La Bella Strings - Quality Control

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VietFlamenco

Posts: 140
Joined: Aug. 1 2010

La Bella Strings - Quality Control

I remember reading a post on here awhile ago about another forum member experiencing buzz on the b string from the 820-B red treble set. I wonder if this is an ongoing quality control situation at the La Bella factory?

I had bought 2 sets of la bella 820-B red trebles and 1 set of la bella 820-B black trebles in the last 3 months. All purchases were bought at different time, which suggest that they are not from the same batch. Every single set I tried had problems.

1st set: B-string had intonation problems from the 5th fret onward

2nd set: broke my first D string ever... and the B-string buzzed all the way from the 1st fret to the 12th.

3rd set (black trebles): The high E string would not intonate correctly after the 5th fret. All the notes were flat.

I actually love the sound of these strings for the ones that actually worked correctly. However, looks like i'll be going back to the reliable Addarios 45EJs for practice.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 5 2012 17:55:14

sig

Posts: 296
Joined: Nov. 7 2007
From: Wisconsin

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

I had some problems recently. I ordered 3 full sets of LaBella 820 Reds and I have to have the E & B strings replaced as they were defective, intonation issues. Of that same batch, my D string snapped just the other day right ahead of the bridge. The set was 4 weeks old however I've never had a problem with LaBella before. They always wore much like D"Addario's which last like crazy.

I too, like the sound and feel of the LaBella's but the last few sets have had issues. I have never had problems with D'Addario's so I may have to consider going back.
Sig--

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 6 2012 14:32:17

Ricardo

Posts: 14806
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

You can't compare the sound of la bella with Daddario....I admit they are cheap plastic **** but they sound more flamenco then any other string.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 6 2012 15:13:14

Shawn Brock

Posts: 271
Joined: Sep. 19 2011
From: Louisville KY

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

Been there! I used Labella for 3 years and loved them. Used the 820 reds and the 2001 medium/ high tension. Now I wouldn't use them to hang myself! I experienced the same thing with the B... The lack of tension was drastic. It just felt like a slack rubber band. After I put the set on I swore they had 2 E strings in the pack and not a B. I got out my micrometer to check them to make sure I wasn't going crazy. It was a B string alright, but for some reason the tension was way off.

I stopped using Labella for a year and tried a set of the 820 reds about 2 months ago. I took them off after 3 days and went back to the Daddario j46C or the J45C, (I seem to switch between the 2).

I originally stopped using Labella because the A string broke on every set I put on for 3 months. And no, it wasn't the guitar, the A broke on all of my guitars. I just can't tolerate them any more...

Another problem I noticed with the 2001's was that my nails would tear them all to heck! After 5 or so hours of playing the trebles would start to feel rough. It takes a month on the Daddario for me to even start having this problem.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 6 2012 17:15:04

FullMetalGuitarist

Posts: 88
Joined: Aug. 22 2011

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to Ricardo)

quote:

but they sound more flamenco then any other string.

which ?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 7 2012 6:06:55

KMMI77

Posts: 1821
Joined: Jul. 26 2009
From: The land down under

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

Good timing with this thread. I just put a set of red la bella trebles on one of my guitars and the b is buzzing. I'll give it a few days to see if the extra tension sorts it out. Otherwise it's coming off.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 7 2012 7:04:49

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

the same here but with e1 string WTF?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 8 2012 19:47:05

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 13 2012 23:57:27

Stu

Posts: 2529
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to elroby)

I had some problems with the 820b, Ive got some on now and cant wait to get them off..theres lots of buzzing all over. i remember why i stopped buying these.

I also had some grief with la bella flamencos before

one pack had two Es and no A!!!!

took it back to the shop and he replaced the pack and the same thing!! 2 Es!!!

said id never buy la bella again, then got lazy and got these recent 820bs...buzzing!!!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2012 0:04:47

sig

Posts: 296
Joined: Nov. 7 2007
From: Wisconsin

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to elroby)

Yes, I had the same problem and issue with the set I had recently ordered. It was a different packaging, not the normal red background but the orange background. As I mentioned in my earlier post, both the E & B trebs had to be replaced as they wouldn't tune up correctly. Intonation issues. When I got the replacement string from SBM, the package was the normal red background and those strings were fine. Another issue with the orange background packaging, the D string from this set snapped just ahead of the bridge after being on the instrument for approx 3 weeks. I've never had a LaBella string break before this so I'm wondering what's going on.

I love the sound and feel of the LaBella's so now I'm concerned that I may have to search for another brand. I used to us D'Addaro's all the time but I like LaBella's better...
Sig--

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2012 22:30:47

vigrond

Posts: 161
Joined: Nov. 30 2010

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

i just ordered some 820Bs from stringsbymail, I'll be weary of the orange packaging -_-

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2012 23:36:52

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 15 2012 1:58:15

gounaro

Posts: 875
Joined: Sep. 28 2008
From: Athens, Hellas

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to elroby)

quote:

I wrote to La Bella about this and I received a reply from Richard Cocco, Jr. President of La Bella Strings. He told me that they are developing a new formula for the 820 sets and that at this time the new trebles are only available in red, the black formula is in line and will be available in a month. He is sending me a set of the new red trebles to try out.

