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PINO PALLADINO SMOOTHIE FLATS
- Thread starter OlyWhite
- Start date
So I finally got my new tuners last night but something strange happened. I was going to have my guy file the nut a bit today, so I was going to wait to install the pinos until after. In the interim, I installed some TI flats I had laying around… problem is as soon as those strings hit the bass I knew that nothing could possibly be more perfect. You know how they say the Bass chooses the strings, well it chose TIs.
However, I couldn't help myself, so next I tried the extra light Pinos. I was really really impressed until I got to the G string… awful. Way too thin and it buzzed really easily. I would describe these as almost exactly like Labella 760 FX but a little bit thinner, a little more flexible. But you feel that hex core, there's no mistaking these for round core like LaBella LTF.
Since I had such good luck, except for the G, I next installed the medium Pinots. Wow, these are very, very, very, very nice. I'll describe these as somewhere between LaBella LTF and La Bella 760FL.
However, on this set, I feel the tension was just a little bit too high so I went back to the TIs. This bass is just absolutely phenomenal with them so they are staying on. it has such a perfectly straight neck and perfect frets that the TI's work so well even very very low.
However, I couldn't help myself, so next I tried the extra light Pinos. I was really really impressed until I got to the G string… awful. Way too thin and it buzzed really easily. I would describe these as almost exactly like Labella 760 FX but a little bit thinner, a little more flexible. But you feel that hex core, there's no mistaking these for round core like LaBella LTF.
Since I had such good luck, except for the G, I next installed the medium Pinots. Wow, these are very, very, very, very nice. I'll describe these as somewhere between LaBella LTF and La Bella 760FL.
However, on this set, I feel the tension was just a little bit too high so I went back to the TIs. This bass is just absolutely phenomenal with them so they are staying on. it has such a perfectly straight neck and perfect frets that the TI's work so well even very very low.
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Even though the E string is thicker these somehow overall feel thinner than 760 FL. And they are definitely a little bit more flexible too.
For me it isn't so much that the 108 E feels too thick, I actually really like it, its that the 76 A feels a bit thin. I think they should have bumped that up to at least 80 for a better feel balance, BUT, so far it hasn't affected my playing or enjoyment on these strings in any way. I can already tell these Pino's are just gonna get better over time.
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the olinto flats are similar, though a bit less extreme (107 and 80). they felt odd at first but i got used to it very quickly. i find that the bass chooses the string but then i allow myself to naturally tweak my playing techique and/or style to suit the strings.
I'm interested to give the Pinos a try at some point.
Interesting tidbit from ErnieBall about how Pino uses these flats.
Removed a set of TI's, and put a set of mediums on my P4 today,.,so far so good. No issue with the nut. Tone, feel, and tension are nice, but wish the A string was a slightly larger guage. Not bothersome though…
Putting in more playing time, the set seems slightly inconsistent (tone, tension, and output) string to string…at least compared to TI, Dunlop, and Olinto flats, loaded on some of my other basses.
Overall tension is relatively similar to Olinto's, but the Pino G-string feels noticeably higher tension; brighter tone; and louder output, within the set
^^^ ymmv…
The bass setup (action/pup height) that worked for my TI's, definitely not working for me with these strings. My first experience with this brand though. Will keep adjusting/experimenting….
I definitely noticed this too, the G is much brighter and higher output compared to the other strings. I'm sure it'll mellow out over time.
They are not like TIs at all. Much more like LaBella. TIs are very "spungy" strings, these don't have that feel or the same texture as them. They are both lower tensions strings and that's where it ends.
You will def need to crank your truss rod. I just went through the same change and the Pinos have a lot more tension. Once you straighten out the neck they will feel easier to play. They can go pretty low
Quoting myself—update…
Did a complete bass re-setup tonight…I can see how this medium set could be easily tuned down. I'm using standard tuning, but my action is now the lowest (buzz-free) ever achieved.
All my basses are Plek'd, but still—these strings are amazing with a very thorough setup. G string is now tamed; tone (and string to string output) is consistent.
Motown thumper's—very pleased now!…
…[EDIT/add pic]
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- Oct 22, 2015
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