Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I had to opportunity to visit with member Paul Boyer, aka bassduke49. He showed me how to re-string my 4003, put on a set of LaBella DTB SS Flats, 760 FS (full scale/standard tension). WOW! What a different feel. They almost feel waxy they are so smooth. Sound is deep and punchy. He also lowered the action a bit. Intonation stayed perfect, no adjustmnt needed there. Neck stayed straight, I'll keep and eye on it while the strings settle in. It was great to see firsthand how to do all this stuff. His collection of Rics is simply amazing. Each one in superb condition. Gives me some good insights on which Ric is next.

It was great having you over for the walk in the woods. Lot of different stuff, eh? Glad you like the strings. I may get a set myself. Thought they felt great, and a bit snappier than the T.I. Jazz Flats I've had on several of the "trees" here.

I loved my LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats for feel and tone but had big problems with them breaking. I fully confess to being a ham-handed-hack but I broke 6 strings of their's in a month three E's and one each of the rest. They were cool and sent me a few replacements but insisted that I am installing the strings wrong somehow (my string installing technique is recommended by countless others and I have been doing it the same way for 27 years). I do strike the strings hard and have been known to break a string on rare occasion but six in roughly a month was a bit much for me.

I'm not trying to rain on your new string parade......just passing on my experience with the brand.

incubus2432 wrote:I loved my LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats for feel and tone but had big problems with them breaking. I fully confess to being a ham-handed-hack but I broke 6 strings of their's in a month three E's and one each of the rest. They were cool and sent me a few replacements but insisted that I am installing the strings wrong somehow (my string installing technique is recommended by countless others and I have been doing it the same way for 27 years). I do strike the strings hard and have been known to break a string on rare occasion but six in roughly a month was a bit much for me.

I'm not trying to rain on your new string parade......just passing on my experience with the brand.

Odd. Others have told me these are more long lasting than most. I'll keep this in mind however if I have an issue.

How are they for tension? Safe for older 4001's?

I wonder if the LaBellas use a smaller core, which would make them more prone to breakage under a heavy attack, all else being equal...

teeder wrote:How are they for tension? Safe for older 4001's?

Here's the tension for the different sets. Not sure about 4001's. Probably give them a call if no one here has the answer.

scott_s wrote:I wonder if the LaBellas use a smaller core, which would make them more prone to breakage under a heavy attack, all else being equal...

If I had to guess I'd say they have a big core. I used the second smallest set listed, for its tensional balance (same goes for the smallest set), and they were very resistant to the pluck. If anything I'd say they were breaking on Brian because they didn't take the pounding well like floppy ol' Pyramids would.

On a 4001, I'd be sure to use the Extra Light set. It's probably the best balanced (it's neck-and-neck with the Light set at least).

cassius987 wrote:

scott_s wrote:I wonder if the LaBellas use a smaller core, which would make them more prone to breakage under a heavy attack, all else being equal...

If I had to guess I'd say they have a big core. I used the second smallest set listed, for its tensional balance (same goes for the smallest set), and they were very resistant to the pluck. If anything I'd say they were breaking on Brian because they didn't take the pounding well like floppy ol' Pyramids would.

Ah, good point!

I've used Pyramids and D'Addario Chromes with no issues worth mentioning.......same installation and same playing "technique" (for lack of a better term ).