I just had this going through my head while practicing. I've seen these threads for years, where people try out strings (especially flat wounds) for a few minutes and move on to the next set. You can now check that brand and gauge off your list, having tried them....right?
Well....I bought a set of LaBella flats for my P bass. I was really debating on which set to get - 760FL-B (light gauge DTFs) or LTF-5A (low tensions). I decided to go with the DTF lights as I've never used the 5 string set. Part of my decision was from a while back on a different bass; I broke the G on a set of LTFs and only had a G from a 1952 bridge cable set. That .052 G was noticably fatter sounding - bigger tone and a bit more overall volume. So, I went with the heavier of the 2 in the interest of tone. I digress.
I put the new set of DTF lights on, and regretted it right away. They were much stiffer than I preferred or remembered, and I was having trouble playing. Hastily, I ordered a set of LTFs. Well, I ordered on Amazon, and they still haven't shipped... So, I'm stuck with the DTFs. I'm going to play them onstage this weekend. They're now about 2 weeks old.
Well, last night I just couldn't help but notice how great those DTFs felt and sounded. They're breaking in so nicely. I was flying around and everything I'd been struggling with was totally falling into place.
My point is, take your time with strings. You can't really tell as much as you may think about them until they settle in, and that takes playing time. You also need to get used to them as well.
Well....I bought a set of LaBella flats for my P bass. I was really debating on which set to get - 760FL-B (light gauge DTFs) or LTF-5A (low tensions). I decided to go with the DTF lights as I've never used the 5 string set. Part of my decision was from a while back on a different bass; I broke the G on a set of LTFs and only had a G from a 1952 bridge cable set. That .052 G was noticably fatter sounding - bigger tone and a bit more overall volume. So, I went with the heavier of the 2 in the interest of tone. I digress.
I put the new set of DTF lights on, and regretted it right away. They were much stiffer than I preferred or remembered, and I was having trouble playing. Hastily, I ordered a set of LTFs. Well, I ordered on Amazon, and they still haven't shipped... So, I'm stuck with the DTFs. I'm going to play them onstage this weekend. They're now about 2 weeks old.
Well, last night I just couldn't help but notice how great those DTFs felt and sounded. They're breaking in so nicely. I was flying around and everything I'd been struggling with was totally falling into place.
My point is, take your time with strings. You can't really tell as much as you may think about them until they settle in, and that takes playing time. You also need to get used to them as well.
