RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.

This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.

We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Discussions >>General >>

Page: << < 1 [2] 3 > >>

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

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

I have never had problems with La Bella strings expecially with the 2001 series bk tr - ligh ten. flam.-
but because I bought five sets of tham from SbM ( in dec. 2011 : one black tr., two classical and two 820 red tr) -not used yet -,
I sent Them (today) an email askink what to do (would thay change the sets?).
I let you guys know.

ciao
giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2012 14:31:40

dformell

Posts: 126
Joined: Nov. 7 2010

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

I had problems with La Bella strings last year that were purchased in 3 different states! I bought the following strings between Feb. - July of 2011 in the following states:

1. Michigan: 2001 Flamenco, medium tension - high e not intonated, basses with excessive buzzing.

2. Florida: Elite Flamenco, medium tension - Excessive string buzzing, literally rattling.

3.Texas: Folksinger, medium tension - Excessive string buzzing.

I sent an email to La Bella and never got a response. Needless to say I don't use their strings anymore.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 18 2012 22:37:15

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

quote:

I have never had problems with La Bella strings expecially with the 2001 series bk tr - ligh ten. flam.-
but because I bought five sets of tham from SbM ( in dec. 2011 : one black tr., two classical and two 820 red tr) -not used yet -,
I sent Them (today) an email askink what to do (would thay change the sets?).
I let you guys know.

ok,... Ms Lorenza Cocco - La Bella Strings -, immediately answered to my mail!
( and even in last saturady !).
Very kindly She sayes that if it happens, in the sets that don't have the sticker, to find any defected strings, they will replace it.

well.. it is reasobable... to me.

(again : I had never problems with la bella strings)

ciao
Giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 19 2012 9:44:41

dformell

Posts: 126
Joined: Nov. 7 2010

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Lorenza Cocco must be a member or she monitors this site as she sent me an email yesterday ( how did she get my email address?) stating that she would send me free strings. Ms Cocco further stated that she was new to the company and had been addressing their quality control issues. She was polite, professional and kind. My original reply to this post was not to slander La Bella strings or doubt other members reviews, just to report my experiences with La Bella strings. Ms Cocco is going to send me two sets of strings: 2001 flamenco and Elite Flamenco. After I get them I'll post my impressions here.

Tchau,
Daniel

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 20 2012 1:47:32

Ricardo

Posts: 14801
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

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

I have always defended La Bella....and I probably have used and thrown away more sets then most of you guys have ever even tried!

So I am the one who deserves free sets. Even I have a student that has the promo deal with la bella and gets free strings forever! So please send me some too Ms Lorenza Cocco!!!

Ricardo

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 20 2012 13:26:48

GuitarVlog

Posts: 441
Joined: Mar. 19 2009
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

I received a free replacement set of 820 Reds and 2001 Blacks in the mail. I have only installed the 820 Reds thus far (on my Prudencio Saez) but these perform much better than the last set which I had problems with.

If these improvements are consistent, then I can certainly recommend their strings.

_____________________________

Upgraded Yamaha CG171SF
The Guitar Student Journal

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 4 2012 17:40:00

dformell

Posts: 126
Joined: Nov. 7 2010

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Hello Everybody,

Lorenza sent me 2 sets of strings: 2001 Light Gauge Flamenco & 820 Elite Flamenco

The 2001 set was installed on a Lucida Artista LG725, Here are my impressions:

The strings settled very quickly; the guitar stayed in tune after 1-2 days.
The intonation is spot on, no rattling or buzzing like experienced before.
The strings produce a very brilliant sound with well balanced trebles & basses.

I will definitely start using the 2001 strings from now on.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 5 2012 16:41:46

gounaro

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

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

Does anyone know where i can buy online these new La Bella strings (2001 & 820) with the sticker "Improves Trebles"?

_____________________________

Spyros

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 5 2012 16:45:03

Ricardo

Posts: 14801
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

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

stringsbymail.com

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 5 2012 18:56:38

Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

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

Edited : because it seams like LaBella is really trying to solve all issues.
Good job

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 5 2012 19:39:10

LaBellaMusicStrings

Posts: 2
Joined: May 7 2012

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Hello Arash,

This is La Bella Strings based in New York. Thank you for your email. We are committed to 100% customer satisfaction and will be mailing you 5 of our new treble sets to try out.

As explained in this thread, the defective trebles were a small occurrence and not every single set and string was affected. La Bella Strings is committed to replacing any defective strings for any of our products, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any issues you may have in the future.

We look forward to hearing your feedback and appreciate your patience.

