safe to use classic la bella flatwound strings?

[toastieman]

Hi all,

I'm a long time double bass player, but very new to electric bass and after some advice. I've just got a new Squier 60s vibe P bass, which I'm really happy with.
I'm interested in putting some La Bella flat wound strings on it (to emulate the motown sound), but have read some reports that these type of strings are particularly high tension, and could warp the neck.
Has anyone any experience of this, and is this any more likely on a Squier? (am aware is not a top of the range instrument).
Don't mind if it's just a case of adjusting the neck, but don't want to risk any permanent damage.

Thanks for your help!

[wateroftyne]

Which guage? Anyway, It'll be fine.

[Clarky]

You have probably read the La Bella James Jamerson strings have ruined some necks (think the E is something like a 110 gauge). Use standard or light gauge La Bella flats and you'll be fine. 760FL or 760FS (L=light, S=standard)

Edited March 5, 2010 by Clarky

[toastieman]

Thanks,
I had been thinking of the 760M Jamerson strings, but perhaps best if I go down a gauge if neck warping likely.

[Clarky]

I use the La Bella standard gauge (black silks, 45-105). Still a big thumpy Motown sound and no neck warp. Bingo!

[toastieman]

Actually just come across this from Wikipedia:

"James Jamerson used La Bella heavy-gauge (.052-.110) flatwound strings that he never changed. He never took care of the instrument, and it is possible that the neck eventually warped, as many claimed it impossible to play."

[url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Jamerson"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Jamerson[/url]

surely no coincidence....

[The Bass Doc]

I use the 'Jamerson' set on an old Precision which is well settled in but would advise the slightly lighter guage 760FLs in your case. The tension is not as severe but I doubt there's much difference in the end result soundwise.

[waynepunkdude]

And I have just found out who Jamerson is, quite a CV.

[toastieman]

For anyone who's not seen it I'd recommend seeing the film Standing in the Shadows of Motown, which is about James Jameson and the Funk Brothers.
[url="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314725/"]http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314725/[/url]
Easily one of the best music documentaries ever, and the only one I know of which is based on a book of bass lines

[thisnameistaken]

I've got 760FLs on a Squier Jazz and it sounds the dog's. Enjoy.

[The Burpster]

[quote name='toastieman' post='765417' date='Mar 5 2010, 05:27 PM']Hi all,

I'm a long time double bass player, but very new to electric bass and after some advice. I've just got a new Squier 60s vibe P bass, which I'm really happy with.
I'm interested in putting some La Bella flat wound strings on it (to emulate the motown sound), but have read some reports that these type of strings are particularly high tension, and could warp the neck.
Has anyone any experience of this, and is this any more likely on a Squier? (am aware is not a top of the range instrument).
Don't mind if it's just a case of adjusting the neck, but don't want to risk any permanent damage.

Thanks for your help![/quote]

I only use flatties. I now have settled on D'addario Chromes, they produce the tone nearest to that which I aspire to. Using flats on a Squire is not going to be a problem as even with a larger guage the most I've tightened a trussrod is 1/8 of a turn, so we're not talking 'bullworker' tensions here. I would suggest if you are worried to try a set of light gauge (45-100) at first and you'll see that you will probably have the t-rod at the same setting as that for a heavier guage set of roundies to achieve the same relief.

You quote later that Jamerson didnt look after his instrument, which is far more likely to have cuase the neck to warp (or shoite fender QC) than his use of flat wound strings.

FYI Herbie flowers uses a jazz and only uses nylon wound flatties which are huge gauge and he has had the same one and only bass for 30+ years.