LaBella flats - E-string sounds...dead

[BassAgent]

So I've been having an old set (approx 10 years old) of Labella flat wounds on my '71 which have served me pretty well over the years, but recently I've found the E-string to sound way more dusty than all the other strings. A, D and G are fine, E sounds like it's lost all life. Is this a known thing for LaBella? I really want to replace the strings, thinking about getting a new set of LaBellas but if this is the case with the next set too... Might switch to Thomastik.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

I'm not sure, but it may be time for new strings. What do you think?

 

[BassAgent]

Well, I've never changed a pair of flats in my life and actually wasn't planning to, but now I will. Plus: a dead set of strings sounds different than this. This is one string that's completely lost its sound.

 

[LushPuppy]

Have you tried raising action, pickup height for that string? In my experience the dead sounding E is part of the character of the old school-sounding flats like La Bella, but I’ve had some luck with action/pickup adjustment. I’ve also had twists in their E strings which affected the sound and output.

Beautiful bass, btw.

 

[GTHintz]

I think it's a normal thing with any string. When you play a set of strings for years like that the ones you use the most will be the most ground down and worn out. The frets actually groove strings. Since you play the e and a the most they naturally get the most play wear. You got a decade from those strings and that's doing great. Even flats wear out and it's time to change. Labella does flats very well. If you want to try something else Dunlop flats get lots of love here. TI. Even Ernie Ball cobalt flats seem to have it's players.

 

[BassAgent]

Have you tried raising action, pickup height for that string? In my experience the dead sounding E is part of the character of the old school-sounding flats like La Bella, but I’ve had some luck with action/pickup adjustment. I’ve also had twists in their E strings which affected the sound and output.

Yep, have tried that. The bass is setup perfectly (if I may say so) but it's really the string.

Beautiful bass, btw.

Thanks

I think it's a normal thing with any string. When you play a set of strings for years like that the ones you use the most will be the most ground down and worn out. The frets actually groove strings. Since you play the e and a the most they naturally get the most play wear. You got a decade from those strings and that's doing great. Even flats wear out and it's time to change. Labella does flats very well. If you want to try something else Dunlop flats get lots of love here. TI. Even Ernie Ball cobalt flats seem to have it's players.

Yeah I think I'm mostly surprised I have to change flats, and that the E-string has deteriorated so much "faster" than the rest. Time for a new set of flats.

 

[Dave TB Killer]

10 years is a pretty good run. Part of why I like certain brands of strings is because you can buy single strings.

 

[GTHintz]

Yep, have tried that. The bass is setup perfectly (if I may say so) but it's really the string.

Thanks


Yeah I think I'm mostly surprised I have to change flats, and that the E-string has deteriorated so much "faster" than the rest. Time for a new set of flats.

I've had that too. Most of the time when a set really does on me it's one of the low strings. B E or sometime A that will start sounding really dull. I usually play roundwounds so if I have a year of playing on a set I'm pretty much happy. I'm thinking about switching to a set of flats on my fretless though just to have a change from my other basses. But like has been said, beautiful looking bass and hopefully your next set vibes well with you and the bass.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Yep, have tried that. The bass is setup perfectly (if I may say so) but it's really the string.

Thanks

Yeah I think I'm mostly surprised I have to change flats, and that the E-string has deteriorated so much "faster" than the rest. Time for a new set of flats.

I'm using La Bella's 1954 "Original" set.
The E string in that set has changed in a tone more than the others, a dead thud. I kinda like it
James Jamerson only changed them when they broke, the folklore says

TI flats otoh are going to sound and feel way different than the La Bella's, like night and day.

 

[Dragan]

Yes, those are some bad strings..going dead after a decade. Don't buy again..

 

[FirewalZ]

So I've been having an old set (approx 10 years old) of Labella flat wounds on my '71 which have served me pretty well over the years, but recently I've found the E-string to sound way more dusty than all the other strings. A, D and G are fine, E sounds like it's lost all life. Is this a known thing for LaBella? I really want to replace the strings, thinking about getting a new set of LaBellas but if this is the case with the next set too... Might switch to Thomastik.
View attachment 4608439

I've had that same problem with two sets of 760FL's and a few other brands of flats. And before anyone chimes in, this was after still an issue after many months of regular play. I've recently had great luck with Dunlop flats, surprisingly even right out of the package and have stayed that way.