I was impressed by the prompt response and thought it was a nice gesture to send some new strings to try out. I hope the quality issue gets resolved, I kinda really like this strings.

Here's the answer from Strings by Mail for your issue:

"Hello Spyros,

Thank you for your email.

Just got a reply direct from La Bella.

They said their 820 Red trebles are the same as they always have had and no plans on changing any time soon. The Black trebles however are pending a change, but not any time real soon.

They do have a new packaging though that we have".

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Spyros

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2012 13:56:12

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2012 15:09:49

gounaro

Posts: 875
Joined: Sep. 28 2008
From: Athens, Hellas

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to elroby)

Different persons in StrinsByMail, different answers!

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Spyros

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2012 15:31:35

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 19 2012 7:35:49

vigrond

Posts: 161
Joined: Nov. 30 2010

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

Got my La bella 820bs (black) yesterday. Had to leave them on overnight to stretch so I could correctly tune the trebles up. (they were very 'tight' out of the packaging)

The packaging was the new 'orange' background as well.

So far no issues, seems fine!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 19 2012 19:44:03

gounaro

Posts: 875
Joined: Sep. 28 2008
From: Athens, Hellas

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to vigrond)

quote:

Got my La bella 820bs (black) yesterday. Had to leave them on overnight to stretch so I could correctly tune the trebles up. (they were very 'tight' out of the packaging)

The packaging was the new 'orange' background as well.

So far no issues, seems fine!

Got any pic from this new packaging?

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Spyros

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 19 2012 19:51:00

El_Tortuga

Posts: 258
Joined: Aug. 11 2011
From: Canada

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

For my Francisco Barba and Salvador Castillo blancas, after much expermentation over the years I've come up with this combination:

Luthier medium tension basses (Popular Supreme 20)
d'Aquisto high tension trebles

Like Savarez basses, the Luthier basses have lots of 'give' under the flamenco onslaught, which I like a lot. UNLIKE Savarez basses, the Luthier basses hold their tone for a long time. I'm not a big fan of the Luthier trebles though, they're ok but just ok.

The d'Aquisto basses are nice sounding too and they hold their tone, but feel rather stiff compared to Luthier basses. Their trebles I find are very responsive, especially the G which as well all know can sound rather 'tubby' compared to the B and E1.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 19 2012 19:51:10

vigrond

Posts: 161
Joined: Nov. 30 2010

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

quote:

Got any pic from this new packaging?

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 19 2012 23:24:47

gounaro

Posts: 875
Joined: Sep. 28 2008
From: Athens, Hellas

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to vigrond)

I hope StringsByMail bring soon these strings. Do you know any other onlinse shop where i can buy them?

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Spyros

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2012 0:06:48

lorenza.cocco@gmail.com

Posts: 13
Joined: Mar. 16 2012

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

Hi Foro Flamenco Members,

This is La Bella Strings based in New York.

We recognize that we had some issues with our black and red nylon in our 2001 Series and 820B & 820 Series.

We've officially rolled out our new & improved trebles. Keep an eye out for sets that have a yellow sticker on them saying "NEW IMPROVED TREBLES" [see set image below].

If you had ANY issues with the nylon, please email info@labella.com to receive a free replacement.

We appreciate your business and apologize for any issues. We'd like to make things right and are eager to roll out the new trebles to everyone who had a problem with them.

Best,
La Bella Strings

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

Attachment (1)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 14:28:13

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 15:10:11

vigrond

Posts: 161
Joined: Nov. 30 2010

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

I am experiencing a buzz on my A bass string. It is vibrating against the first fret it comes across when I have a capo on third fret, but in open it is fine.

I am not expert enough to know if this is an action problem or a string problem :(

Using the 820-Bs

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 21:16:48

malakka

Posts: 170
Joined: Jan. 14 2009

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

Roby,

Thanks for the updates on my favorite strings! Fortunaely I have a couple of old treble sets still to use - no basses thought. Will stick to Luthier and wait for SBM to get more.

Best wishes to you!

--A former student

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 21:23:16

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 21:46:05

malakka

Posts: 170
Joined: Jan. 14 2009

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

I can't, I am pledged to secrecy. Hint: I accompanied with you for a short time with Carola at old location and new.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 21:57:35

elroby

Posts: 142
Joined: Mar. 25 2007

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 22:06:20

malakka

Posts: 170
Joined: Jan. 14 2009

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to elroby)

Oops...sorry to cause a distraction to this thread.

Yes, LaBella 820's are great. Never liked the 2001 series, but may try those with new trebles.

Will try to get hold of you soon.

--B

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 22:26:31

guido

Posts: 52
Joined: Feb. 27 2006

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to VietFlamenco)

Had same problems. Tried 2 sets, b-strings bad, doubletones overall, and A-strings buzzing. Put them on a friend's new instrument, Carillo Sirocco. Think he would have gotten a heart-attach, "my guitar is broken...aaah... "

Took D'Addario afterwards, no problems with it as expected, but he doesn't like the sound. So lets see how to go on.
The worst - I sell them in our shop

ordered a few sets before...

But as Ricardo said, other labels also have problems from time to time. Everywhere there are monday-productions...

slainte
guido

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2012 13:31:26