La Bella Strings
Info@LaBella.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 1:01:31

Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Alright Lorenza,

i will wait. Appreciated
Thanks.

Arash

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 5:11:19

Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

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

Lorenza,

also i have one problem with ALL flamenco guitar strings from all brands in the world and i have a suggestion, but don't know if it is technically possible to produce what i (and i bet 99% of all other flamenco guitarists) want.

Its about the 3 bass strings.

I have tried BASS strings from all possible brands in the world since years.
You know we flamenco guitarists like that fresh metallic (and NOT dull) sound of bass strings when they are few days old...
After few days , max one week , ALL flamenco guitar bass strings become DULL, like classical guitar strings. Some of them sooner, some a little later.
But non of them sounds FRESH after one week anymore.

I don't know if your engineers will be able to do something, but if you would be able to produce BASS strings which would keep that NEW and FRESH sound for several weeks, probably you would sell much much more from those to Flamenco guitarists.

Until now i have the feeling that all producers sell more or less the same classical strings as flamenco strings.

The difference is: Clasical Guitarists LIKE that dull sound, we DON't. We like the excact opposite.

I don't know if you understand what i am talking about.
But ask in your company if this is possible.

Thanks

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 5:23:58

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

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

There are many brands that advertise longevity, extended brilliance, etc..

Anyway, I doubt that any company would produce strings like that even if they reached a formula that allowed it. Selling new strings is their business

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 7:26:14

beno

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

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

quote:

You know we flamenco guitarists like that fresh metallic (and NOT dull) sound of bass strings when they are few days old...

Well...not everybody likes that. For example me...but I remember somebody also started a thread with the same opinion.
Of course I don't prefer dull sound, but not metallic either.... I think strings are at their best right after they loose that annoying very fresh metallic sound. That goes away in a couple of hours or max 1-2. days.
So if I have a gig I try to change strings let's say 2-3 days before, but not closer.

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 10:50:27

orsonw

Posts: 1934
Joined: Jul. 4 2009
From: London

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

quote:

You know we flamenco guitarists like that fresh metallic (and NOT dull) sound of bass strings when they are few days old...

Not me, I prefer bass strings when the metallic sound is gone and there are less overtones.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 11:40:50

Ricardo

Posts: 14801
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Arash

Lorenza,

also i have one problem with ALL flamenco guitar strings from all brands in the world and i have a suggestion, but don't know if it is technically possible to produce what i (and i bet 99% of all other flamenco guitarists) want.

Its about the 3 bass strings.

I have tried BASS strings from all possible brands in the world since years.
You know we flamenco guitarists like that fresh metallic (and NOT dull) sound of bass strings when they are few days old...
After few days , max one week , ALL flamenco guitar bass strings become DULL, like classical guitar strings. Some of them sooner, some a little later.
But non of them sounds FRESH after one week anymore.

I don't know if your engineers will be able to do something, but if you would be able to produce BASS strings which would keep that NEW and FRESH sound for several weeks, probably you would sell much much more from those to Flamenco guitarists.

Until now i have the feeling that all producers sell more or less the same classical strings as flamenco strings.

The difference is: Clasical Guitarists LIKE that dull sound, we DON't. We like the excact opposite.

I don't know if you understand what i am talking about.
But ask in your company if this is possible.

Thanks

While I agree some brands of strings are pretty short slacked which encourages you to have to buy more, even with the shortest strings if you simply take them off after a week, put them back on, they sound like new for a couple days again. Long length strings (like labella) allow you to do this several times by removing and replacing them a centimeter off center so the wear spots don't allign with frets, and again they sound new. And the more slack you have the more you can do this until the strings literally start to deteriorate or break (which they will).

Ricardo

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 12:01:46

Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

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

@orsin and beno, yes thats what i mean. "metallic" was the wrong word.
i mean after the strings settle after 1 days or so, they sound best , and fresh , but the lose that sound again after few days.

Ricardo, thanks for the info. Never done that before.

Anyway producing something which will sound longer fresh would even be better

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 7 2012 14:17:30

Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Ok, just wanted to update.
I received many trebble strings from La Bella as replacement.
Tried one set of the 3 trebles yesterday and i have to say that they are really good. No issues till now and intonation is perfect.
I would like to thank La Bella for fast response and quality improvment together with good behaviour towards customers. (And sorry for the little unfriendly post here, already edited)

Pics of my strings received yesterday

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 23 2012 13:37:03

Ramon Amira

Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

La Bella's response to our concerns abut the 2001 and 820 treble strings should be an object lesson for corporate America. So many times people have problems with merchandise, and complaining to the company is futile. Our complaints get completely ignored, and in the rare times they elicit a response from the company, all we get is a grudging acknowledgement but no redress.

