Sibob Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 (edited) Hey all, So here's my quick and simple comparison of La Bella flats with Chromes on my Precision, and Lakland Rounds with Gold White Nylon Tapewounds on my 55-01: https://soundcloud.com/simonpoulton/sets/la-bella-vs-daddario-lakland Each track has a description of what is happening, test environment etc My conclusions are that La Bella's are quieter, across their ranges, than strings I've previously used (my Gold Flats on my other Lakland are also quieter than the rounds they replaced too, but just means my amp does a little more work, easy enough, doesn't bother me). New La Bella flats, sound like 3 year old Chromes, so more mellow out of the pack. Gold White Nylons do an excellent impression of broken in rounds, whilst feeling very smooth and lasting a hell of a lot longer hopefully (due to being tapes). All in all, am very happy with these early tests, think I've finally found a company that has a varied and interesting string roster, where I can get everything I need from one place! Cheers Si Edited March 13, 2018 by Sibob 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrinkleygit Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 excellent comparisons, wish I was that clever !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Great stuff! Confirms my love of nylon tapes. Presumably the tension in the Chromes is higher than the LaBella Flats? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 (edited) I'm getting me some Gold White Nylons! Never tried nylon tapes before. They seem to have a 'rounds''-type growl to them. Thanks for the comparison. Edited March 14, 2018 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 I have a hankering for the Gold tapes too Think I better try the La Bella white and cooper tapes I've had hiding in the cupboard for a few years first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 I'm a fan of the standard white nylons, but upon investigating a little it looks like coppers might be more my thing (a bit less bright, with stronger low mids, apparently)... I've just ordered a set of the copper ones. Let's see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted March 16, 2018 Author Share Posted March 16, 2018 On 15/03/2018 at 01:38, mcnach said: I'm a fan of the standard white nylons, but upon investigating a little it looks like coppers might be more my thing (a bit less bright, with stronger low mids, apparently)... I've just ordered a set of the copper ones. Let's see. The Gold White Nylons are very bright for a tapewound (obviously still a little less-so than a round wound), so if I had them on a passive bass, I would tend to agree with you, I'd probably want the White Copper Nylons too. However because I have them on an active bass, I tend to just roll back the Treble anyway, so I'm happy at the moment! On 14/03/2018 at 11:59, CameronJ said: Presumably the tension in the Chromes is higher than the LaBella Flats? You know what? There's really not a lot in it, I haven't had to do anything with the setup of my Precision, it's all sat the same. That said, the gauges are slightly different, I had 45-100 Chromes, whereas the La Bella's are 43-104, so could be to do with that! Am enjoying them a lot so far. The reason for the change is that I put La Bella Gold Flats (not to be confused with the Gold White Nylons) on my Lakland 44-94, which gave me that bright Flats sound, so wanted something more mellow and 'classically' thumpy on my Precision. I really really like Chromes for that brighter flats sound, but with the above setup, means I can get all my strings from the same manufacturer, which is just a lot easier in my head, a single order and all that. That said, the plan with having most basses with Flats or Nylons is that I have to change strings every 5 years at the very most haha. Si 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, Sibob said: That said, the plan with having most basses with Flats or Nylons is that I have to change strings every 5 years at the very most haha. I’m going down this route myself, as I’m one of those lazy bassists who simply cannot be arsed buying/changing strings regularly. Got the Black Tapes on my Sandberg P and am strongly considering putting flats on my MTD Super. We shall see. I’m holding off as it would mean not having a bass with rounds at all...but I may have to invest in a new bass to rectify that! Edited March 16, 2018 by CameronJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 38 minutes ago, Sibob said: ...the plan with having most basses with Flats or Nylons is that I have to change strings every 5 years at the very most haha. Good Lord, I couldn't be doing with changing my strings THAT often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted March 16, 2018 Author Share Posted March 16, 2018 24 minutes ago, discreet said: Good Lord, I couldn't be doing with changing my strings THAT often. Haha, well exactly, that's the worst case scenario Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ndldean Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 Great to hear the gold white tapes, been thinking about getting tapes for a while. May have just pushed them into the shopping cart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted March 16, 2018 Author Share Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) I’m liking them so much that i’m re-recording a song on the upcoming JoCee EP just to get them on. Much nicer than the rounds I had on the tune before! Si Edited March 16, 2018 by Sibob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebuckets Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 Ive just ordered some fender flats based on that sound clip. Tried Labella and really like them so might go back if these dont do it for me. Did you have the 9050s through bridge or body? I have the option of both. Used the bridge with the labellas as thats recommended but dont want to lose my ferrules! