Labella Flats question....

[PizzaBall]

I've read the stickied thread on scale length via manufacturers, and also the FAQ for strings... I've searched here on TB but I didn't find a thread similar to this. I wanted to go with the LaBella 0760M flats. They are specified as long scale, 38", but the standards for example (760FS) are 36.75 - 38" .

The bass I want to restring is my Am Pro II Precision. Standard 34" scale.

My questions are:

1. Can I put the 0760M on my 34" scale Am Pro II P Bass (the only reason I mention the model specifically is because the Am pro II has that Posiflex graphite rod or whatever the heck it is, so I'm unsure if the higher tension will affect it really, but the strings are 38" and my bass is 34" scale.

2. The 760FS are 36.75" to 38" , I understand they'll be long and I'll have to trim them a bit anyway, but will this have any negative impact on my instrument? Could it damage the nut , bridge or neck?

Thanks for the advice folks. Sorry again if this is a repetitive thread , I did try the search but I didn't see anything similar to this than the scale length by manufacturer sticky, but still left me with some questions.


***EDIT***

Found a similar thread after all, please ignore this post lol. Sorry!

 

[HaphAsSard]

***EDIT***

Found a similar thread after all, please ignore this post lol. Sorry!

Can you link to the other thread? Other people may have the same doubt.

Anyway.
Unless it's the 0760M-XL (extra-long) version, of which I do find trace online (currently in stock at BassDirect.co.uk) but not on the La Bella website, which indicates it was discontinued some time ago as many others were,
the low E in the Original 1954 (fka Jamerson) set is 36.75" long ball to silk, the rest are 38"

0760M Deep Talkin’ Bass, 1954 “Original” Style

www.labella.com

i.e. just like in all other standard long scale Deep Talkin' Bass flatwound sets:

https://www.labella.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/La-Bella-Strings-Bass-String-Guide-2-1.pdf

 

[PizzaBall]

here's the thread I was reading after I posted this

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ca...length-flatwounds-on-my-34-inch-bass.1660693/

I think I might have mixed scale length and winding length.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

You will definitely need to adjust the truss rod with these ultra-heavy gauge strings (assuming the bass is currently set up for "normal" strings). The neck on an AmPro II P-bass should be able to handle the tension (at least in theory, these are VERY high tension strings...). You will of course also need to adjust the intonation, and probably also the saddle heights if you want good playability.

You will definitely also need to widen the nut slots, or you will risk breaking the nut. Even if the nut doesn't break, your tone will suffer because these ultra-heavy gauge strings won't be seated properly in a nut that's (presumably) made for "normal" gauge strings.

Also, make sure you top load these strings. LaBella flats, and ESPECIALLY these ultra-heavy gauge ones can unravel and break if you string them through the body. LaBella specifically warn against this.

 

[JohnEdward]

You’ll probably need to file your nut a bit to accommodate these strings. Definitely be aware in this area as it’s true that your nut can literally fly off the side of the neck if you try to put a witness point on the string with a too small diameter nut.

Anyway, as long as the set is standard long scale you’ll be good to go. The tension is great, so you will need to adjust your truss rod, and I do think your bass will be fine. Top load these strings because La Bella’s break up worse than any string I’ve ever used.

 

[PizzaBall]

Thanks guys! I think I might reconsider those strings. Between what you both said, and also reading more about string gauge (specifically LaBella string gauges) I don't think my hands will be able to last long with those strings lol.

 

[GIBrat51]

Thanks guys! I think I might reconsider those strings. Between what you both said, and also reading more about string gauge (specifically LaBella string gauges) I don't think my hands will be able to last long with those strings lol.

Well...
Yeah, the La Bella "Jamerson" flats are sorta jumping into the deep end of flats. I've never used them, but... if they're anything like the Rotosound RS77LD's that I have used on a couple of basses? "Bridge cables" is as good a description as any... I like the RS77s, but I've been playing basses with flats - usually at least 45-105's - for a long, long time. And, almost always with a pick; so, I'm used to stiff flats. If you just want the "Old School Thump" that La Bella's are famous for? The "long scale" 760FS's (43-104) will give you all the thump you'll ever need - without all that strain on you bass's neck - or your fingers. I currently have them on my Aluminum-necked '78 Kramer 450B. It has ridiculously high output pickups; without the La Bella's strong lows and low-mids? It sounds... well, "shrill and distorted" is a good description. With the La Bellas? The sound is more than worth having to deal with a 10.5lb. bass - that wants to neck dive like a JU-88 Stuka on a bomb run..

 

[andare]

I have those strings on a Vintera II. No special graphite rods in the neck. The truss rod handles them just fine.

You will definitely need to widen the nut slots and the E string is hard to intonate, the saddle needs to go almost all the way back. It also sounds pretty bad above the 12th fret, at least mine does. It's just too big. It also has lower volume than the other 3 strings, though the whole set is louder than 50-100 Fender 9050s on the same bass. They are powerful strings with a tubby E. Super smooth. They will sound clangy for a month or more depending on whether you have Alien-like acid sweat or, if you're like me, you leave no sweat on strings.

If you think TIs are playable and not floppy, the 0760M will be a workout. The E string feels floppier than the other 3, I wish it was heavier!

 

[JohnEdward]

Thanks guys! I think I might reconsider those strings. Between what you both said, and also reading more about string gauge (specifically LaBella string gauges) I don't think my hands will be able to last long with those strings lol.

They aren’t THAT bad. I can usually get the 760M pretty low to help negate the heavier string. Besides, your hands will get stronger. The 760FM is a pretty decent compromise, but my all time favorite DTF is the FL. The FL set is such a beautiful string.