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La Bella DTF Quiet E

PBassAcidJazz

PBassAcidJazz

Nov 7, 2022
291
368
#1
Hi all,

I've owned a few sets of La Bella strings, including my current set of DTFs in question. I like the strings, but do find that the E is quiet / muted compared to the rest. Also had this issue with the LTFs. Also, the G string seems brighter and not balanced with the rest of the set. These are popular and well-loved strings across many years so I wonder if perhaps I need to adjust. I've had them on for a month so thought they might have balanced out over time. I have Fender and Gibson flats that seem more balanced in terms of volume and tone. Anyone else notice this as an issue or am I experiencing this wrong? :) What can I do?
DTF Quiet E.JPG
 
#2
You can try raising the pickups on the E side a bit and lower the G side. Maybe try that....and if that does not do any justice, maybe try taking off the strings and restringing it carefully, as to not twist them at all.

I use the nickel coin method to get an estimate, as to how high the strings should be from the P bass pups. Two nickels on the E, A side and one nickel on the D, G side. The nickels should just graze the strings. This may be different on different basses, but It is the norm for the Fender American Pro II.
 
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#4
PBassAcidJazz said:
Hi all,

I've owned a few sets of La Bella strings, including my current set of DTFs in question. I like the strings, but do find that the E is quiet / muted compared to the rest. Also had this issue with the LTFs. Also, the G string seems brighter and not balanced with the rest of the set. These are popular and well-loved strings across many years so I wonder if perhaps I need to adjust. I've had them on for a month so thought they might have balanced out over time. I have Fender and Gibson flats that seem more balanced in terms of volume and tone. Anyone else notice this as an issue or am I experiencing this wrong? :) What can I do? View attachment 7017386
Click to expand...

Drop email to La bella customer service.
 
#12
PBassAcidJazz said:
Hi all,

I've owned a few sets of La Bella strings, including my current set of DTFs in question. I like the strings, but do find that the E is quiet / muted compared to the rest. Also had this issue with the LTFs. Also, the G string seems brighter and not balanced with the rest of the set. These are popular and well-loved strings across many years so I wonder if perhaps I need to adjust. I've had them on for a month so thought they might have balanced out over time. I have Fender and Gibson flats that seem more balanced in terms of volume and tone. Anyone else notice this as an issue or am I experiencing this wrong? :) What can I do? View attachment 7017386
Click to expand...
The E is almost always thuddier than the rest on any set of flats. Just play them and they will balance out
 
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#16
I made more carefully height adjustments on my EMG Geezer pickups using these LaBella DTF strings - needed to remove the pickups and replace a shallow foam insert I used at first with a thicker one to raise them up. Followed EMG's pickup adjustment recommendations bringing strings and pickups closer together and have a much more even sound now.
 
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#17
PBassAcidJazz said:
Hi all,

I've owned a few sets of La Bella strings, including my current set of DTFs in question. I like the strings, but do find that the E is quiet / muted compared to the rest. Also had this issue with the LTFs. Also, the G string seems brighter and not balanced with the rest of the set. These are popular and well-loved strings across many years so I wonder if perhaps I need to adjust. I've had them on for a month so thought they might have balanced out over time. I have Fender and Gibson flats that seem more balanced in terms of volume and tone. Anyone else notice this as an issue or am I experiencing this wrong? :) What can I do? View attachment 7017386
Click to expand...
Pickup height is likely the culprit since you say you've had this issue on multiple sets. As a general rule, the E-string in my experience is the same volume. The G-string, on the other hand, can sometimes be zingy on a new set for a while before it mellows. Not a volume issue, but new string brightness.
 
#19
PBassAcidJazz said:
I have a set of Gibson flats on my other P. They are my fav so far. Also have an old set of Fender 9050s I could install. Otherwise keen to try Ernieball Group 3 flats. I like a more vintage tone…
Click to expand...
The GHS precision flats are a set I’m curious to try. Glad I read this thread, as I was pretty torn between those are the DTFs, having never tried either.
 
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