge, .043-.104. I love the sound, they feel great and last essentially forever. it takes them a few months to settle into their normal sound, but that's true of flats in most cases.

Let's see, I have them on my Gretsch ThunderJet, Squier Bronco, '64 Gibson EB-0, and Dean Psycho Cabbie.

Tension? They feel fine. Since that's totally subjective, it's all I can tell you.

What else does the OP need to know? Get 'em.
 
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#11
Pilgrim said:
Labella Deep Talkin' flats are my go-to string, 760FL in the light gauge, .043-.104. I love the sound, they feel great and last essentially forever. it takes them a few months to settle into their normal sound, but that's true of flats in most cases.

Let's see, I have them on my Gretsch ThunderJet, Squier Bronco, '64 Gibson EB-0, and Dean Psycho Cabbie.

Tension? They feel fine. Since that's totally subjective, it's all I can tell you.

What else does the OP need to know? Get 'em.
Click to expand...

Have you tried this set in D standard on a short scale? If so and it works well, I'd be seriously considering this gauge. Thanks for the response!
 
#20
Well, I just put Labella 49-109 flats on my Squier Jaguar Short Scale and I have to say, I like them a lot. The low E sounds and feels less flubby and the tone is just bigger overall. Really great strings for a short scale.
 
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