La Bella Tapewounds on a 5 String Alembic?

[Twocan]

I just picked up an Alembic Essence 5 String Fretless. It came with some older rounds on it, which sound good - though I had La Bella black tapewounds on my last fretless and really liked the tone out of them.


My main question is whether a standard Alembic nut and tail piece are going to accommodate the size of these strings.

Light w/ Low-B: .050 .065 .085 .105 .135T

Aside from the that, anyone have experience with the Black vs White tapewounds? What did you think? Thanks!

[edwin]

I just picked up an Alembic Essence 5 String Fretless. It came with some older rounds on it, which sound good - though I had La Bella black tapewounds on my last fretless and really liked the tone out of them.


My main question is whether a standard Alembic nut and tail piece are going to accommodate the size of these strings.

Light w/ Low-B: .050 .065 .085 .105 .135T

Aside from the that, anyone have experience with the Black vs White tapewounds? What did you think? Thanks!

I don't know the answer to your question, but that is a light gauge set?! What is heavy?

[bigredbass]

The nut slots and bridge saddle slots are cut for their regular set (45-128 if memory serves on a five-string) so the string diameters are pretty close.  I ran 50-135 roundwound sets more than once and I could sense no binding or grabbing.  Your results may vary.  I'd pencil-lead or use your lubricant of choice in the slots if you're so inclined.  Most makers 'eyeball' the slots (cut by hand), so generally you've got some wiggle room regarding string sizes.  Try it, I'd think you'd be fine if your experience is anything like mine.

Bear in mind that a flatwound set will generate more tension than roundwounds, so you may need to fine-tune your truss rod / neck relief if sensitive to small changes.

I'd vote blacks.  Who was it in the old days made those awful-looking maroon-wrapped tapewounds?  I still remember being horrified at how hokey they looked !

Joey

[edwardofhuncote]

TI Jazz Flats have a .136 B string in the '345' set... I've not had any trouble with it seating. You'll probably be fine. 

[Twocan]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's some clarification on the strings if you're not familiar:

"The White Tape is actually a Transparent Nylon wrapped over Stanless Steel resulting in a brighter sound and an even smoother surface.

Construction:
•Clear / White Nylon Tape wound over Stainless Steel strings.
•B String is Tapered
•30" Short Scale = 32" Winding Length from Ball to Silk
•32" Medium Scale = 34" Winding Length from Ball to Silk
•34" Long Scale = 37" Winding Length from Ball to Silk (Jazz Bass / P-Bass)
•Extra Long Scale = 38" Winding Length from Ball to Silk

Available Gauges:
•Light: .050 .065 .085 .105 .135T

•Standard: .060 .070 .094 .115 .135T"

The extra "girth" is the coating. These seem like they'd be nice on a fretless. I've only tried the black tapes:

"La Bella Tape Wounds are Black Nylon Tape wound over Stainless Steel strings and sound great on fretless electric basses as well as fretted for that smooth warm vintage tone.

Construction:
•Black Nylon Tape wound over Stainless Steel strings.
•B String is Tapered

•34" Long Scale

Available Gauges:
Standard: .060 .070 .094 .115 .135

Light: .050 .065 .085 .105 .135"

[adriaan]

Doesn't the tapering make the B string sit relatively low? I wonder if you would need a new saddle with a shallower groove.

[keith_h]

About all I can say is see how they fit. It has been years since I used tape wound strings. Joey I started with bright red Ernie ball strings which at the time I thought looked really cool. I eventually moved to black La Bella strings. Back to the subject based on my old experience the tape wounds were more susceptible to winding damage so I would make sure they don't bind in the slots. I would moderately push them into the saddle and nut by hand then using a flashlight from the other side look for any light coming through. If you see any that will indicate the slot probably needs to be enlarged. If there is no light I would then move the string back and forth to ensure there isn't any binding. If there is again you probably need to enlarge the slot a bit.