• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Sadowsky BLUE Label Flats

#101
I'm on the fence but very intrigued. I'm about to pull the trigger. I use the Labella 43-104 set typically and wouldn't mind if the tightness/feel of the 40-100 set was in that ballpark. The 45-105 Deep Talkin are ever so slightly too stiff, and I find even the Chromes 45-100 set to be unbalanced and very stiff feeling. What I don't want is another rebranded GHS or D'Addario set (sorry, but to me certain strings still feel like them despite the name on the label), if that helps. I don't mind trying a rebranded Labella set because they seem to know how to balance a set. I'll probably order them before I get any thoughts from the community on these because some of the posts conflict with my preferences, while others are right in line and the videos posted sound awesome...almost TI like.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bdplaid
#102
petrus61 said:
I use the Labella 43-104 set typically and wouldn't mind if the tightness/feel of the 40-100 set was in that ballpark.
Click to expand...

I don't have any experience with the Blue Label Flats just yet. However, I have used both the La Bella 760FL and the Sadowsky BLACK LABEL 40-100 and found the Sads to be less stiff due to the smaller G and E. Based on what I've been reading, the BLUE LABEL are supposed to be even more pliable than the BLACK LABEL, meaning the 40-100 set would be quite reasonable in terms of overall playability, though I wouldn't expect them to be as "low tension" as the TI's.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Klonk
#107
I just tested a set of Sadowsky blue flatwound 40-100.
First impression these are loud, very punchy, nicely musical and balanced across strings, their definition is impressive.
Texture and feel of the string is fine, they are not as glassy feeling as the Labella's but they are not grabby either. They actually feel quite good.

I tested these against some Labella, Dunlops flatwound and Ernie Ball Group III flat.
It's never obvious to test some completely fresh strings against seasoned strings but I can say for sure the Sadowsky blue have the highest tension of these three.
They are supposed to be lower tension than the Sadowsky Black flatwound which is a big plus because these have a tension that is borderline high for me.
If you're looking for the rubbery low tension of the TI, it's not at all what these do. Again, these are high tension not now tension as some people have reported.
They are also supposed to have less highs than the Black Sadowsky flatwound, which is also nice because these have plenty of highs.

Overall these are really nice strings if you can live with the higher tension, the punch, definition and warmth is really nice. They manage all this without being scooped.
It's hard to find a string that excels on all scores but this one comes close. I would expect them to cut through the mix like champs but they never sound weird or aggressive.
Their negatives are the high price and high tension.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bdplaid
#108
Laurent said:
I just tested a set of Sadowsky blue flatwound 40-100.
First impression these are loud, very punchy, nicely musical and balanced across strings, their definition is impressive.
Texture and feel of the string is fine, they are not as glassy feeling as the Labella's but they are not grabby either. They actually feel quite good.

I tested these against some Labella, Dunlops flatwound and Ernie Ball Group III flat.
It's never obvious to test some completely fresh strings against seasoned strings but I can say for sure the Sadowsky blue have the highest tension of these three.
They are supposed to be lower tension than the Sadowsky Black flatwound which is a big plus because these have a tension that is borderline high for me.
If you're looking for the rubbery low tension of the TI, it's not at all what these do. Again, these are high tension not now tension as some people have reported.
They are also supposed to have less highs than the Black Sadowsky flatwound, which is also nice because these have plenty of highs.

Overall these are really nice strings if you can live with the higher tension, the punch, definition and warmth is really nice. They manage all this without being scooped.
It's hard to find a string that excels on all scores but this one comes close. I would expect them to cut through the mix like champs but they never sound weird or aggressive.
Their negatives are the high price and high tension.
Click to expand...

