La Bella Flatwound help needed

[DiceSociety]

I've been wanting to delve into the world of flatwound strings, but apart from a brief experiment with a set of chromes, am not really sure what set to get. A brand that seems to get consistent recommendation is La Bella, so I decided to take the plunge and buy a set for my jazz bass.

The only problem, is that there seems to be an extensive array of La Bella flats to choose from, and I don't know which ones to go for! Can anyone help please?

I'm interested in playing funk, soul, and possibly rock, but flats seem more versatile than they're sometimes given credit for with some metal players even using them.

Anyway, could other La Bella users let me know what sort they are using so I can get a consensus please? And do I go for the top loading or through body option?

Many thanks!

[wateroftyne]

Order a set of GHS flats direct from Lakland.

As nice as the La Bellas, and significantly cheaper. And less choice to confuse you :-)

[wateroftyne]

Oh, and top loading only if you go down this route.

[JapanAxe]

Having once looked at the La Bella range, you can eliminate a lot of them as being the wrong scale length. As WoT says, best to avoid through-body as sharp break angles are reputed to be unkind to flats - I think LaBella do a specific through-body set, but I could never find them in the UK.

[EssentialTension]

The most commonly used La Bellas are the 760FL set. Do [b]not [/b]string through the body.

If you use the Lakland flats which are in fact GHS Precision flats (3050M) then through the body is generally thought to be OK.

Through body is, however, not necessary even when it's possible.

[KiOgon]

If you've decided on LaBellas, I would go for the lightest gauges on a Jazz bass - http://www.labella.com/products/760fx/ or http://www.labella.com/products/ltf-4a/ I find the bigger gauges a bit heavy for a J neck IMO, IME etc. just my 2pworth

Or of course you could always go TI JF344's http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomastik_jf344.htm

[bobbytodd]

bollox wish id seen this advice before I put them through my dj4.ah well I know for next time

[DiceSociety]

Many thanks for your comments, much appreciated.

[discreet]

Just a quick comment to say that though La Bella flats are expensive they last for a [i]very [/i]long time... I love 'em, me. A lot more versatile than you'd suppose. The days of flats only being used on a old P bass for Motown covers is long gone.

Edited October 16, 2015 by discreet

[BassBus]

I use Labella 760fl on my Overwater fretless and they are the best fretless strings I have ever used. Much more clarity than TI Jazz flats to my ear. More akin to a half wound string. Lighter tension than a traditional stair rod flat.

[DiceSociety]

Excellent, cheers guys, you've been a big help.