 

[iiipopes]

Welcome to flat wound E strings. Order a new single E string from La Bella, change it out, and rock on. That's what I have done on several different makes, models, and gauges of flats. It is inherent in the E string core being larger, and with the tight ribbon windings does not want to vibrate in partials or overtones to the same extent as the other three strings, so it sounds dead sooner. This is not a La Bella issue. It is an issue with essentially all E strings on 4-string instruments. Physics.

 

[BassAgent]

Welcome to flat wound E strings. Order a new single E string from La Bella, change it out, and rock on. That's what I have done on several different makes, models, and gauges of flats. It is inherent in the E string core being larger, and with the tight ribbon windings does not want to vibrate in partials or overtones to the same extent as the other three strings, so it sounds dead sooner. This is not a La Bella issue. It is an issue with essentially all E strings on 4-string instruments. Physics.

Thanks for this perfect answer I've just ordered a new set.

 

[pbass2]

The Labellas 760-FS flats on my P are around 8-9 years old and they sound better than ever. Very even across all 4 strings. Of course, let's see what happens when I hit the 10 year mark! Never had an issue with Labella flats in over 20 years (that I can recall). Certainly have with other brands tho...

 

[iiipopes]

Thanks for this perfect answer I've just ordered a new set.

Looking at the history of strings, let's start with the original V. C. Squier made set for Fender for original single coil P-Bass pickups (1951-1956):
1) The G string is heavier in gauge than you think it should be to get rid of the inherent twang of a thin string;
2) The D string is heavier in gauge than you think it should be because on a flat top pickup but a crown radius fingerboard the string needs more mass to induce a tone with more amplitude to match the rest of the set since it is farther from the pickup than the other strings;
3) The A string is a shade lighter for flexibility and consistency of tone, and
4) The E string is especially lighter than the math would otherwise indicate to keep consistency of tone, and not overload the pickup compared to the other strings since it is also closer to the flat top of the pickup compared to the other strings.

Fast forward: flatter fingerboard radii, different pickups, advances in string technology, etc. So string gauges over time have rather evened out, except for traditional sets with the tight D string. One thing that can't be changed: given a constant scale length, the core must be thicker on an E string so there is enough tension to actually intonate and play the string. And because of that it will vibrate in less overtones, collect gunk quicker, and all those other things that kill strings. Congratulations for getting ten years out of a set of La Bellas.

 

[FirewalZ]

Welcome to flat wound E strings. Order a new single E string from La Bella, change it out, and rock on. That's what I have done on several different makes, models, and gauges of flats. It is inherent in the E string core being larger, and with the tight ribbon windings does not want to vibrate in partials or overtones to the same extent as the other three strings, so it sounds dead sooner. This is not a La Bella issue. It is an issue with essentially all E strings on 4-string instruments. Physics.

I don't recall seeing this explanation before, this does makes sense and your right I've noticed the same with many string types. I wonder if any manufacturer has cracked this code?

 

[iiipopes]

I don't recall seeing this explanation before, this does makes sense and your right I've noticed the same with many string types. I wonder if any manufacturer has cracked this code?

Jon @ GHS has gotten close with his Balanced sets: pure nickels, progressives, etc. From the time GHS Progressives were the "new" string in the early 90's, I always ordered extra E strings so in the middle of a weekend Fri-Sat gig I could change just the E string to keep the tone fresh for the entire weekend.

 

[LukeSlywalker]

I haven’t played my precision for months because I had this same issue with my La Bella’s. Good to know I can order a single E string.

I’ll also second the TI flats feeling drastically different than La Bella’s.

 

[bassdude51]

Nice bass! TI FLATS!!!!!!!!!!! (Last 6 to 10 years. YMMV)

 

[tvbop]

I had a 71 P bass...sunburst, RW dead original but heavyish and the E was always real quiet...I tried everything...PU's, bridge, even different necks but no joy....sold it.