These are lighter tension that the lightest Fender flats, I believe.
Can really dominate them with a pick.
OP's MMV
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Labella 1954 original flats
- Thread starter DavidEdenAria
- Start date
These are lighter tension that the lightest Fender flats, I believe.
Can really dominate them with a pick.
OP's MMV
I picked up a set of the Labella Jamerson strings and they were just too much everything for my needs. I keep meaning to trade them for something else in the classifieds. That said, I really liked the DTF's with the black silks and I also like the Low Tension Flats.
Out of the pack, LaBellas have a pronounced mid-scoop with a bright, almost zingy top end (for flats, at least). As they break in, they take on the characteristic Motown thump, with punchy and focused low-mids, while retaining articulate glassy overtones on top.
To me, GHS flats have a less dramatic break-in, mostly characterized by a fat, woody thud... very "full" sounding, for lack of a better term.
I have tried them before on my PBass and I absolutely LOVED the sound i was getting out of them. The tension really is tight, but I actually kinda liked it. With a strong fretting hand and a light touch the plucking hand, those strings absolutely sing.
Only reason I changed them out was to try something else on a PBass as this was my first PBass. Just wanted to see what else I may like. But I have a feeling I'll end up using those strings again at some point.
Only reason I changed them out was to try something else on a PBass as this was my first PBass. Just wanted to see what else I may like. But I have a feeling I'll end up using those strings again at some point.
I tried the La Bella 1954s on my P Bass and I kept them on because I really like the sound. However, they are so high-tension that I rarely play that bass because the strings really tire my fretting hand out. My plucking hand likes them though.
I've used GHS Precision Flats in the past, and remember them having a somewhat lower tension with still really nice old-school tone.
I've used GHS Precision Flats in the past, and remember them having a somewhat lower tension with still really nice old-school tone.
I think everyone should try the Jamerson set at some point in their playing. The Jamerson set and the TI Jazz Flats are unique, albeit on opposite ends of the spectrum.
On a properly set up bass, the tension of the Jamerson set isn't so great that they're unplayable.
And the sound; imo it's THE sound of flats on an electric bass. Fat, punchy, the Jamerson set has it all.
On a properly set up bass, the tension of the Jamerson set isn't so great that they're unplayable.
And the sound; imo it's THE sound of flats on an electric bass. Fat, punchy, the Jamerson set has it all.
I know exactly what you are saying! I have an extensive collection of mint vinyl and a great system and i get the Jamerson thing totally.
The TI J flats are something i will likely pursue!
with those strings you can set the action really low, and the neck almost straight! I use them, and they are my most comfortable strings, due to this
the neck on the Jazz is straight and the action is low, without unwanted buzzes (I also pluck near the neck, usually).Hmmmm....I have this Ibanez SR300 that i have been unable to sell for some reason, but the action on this particular bass is unbelievably low... even with rounds it doesnt buzz anywhere.with those strings you can set the action really low, and the neck almost straight! I use them, and they are my most comfortable strings, due to this
I am wondering if i should retrieve this bass from consignment and at least try the Fender 9050's on it.....the pickups are the weak point, but hey, you never know......perhaps this bass could benefit from some flats and this is a chance to see how a stiffer set of flats can perform with super low action.
Thanks for the invite, im too far way unfortunately!
Glad you mentioned the J neck with higher tension flats, my 9050's needed so many trussrod tightening turns on my 85 Peavey Foundation (J bass on steroids basically), i darn near pulled the 9050's off.....these are the 2 piece Peavey necks that are very resistant to twisting so i went ahead with the trussrod adjusting....the bass was so clanky sounding with rounds and i just didnt want to turn back.
Same with a late 80's USA Peavey Fury which is a P bass with a J neck but it had flats when i bought it....it needed less neck tightening.
SO, i dont have a big P neck with flats! Odd i know.
The good thing is that there is still a nice variety of strings for you to choose from. Let us know what string set you go with and your thoughts about them . . .
I will.....i am actually considering tapewounds or half rounds as well to get the tension down on one of the Peavey basses with the J necks....something i will have to search and study.
I don't know much about tapewounds, but for half-rounds, you might want to consider trying the GHS Brite Flats L3075 set, which is nicely tension-balanced and relatively light weight. Just a suggestion...
Brite Flats L3075:
G 045 - 38.3
D 056 - 35.9
A 077 - 39.3
E 098 - 38.8
Total 152.3 lbs.
G 045 - 38.3
D 056 - 35.9
A 077 - 39.3
E 098 - 38.8
Total 152.3 lbs.
I think that is the string my pal (who has horded some serious gear for years) considered using on SOME of his bass collection....it is all pre 1975 basses.....he is a BIG GHS devotee with his guitars and i believe used the half or pressure round GHS on most basses but as he gets older he is after more thump and less string noise, more comfort....i need to call him!
I have a mid-90s American Standard P Bass, I would love to play these on. But...These basses came with a graphite stiffener, and...I had a thick slab ebony board put on it...and still, with the truss as tight as I can get it, the relief gets really pronounced.
I love the sound, but the neck worries me. Should I quit worrying and just play or put my GHS or TIs back on? Is it possible to get a fairly flat neck, minimum relief, with these?
I love the sound, but the neck worries me. Should I quit worrying and just play or put my GHS or TIs back on? Is it possible to get a fairly flat neck, minimum relief, with these?
I have these LaBella 1954 strings on my Squier CV early 1950s precision. It’s my “disposable” bass, unruly tone and baseball bat neck. These strings tame the tone and that neck is hard to play anyway. Sounds warm woody and thuddy like an upright acoustic.
After 3 months no out-of-the-ordinary neck bow or truss adjustments. Great workout for daily practice and exercises, everything else feels so easy to play after, like jogging with weights. I finally found a use for this unique bass guitar.
After 3 months no out-of-the-ordinary neck bow or truss adjustments. Great workout for daily practice and exercises, everything else feels so easy to play after, like jogging with weights. I finally found a use for this unique bass guitar.
