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BGRA: La Bella Super Steps - SS60B (5-string set)
| Manufacturer |
La Bella |
Model |
Super Steps - SS60B (5-string set) |
| Reviewer |
Tim Magee |
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| Experience |
25+ |
Item owned |
1-6 months |
| Review Date |
2002-02-06 |
Price paid |
$28.00 USD |
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Gauge | 50-70-85-110-128 |
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Material | Stainless Steel |
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Length | Long Scale |
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Other | Step windings/exposed core on all strings |
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I think these are it! I've tried many quality strings over the years, and
more recently seeking the 5-string set that suits my bass and my ears.
I currently play a '96 Fender American Jazz Bass V with string-thru-body
bridge. I prefer a step/tapered/exposed core, etc. winding for
string-thru-body. With the current intonation settings, the exposed core
of this set properly fits over the saddles on the B, E and A strings, but
comes up just a bit short on the D and G strings. I don't notice any
difference in sound or tone due to this however. As a matter of fact, the
set has very good string-to-string consistency and balance.
I like the zing of stainless steel roundwounds and this set has plenty of
zing. They are bright, have a nice growly mid-range and sweet, musical
highs that are not brittle. They are less gritty feeling than most
stainless steels I've tried. I thought I'd try the heavier gauge and I
really like the tension and feel. I'm not much into slap and pop and
these strings are very comfortable for finger-style and "digging in."
This is a nice gauge for those who play with a heavier touch and tend to
dig in a little more.
The most pleasant surprise with this set is the B string! With my 34-inch
scale bass the B string is clear and focused, with good note articulation
up the neck, and a good tonal balance with the other strings. This makes
me very happy indeed as this is what I've been searching for in a 5-string
set.
The construction appears to be first rate. Aesthetically, the black silk
wrap looks very cool against a maple headstock, and has been expertly
applied. I've had these strings on for over a month now and they continue
to exude their new string zing. I feel confident that they will last at
least as long as any other quality string if not longer. I really like
these strings.
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| sound |
 | (98%) |
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| feel |
| (95%) |
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| life |
| (95%) |
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| value |
| (90%) |
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| overall |
| (95%) |
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