I'm interested in trying both the Dunlop flats and these Sadowsky blue labels.. can you compare the two to each other? I'm looking for a flat string with lots of clarity, but still has beefiness. I like the clarity of rounds, but I can't stand the harsh highs, especially the added finger noise. Specifically, I'm playing in a rock trio with a microtubes 900 amp mixing the B3K OD channel into the clean channel for constant OD (I use the volume knob on my bass to control the clean-ness). I'm thinking about getting a Lakland J-Sonic, not sure what strings to pair it with.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bdplaid
#109
I put on a set of these today. E, A and D are a bit bright and growly, and the G sounds dead in comparison. It almost sounds like a nylon string.
Did anyone else notice anything like this?
(The string is installed correctly and not twisted at all.)
 
#110
Laurent said:
I just tested a set of Sadowsky blue flatwound 40-100.
First impression these are loud, very punchy, nicely musical and balanced across strings, their definition is impressive.
Texture and feel of the string is fine, they are not as glassy feeling as the Labella's but they are not grabby either. They actually feel quite good.

I tested these against some Labella, Dunlops flatwound and Ernie Ball Group III flat.
It's never obvious to test some completely fresh strings against seasoned strings but I can say for sure the Sadowsky blue have the highest tension of these three.
They are supposed to be lower tension than the Sadowsky Black flatwound which is a big plus because these have a tension that is borderline high for me.
If you're looking for the rubbery low tension of the TI, it's not at all what these do. Again, these are high tension not now tension as some people have reported.
They are also supposed to have less highs than the Black Sadowsky flatwound, which is also nice because these have plenty of highs.

Overall these are really nice strings if you can live with the higher tension, the punch, definition and warmth is really nice. They manage all this without being scooped.
It's hard to find a string that excels on all scores but this one comes close. I would expect them to cut through the mix like champs but they never sound weird or aggressive.
Their negatives are the high price and high tension.
Click to expand...

They almost sound like Chromes from your description, except for the not being scooped part.
 
#112
Klonk said:
Hehe, you're welcome, my friend!

"This GAS attack is sponsored by... Klonk!" :hyper:
Click to expand...

So, @michael_t , did you try these yet? :)

McFarlin said:
I put on a set of these today. E, A and D are a bit bright and growly, and the G sounds dead in comparison. It almost sounds like a nylon string.
Did anyone else notice anything like this?
(The string is installed correctly and not twisted at all.)
Click to expand...

Mine are pretty much equal sounding across all four strings, so maybe you got a lemon G..
 
#115
I bought a set of the lighter gauge from BSO several weeks ago, and played them for about 2 weeks. They sound and feel great. Not as "spongy" as TIJF's, but definitely more flexibility than the Black Labels. Mids really stand out in the mix sort of like the TI's. Unfortunately, the D string snapped behind the saddle right where the silk ends. Left a message with someone at the contact number on the BSO web page, but haven't heard back yet. I really want a replacement, and get these back on my bass, because I think these are very promising strings!

20170308_052429.jpg
 
#118
ljazz said:
I bought a set of the lighter gauge from BSO several weeks ago, and played them for about 2 weeks. They sound and feel great. Not as "spongy" as TIJF's, but definitely more flexibility than the Black Labels. Mids really stand out in the mix sort of like the TI's. Unfortunately, the D string snapped behind the saddle right where the silk ends. Left a message with someone at the contact number on the BSO web page, but haven't heard back yet. I really want a replacement, and get these back on my bass, because I think these are very promising strings!

View attachment 1074599
Click to expand...

I had a B string with the same issue and they replaced it, no problem. I also spoke with someone at Sadowsky who was willing to replace it as well. Hopefully you got your replacement by now!

I'm about to pull the trigger on these, I think. One question -- a few people say the tension is higher than LaBellas? Does this seem accurate to you guys? I was pretty happy with the tension on the Black Label 40 - 100 set, but was thinking of stepping up to 45-105 for the Blues. Thoughts?
 
#120
Klonk said:
I'd say the tension is about the same as Black Label, but they _feel_ a slight bit more supple to me, at least.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. Dang it, I probably should have gone for the lights... I guess I'll find out how they are soon enough. I was hoping to closely match the tension of the Black Label Flats in light but was afraid the Blues in light might be too in low tension.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back