new La Bella 760FL G string extreme buzz/citar effect

[RJHall]

So, I got my issue completely sorted out. I had a "ski jump" after all. The ski jump (or heel flip) effect is caused by a weakening of the neck around the 12th fret causing an anomaly in the neck/string geometry where the high notes fret out with normal or low action. High(er) tension strings magnify the issue which is why I didn't notice it with the stock rounds. The only solution is a fret level. Got my frets leveled and everything is good. Also switched back to TIs after the level, so even better for me!

I think your neck has a ski jump too. Getting the Facts about Ski Jumps | Page 3 | TalkBass.com Sorry.

 

[ale29]

I had some basses with varying grades of ski jumps. From tolerable to unplayable (for me at least). They were all Fenders indeed.
Anyway, unless this neck has developed a new problem after september 2014, a problem which manifests on the G string only, with a particular kind of string only and mostly in the central part of the fretboard (when I tried the through neck mounting, the issue persisted on frets 8-13 only), I'd just say that I should try some other string and see what happens

This is the neck before PLEK leveling, done 9 months ago

After PLEK:

EDIT: I know that you're trying to help me, and I always could be wrong! I just find it unlikely for this particular bass to have a significant ski jump, given that I experienced its symptoms already in the past

 

[rmars]

I have a set of La Bella's I bought a year ago (760FL's I believe) and have the same problem with the sitar-like G string.

They were nice enough to send me two more strings but the same issue. I've tried the g strings on 4 other basses including two Plek'd G&L's and a Sadowsky Will Lee and it was the same deal. It's not an issue with string height, break angle, relief or high frets. The same basses work fine with Thomastiks and Chromes.

 

[ale29]

I have a set of La Bella's I bought a year ago (760FL's I believe) and have the same problem with the sitar-like G string.

They were nice enough to send me two more strings but the same issue. I've tried the g strings on 4 other basses including two Plek'd G&L's and a Sadowsky Will Lee and it was the same deal. It's not an issue with string height, break angle, relief or high frets. The same basses work fine with Thomastiks and Chromes.

Have you ever tried Sadowsky flats by any chance?
They're still made by La Bella, but with different specs afaik

 

[rmars]

Have you ever tried Sadowsky flats by any chance?
They're still made by La Bella, but with different specs afaik

No I haven't. I'm using Chromes now and might try some of the new EB Slinky flats for something even brighter.

 

[RJHall]

Have you ever tried Sadowsky flats by any chance?
They're still made by La Bella, but with different specs afaik

See my first post on this thread Re: Sadowsky Flats

 

[ale29]

See my first post on this thread Re: Sadowsky Flats

Yep, sorry I forgot that you already tried that!

I experienced a problem with the 760FL G string that was due to installation error. I discovered the problem after experiencing it with two strings. The tuner post had a sharp edge that cut into the string. I filed the edges of the tuner post, replaced the G string, and that solved the problem. I never experienced the problem with other flat wounds and round wounds on the same tuner. Perhaps the construction of the string in question is fragile and more susceptible to the sharp edge on the tuner. That would jive with the manufacturer's recommendation against string-thru-body installation.

How did you realize that there was an issue with the tuner post having a sharp edge? Was it clearly visible in any way? This could be interesting

 

[RJHall]

The tuner theory doesn't make much sense IMHO. As I'm aware all tonal variables of this nature occur between the nut and saddles. Anything before the nut shouldn't be part of the equation.

 

[ale29]

UPDATE: tried some Chromes couple days ago, and the issue with the G string is totally gone. I still don't know what was going on, anyway these strings are staying for now.

 

[rmars]

UPDATE: tried some Chromes couple days ago, and the issue with the G string is totally gone. I still don't know what was going on, anyway these strings are staying for now.

Same deal here; no problem with Chromes or Thomastiks but the G on the 760FL's is unusable. Too bad because the rest of the set sounds fantastic and I prefer the tension of the La Bella's.

 

[Mastermold]

Same deal here; no problem with Chromes or Thomastiks but the G on the 760FL's is unusable. Too bad because the rest of the set sounds fantastic and I prefer the tension of the La Bella's.

I had the same problem with a G string on a set of 760FLs, sounded like a fretless between the 9th and 12th frets. I thought it was perhaps a high fret but only under the G. But when I changed the strings to a set of Chromes the problem disappeared entirely.

 

[rmars]

I had the same problem with a G string on a set of 760FLs, sounded like a fretless between the 9th and 12th frets. I thought it was perhaps a high fret but only under the G. But when I changed the strings to a set of Chromes the problem disappeared entirely.

Yep, Chromes and Thomastiks no problem but LaBellas 760FL G string is a no go.

 

[Mastermold]

Yep, Chromes and Thomastiks no problem but LaBellas 760FL G string is a no go.

I've used La Bella 760 FLs for years and this is the first time I've had this issue, they're normally perfect. But sounds like you've had it happen more than once. I guess it's a quality control issue.

 

[rmars]

I've used La Bella 760 FLs for years and this is the first time I've had this issue, they're normally perfect. But sounds like you've had it happen more than once. I guess it's a quality control issue.

They sent me 2 other G strings and they both do it as well. I've tried them on multiple bass with the same results.

 

[Mastermold]

They sent me 2 other G strings and they both do it as well. I've tried them on multiple bass with the same results.

That sounds like a manufacturing issue. I wonder if it is a recent phenomenon, most of my sets of 760FLs were purchased 6-8 years ago and they've never had this. The set I had trouble with was a new set.

 

[michael_t]

I just installed a set of 760FL that was purchased 6 mths ago on my newly-acquired Am Std P bass. No issue whatsoever.

 

[hopwheels]

Sorry to necro this thread, but I was amazed and appreciative this topic existed. Experienced this issue on a brand new US G&L LB-100, which has plek'd frets, but more importantly every note was perfect and rang true with the factory strings. Changing to 760FL Deep Talkin' Bass Flat Wound Lights (and setting up) produced this sitar-like overtone on the G string from frets 7-12. Again, I was amazed this was a known issue and have emailed La Bella to see what they'll do. Thanks!

UPDATE: Swapped to a set of Chromes I had on hand and the problem is gone. Hoping La Bella gets back to me.

 

[Freud_Chicken]

Old post now, but i have this same issue with both 760fs AND fl, this time the D string is the issue, the g string is almost perfect but has the sitar zing to a small but acceptable extent. Ive had this on i swear about 5 sets in a row. La bella sent replacements at first, but when the replacements had the same/similar issues and were unusable, la bella have literally just stopped responding to my emails. Ive sent them 3 or 4 about this issue and even had a string on a set of 760fl that is a completely different colour - almost black - and had much lower output and tone than the rest of the set. My experience with la bella has been really awful, absolutely terrible C.S. apart from the the 1 replacement, and i habe spent probably around £300 and have come away with ONE set of usable strings. I love these strings to bits and no other flat comes close but im gna have to jump ship to TIs cos the service and quality control has just been absolutely awful.