Day 2 with the first Rope Core E & A. The twang has gone down a good bit, and is only heard when I play the open A string. Like the 7720L, initially I didn't think it matched with the Goldentone gut. But like the 7720L, this test string sounds more in union with the gut as each day passes. This test string doesn't sound at all like the 7720 or Spiro. The 7720 has an openness, comparable to Spiro. The test set sounds like a combination of solid and rope core. There is a burnished sonority to the tester, with a lower and apparent treble peak compared to Spiro. You know exactly where you are pitch wise with these test strings. No straining to get the strings to speak, either. A ballsy, burnished, sustaining string with a big note. There is a solid center punch to the tone, like a solid core string, but with rope flexibility. Whatever loading, if any, in the construction is working for me. No bright whine going on with these. I would feel confident driving a band and a session with this E & A tester.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass LaBella developing new hybrid and gut offerings for Upright
- Thread starter littlebun
- Start date
Flatwound all metal for both E & A pairs. No Wound gut sent yet.
An assumption on my part. 7720 is chrome finish on nickel flatwound per Richard.
Last edited:
So here's what's happening with the La Bella line. This test with Richard and staff was all about how different metal E & A's work with the new construction/re-released Goldentone Nylon wrapped gut and Plain gut G & D's. There will be a re-release of the 980 Gut set, like my testers, with the best available construction and materials, and re-release of the Goldentone set. Add to this, new Hybrid sets with various combinations of Nylon wrapped gut and plain gut D&G's paired with three different types of E & A strings (in medium and light gauge I assume) that includes two different E & A rope core models, and a silver wire wrapped gut. I don't know how Richard will present these, but I'm going to ask about having 3 distinct standard sets: 2 sets with Goldentone Nylon D & G, with each having a different toned E & A (one brighter/one darker), and the lastly the 980 Classic set. I'm discussing gauge/tension with him right now. The darker rope core E & A is available in light/medium. The brighter rope core tester is only available in medium, and I would like it in light gauge, too, as light gauge E & A pair reallywell with gut. Medium E & A do pair with gut, but the string height on the gut side of the bridge will need to be raised to compensate and keep the player from over-playing the gut when transitioning from the metal.
Sorry, some more questions...
Are these going to be ball-end or loop end? Or possibly user-adjustable to be either ball or loop end?
Do you envision them being robust enough for slap?
Will they be tested for arco?
Are these going to be ball-end or loop end? Or possibly user-adjustable to be either ball or loop end?
Do you envision them being robust enough for slap?
Will they be tested for arco?
Knowing Richard, I'm surely not the only tester. His stable of bass artists is involved I'm sure. All of the La Bella line is arco friendly except the 7710 Ron Carter string, but a synth bow will work for his string. The gut are a knot with metal washer. I don't know how Goldentone gut will bow or hold up to slapping. The plain gut will surely hold up.
The plain gut are settled and playing well. Like I said previously the construction and material is top notch. Plain gut is slightly louder, and has a little less sustain than Nylon covered gut. Plain gut will match well with light gauge all metal E & A rope core strings, and also great with the wire wound covered gut E & A. Nylon covered gut is slightly quieter than plain gut, and works great with light gauge E & A strings, like the stock nickel rope core E & A strings in the Goldentone set. Nylon covered gut and plain also pairs well with medium gauge rope core E & A strings, but will require raising the gut D & G string bridge height a little bit. No issues with all the test strings--I would use every string sent. I'll post when I find out more about what will be released and when.
Oh boy. You have asked a multifaceted question. Nylon and gut are not the same, Oliv/Eudoxa are different from other wrapped gut, and are we talking pizz, arco, or both?
Raw gut has a slight textured feel. Nylon feels smooth like flatwound metal, but has less tension.
ha..did not want to open a can of worms..I Use Oliv G and D, play pizz only, those are the only gut reference I have, I love them
Okay. Yes, Olivs are wonderful strings. To compare and contrast to plain gut:
1. Plain gut are lower in tension.
2. Plain gut are generally less expensive.
3. Plain gut are more durable (less susceptible to use and abuse).
4. Plain gut will sound less "damped" (on the same bass).
Sound and feel differences are more pronounced in arco playing.
thanks, I love the Olivs, I am not sure how long they last but it seems that is getting harder (pickier) on intonation (besides the normal attention and care they need).
I've had the G for 2 years and 4 months. and the D For about a year. What is the normal expected lifespan under pizz work (played almost daily)
thanks.
A
I've had the G for 2 years and 4 months. and the D For about a year. What is the normal expected lifespan under pizz work (played almost daily)
thanks.
A
That I can't say. If you de-tune a gut string down 2 steps when the bass is at rest it will last twice as long, and be more stable.
Latest posts
-
Anyone been to the current David Byrne tour - Who Is The Sky ?
- Latest: aarono2690
-
-
-
-