Will LaBella 760FM-S Deep Talkin Bass Flatwound strings work on the Sire Marcus MIller U5 short scale bass?
In the description of the LaBella strings it says that they are “not suitable for basses with bridges that require the strings to pass through the body”.
I watched a review of the U5, and in it, the reviewer said the the U5 bridge allows for both though-body and top load string options".
Is that true?
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Yes, it’s true. Through-body stringing is not required.
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I tried LaBellas on a string through bass, and the windings on the ball end were too thick on the E string to pass through the ferrule. The rest were okay. Rounds were fine.
Ernie ball Cobalt Flats fit just fine.
The more you know.
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I have LaBella Deep Talking flat wounds on my string-through Peavey Millennium jazz bass without any problem.
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It’s not so much the through body string but the silk wrap or the tapered at the ball end may not
1 pass through the ferrules
2 tapered part maybe too long and not make the bend (string break) point.
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The 760-S or the lighter gauge Beatle Bass should fit the bass but LaBella does not recommend a body through mounting of these strings. If you ever need the very best suggestions on strings contact Jason Mendelson at Fret Nation.
No one knows more about bass strings than Jason. I have the same Sire U5 as you. Since it’s my first short scale in decades I’ve already called him for suggestions on which strings best fit the bass. Jason would also know which flats (if any) can be safely mounted through the body.
If you want something a bit brighter but still very mellow look at GHS Pressurewounds. They would also be a great set for that bass and they do make a short scale set. Personally I find the neck pickup on the U5 to have a monstrous low end already so you may want to give something like the Pressurewounds a go. The tone pot on the U5 is also very effective as far as rolling off high end and even full roundwounds sounding very “bassy”. Good luck.
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Which strings do you have on your U5?
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Just got it a few weeks ago so the stock strings are still on it. I ordered a set of GHS Bass Boomers for it wanting strings with a bit more stiffness and “fight” to them. Those are pure roundwounds but as I posted the U5 is capable of so much low end and rolled off highs that rounds may be a very good fit as far as retaining clarity. Some short scale basses can get a little muddy in low register but others love flats.
If I don’t like them I’ll use GHS Pressurewounds instead. They’re my goto string for a Jazz Bass and my G&L M2000. My PBass already has LaBella DFT’s on it.
Cool.
I have D’A EXL170 on mine currently. I’m going to put DR Pure Blues on next.
For flats, my go-to are Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats, hands down. Super-smooth feel, great tone, and round-core flexible.
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Love Jason, he actually dropped off my Warwick at my house. Super cool guy.
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The U5 have the DAddario EXL170S, as far as I know…
I also want to change my EXL170S. What are the advantages of the DR Pure Blues?
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Ah, cause of Victor Wooten? Not my style…
On zzzee Zzeerman forum, most say I should get GHS brite flats for my short scale!
Victor Wooten is an outstanding bassist the likes of which essentially none of us will ever equal, but he isn’t the reason DR Pure Blues are great strings.
Wooten uses his Ultra Light Signature DR Pure Blues version, which are fine for anyone who likes light strings.
Personally, I don’t. I prefer DR Pure Blues in standard gauge. I’m not a fan of GHS, in general. YMMV
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Cool, thanks ! Will put it on my list, thanks!
He is and also an excellent bassist himself. So glad he’s been able to continue with Fret Nation after his Bass Strings Online ran into difficulties when TalkBass began to compete with it’s vendor members. Bad ju ju.
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I have used DR Pure Blues before on my G&L L2500. Great strings and another favorite. At times I enjoy playing different strings on each bass just to find out how it responds to them tonally.
Unlike you I actually prefer hex core strings over more flexible round core versions. TI’s sound superb but I don’t enjoy the lack of stiffness and “fight”. I may eventually feel different but for now hex cores work much better for me.
I have Brite Flats on my G&L Kiloton. They’re an Alloy 52 ground wound type somewhat similar to the Pressurewounds which are also Alloy 52 but with a different process of smoothing the outer wrap. They’re perfect for certain basses where you want to mellow some of the mid high harshness yet still have an edge on your tone. But Pressurewounds are also very good at doing that as well. I would normally chose them over Brite Flats.
Here’s the GHS brightness scale.
Pressurewound.
Brite Flats.
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I have LaBella flats on my G&L short scale and it’s a thru body. Do yourself a favor and call LaBella. Talk to their sales techs, they’re great and they’ll get you the right strings. Flats will break if not installed correctly so get the techs to help you. Love them flats!!