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Proper Flatwounds for Ibanez Parlor Bass?

fretlessman71

fretlessman71

Still beats havin' a job
Supporting Member
Aug 8, 2005
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www.michaelolsononline.com
#1
Yes, I've read the other threads. I need current information.

I read those threads and chose Octave4Plus to make me a set of strings. That was in June. I've paid in advance and every time I ask about the strings I get the runaround. I don't ever expect to see those strings, so I am starting over.

I am looking for flatwound strings for my fretless Ibanez Parlor Bass. The goal is to make it sound and feel as close to an upright as possible (yes, I hear you laughing, knock it off, thangyaverramush).

That means no rounds. That also means no tapewounds unless they can be at the same tension as the flats (definitely not after the U-Bass string vibe).

I've heard good things and bad things about the LaBella CB40 strings. I've also heard that LaBella disavows any claim that they are suitable in any way with the Ibanez Parlor Bass.

If you have any experience with getting a really good upright-ish tone out of a fretless Parlor Bass, I'd love to hear about it.

Edit: I just got an email assuring me that I'd have my strings in two weeks.
 
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#2
fretlessman71 said:
I am looking for flatwound strings for my fretless Ibanez Parlor Bass. The goal is to make it sound and feel as close to an upright as possible (yes, I hear you laughing, knock it off, thangyaverramush).
Click to expand...
"...as close to an upright as possible." That means Rotosound nylon tapewound strings, which were/are designed to do just that, including the bloom of an upright as opposed to sustain.
 
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#7
knirirr said:
Did you ever get those strings?
I'm wondering as I ordered some in September and have since heard nothing.
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I did NOT. Every time I contacted him, I got a pretty fast return email saying "Sorry, I'm just finishing up, they'll be out soon, supply chain issues, blah blah blah". Finally, I ordered a set of the LaBella flats made for the Gold Tone basses, and after a bit of finagling, I seem to have them well installed and they sound great. I sent an email asking for a refund, and I have heard nothing at all.....
 
#9
 
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#11
I asked Pyramid and they were willing to make some black nylon tapewounds at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, these appear to be too thick to fit on the tuners.
Labella don't make anything that will fit either (I checked with them).
No reply still from Octave4plus, even when I opened a PayPal dispute.
So, I am running out of ideas.
 
#12
knirirr said:
I asked Pyramid and they were willing to make some black nylon tapewounds at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, these appear to be too thick to fit on the tuners.
Click to expand...
They can't make tapewounds that adequately taper between nut and tuning post? That's odd.
One thing you could do is replace the tuners (or at least a couple of them) with a set for ukulele bass (larger posts):
U-Bass Tuner Set of four
No idea how much of a hassle this would entail. (Shipping, fitment etc.)
Also, again, I don't see why Pyramid can't make you a set with the correct length that also brings the diameter down, between nut and tuning post, so that the largest strings fit.
 
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#14
knirirr said:
Nor do I, but that's what they say.
For now I'll put up with rounds but will investigate alternative tuners.
Click to expand...
Also a hassle, but less thereof:
the aforementioned La Bella/Gold Tone MBLS have a 28" length from ball-end to taper. If you source narrow, 1" long metal tubes, you could thread the lowest strings through them, so that the ball-end sits 1" from the ball-anchoring at the bridge, and the winding tapers before the post at the other end. (If interested, measure the distance between ball and E-string post to be sure: if it turns out to be around 27", and if there's enough room between the bridge and the edge of the instrument for the tubes, you could have a viable option. A single 036 electric guitar flatwound could work fine as a high C.)
 
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#16
fretlessman71 said:
UPDATE: Nine months after I ordered them, I got a message that my strings from Octave4Plus are FINALLY on their way.
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My strings ARRIVED today! About seven months later than promised, but here they are. I will open them next week and consider whether to remove the Gold Tone strings and install these instead. The Gold Tones are a bit more warbly than I had in mind, but that may be poor installation....
 
#19
knirirr said:
Looks like the wait is over; Octave4Plus decided to issue a refund rather than complete the order; not the best outcome but it was getting a bit distracting. For now I'll have to keep going with the easily-available roundwounds.
Click to expand...
Interesting; his email to me pointed out that the website says that refunds are not issued.... glad you got a resolution. Try the LaBella Gold Tone flats.
 

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