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted March 18, 2018 Author Share Posted March 18, 2018 2 hours ago, thebuckets said: Ive just ordered some fender flats based on that sound clip. Tried Labella and really like them so might go back if these dont do it for me. Did you have the 9050s through bridge or body? I have the option of both. Used the bridge with the labellas as thats recommended but dont want to lose my ferrules! ??? No mention of Fender Flats in this thread that I can see Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 2 hours ago, thebuckets said: Ive just ordered some fender flats based on that sound clip. Tried Labella and really like them so might go back if these dont do it for me. Did you have the 9050s through bridge or body? I have the option of both. Used the bridge with the labellas as thats recommended but dont want to lose my ferrules! Although not mentioned, 9050 are really good flats. But they need proper breaking in to do them justice. They're quite toppy at first but this gives way to more thump as time goes on. Worth waiting for. I'd advise top loading. Now then, back on topic..? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted March 18, 2018 Author Share Posted March 18, 2018 11 minutes ago, discreet said: Although not mentioned, 9050 are really good flats. But they need proper breaking in to do them justice. They're quite toppy at first but this gives way to more thump as time goes on. Worth waiting for. I'd advise top loading. Now then, back on topic..? My understanding is that all flat/nylon wounds need to be too-loaded, unless soecifically designed otherwise. Otherwise the wrapping is likely to damage due to the bridge break-angle, and the string unravel?! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebuckets Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 31 minutes ago, Sibob said: ??? No mention of Fender Flats in this thread that I can see Si apologies a previous search found your clip of 9050s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebuckets Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 27 minutes ago, discreet said: Although not mentioned, 9050 are really good flats. But they need proper breaking in to do them justice. They're quite toppy at first but this gives way to more thump as time goes on. Worth waiting for. I'd advise top loading. Now then, back on topic..? sorry for the hijack. back to it guys... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 (edited) 40 minutes ago, Sibob said: My understanding is that all flat/nylon wounds need to be too-loaded, unless soecifically designed otherwise. Otherwise the wrapping is likely to damage due to the bridge break-angle, and the string unravel?! Si Just FYI, I have used La Bella white, copper and black nylons through-body on my Franz fretless with no issues at all. Edited March 18, 2018 by walbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 (edited) 40 minutes ago, Sibob said: My understanding is that all flat/nylon wounds need to be top-loaded, unless soecifically designed otherwise. Otherwise the wrapping is likely to damage due to the bridge break-angle, and the string unravel? Some flats are better than others through-body. I have 9050s through body and they are very stressed at the bridge saddlles and back plate. I have ordered some La Bellas that have specifically been made for through-body stringing. If you have the option I'd always recommend top loading with flats. Edited March 18, 2018 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 12 minutes ago, walbassist said: Just FYI, I have used La Bella white, copper and black nylons through-body on my Franz fretless with no issues at all. This. Nylons will be fine, Flats I’d worry about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted March 18, 2018 Author Share Posted March 18, 2018 (edited) 42 minutes ago, CameronJ said: This. Nylons will be fine, Flats I’d worry about. Ah yes, just checked on the La Bella website and they echo this, or rather they only talk about Flats being an issue, they make Through-Body Flats for that reason. Si Edited March 18, 2018 by Sibob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 Oooh! Nice comparison, I fancy a set of those tapewounds. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernaut Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 I currently have 45-105 flats on my Jazz bass and am looking at tapes for something with a similar sound but more flexibility. Going between the gold and copper tapes in the 50-105 gauges. Did anyone have issues with installation at the bridge or nut? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 45 minutes ago, Supernaut said: I currently have 45-105 flats on my Jazz bass and am looking at tapes for something with a similar sound but more flexibility. Going between the gold and copper tapes in the 50-105 gauges. Did anyone have issues with installation at the bridge or nut? Thanks. I have the coppers on a Jazz and on a Precision. No problems with nut/bridge. Prior to that I was using 45-105 sets of roundwounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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