Here La Bella responded swiftly and gracefully, not only establishing real communication with us, but actually reformulating the strings in question to correct the flaws, and then on top of it providing free replacement strings to anyone who asks for them.

Ramon

_____________________________

Classical and flamenco guitars from Spain Ramon Amira Guitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 23 2012 14:00:37

mezzo

Posts: 1409
Joined: Feb. 18 2010
From: .fr

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

Me too received my sample (after asking for it by mail) of a complete 820 red treble set
...
and not thanks to gouna

_____________________________

"The most important part of Flamenco is not in knowing how to interpret it. The higher art is in knowing how to listen." (Luis Agujetas)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 23 2012 14:06:21

gounaro

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

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

quote:

Me too received my sample (after asking for it by mail) of a complete 820 red treble set
...
and not thanks to gouna

I got my sample with black nylon too. I have the set on my guitar for about 2 weeks. I'm very pleased with sound, control and intonation.

Thanks a lot...

_____________________________

Spyros

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 23 2012 14:11:58

MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

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

Hello,

I also received a free sample of the new 820 reds. I've had them on my guitar for about a week now. I'm also very pleased with sound, control and intonation. Even better than I remembered.

Thanks for the customer support Lorenza!

Regards,
Mark

_____________________________

-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 23 2012 15:19:07

sig

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

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

I've had my replacement Treb's on for about 4 weeks now and no issues what so ever. Intonation is good, they stay in tune well and sound great. I was very pleased with LaBella's quick response to our issue with their product. I can't remember when a corporation has done such a good job of leveraging technology, this forum, inorder to better serve their customers. Hat's off to LaBella!
Sig--

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 23 2012 19:52:11

Samarto

Posts: 160
Joined: Mar. 21 2008

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Used over 50 sets of the 820B trebles in the last several years. Never had a bad set. I use D'Addario EJ45 for the basses and out of 100 sets only had two or three strings that were not up to standard. I change basses twice for every treble change. I have never had a problem with either Strings by Mail or La Bella standing behind what they sell. I have never received any free strings from LaBella even though I have used them since 1971. Used the 820 red until the blacks came out. For some reason the black is a superior string. Maybe La Bella should reward long time advocates. Maybe I don't get rewarded because I just use the trebles. LOL!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 23 2012 21:07:05

Shawn Brock

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

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

*edit*

I ran off at the mouth about La Bella not contacting me, when in fact they just never got my email. Lorenza went the extra mile to get in touch with me, and resolve the problem with the strings I had bought back in late November.

Lorenza and La Bella return emails promptly so if you don't hear back from them in a few days you can assume you got caught in the spam filter. She has provided their number below and if your emails are blocked, don't hesitate to give them a call.

They will take care of you! This is apparent by the other posts on here.

Within 24 hours of being in contact La Bella put replacement strings in the mail for me. You can't ask for better service than that can you?

Now let me pose a question to all guitarists. How many other times have you received such great customer service from any company who makes strings or instruments? I have put La Bella up at the top of my list!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 24 2012 2:41:53

labellastrings

Posts: 1
Joined: Feb. 6 2012

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Hi Shawn,

I just checked out email database and the only email we have from you is from November 2011, where we agreed to provide you with artist pricing, particularly for the 2001 sets, but you never replied to our offer. I will forward you the email in case you never saw our reply.

I apologize if we never replied to any emails from January, but we did not receive any -- perhaps they got caught in our sensitive spam filter.

Every set of ours has our phone number - we can be reached M-F from 9AM to 4:30PM. Once again our contact info is info@labella.com or 845-562-4400. My personal email address is lorenza.cocco@labella.com

I will be forwarding the email I sent you back in November, but please don't hesitate to contact us in the future regarding any other issues.

Best,
Lorenza

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 24 2012 13:06:30

a_arnold

Posts: 558
Joined: Jul. 30 2006

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

quote:

I have always defended La Bella.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with Ricardo on La Bellas. I went to their gold trebles and Savarez red card (high tension) bass after seeing Sabicas in concert a couple of times and learning that he used that combo. I still have an old programme of his that lists the strings he played.

I figured if I got the same strings as Sabicas, maybe I'd be able to play like him. Okay, so I was 10 years old. It was sort of like the way Craftsman has a pretty girl in their ad for a ratchet set. "Hmm. She seems to really like that ratchet set. Maybe if I had that ratchet set, she'd . . . I better get the ratchet set."

The gold come under several different numbering systems. If anybody is interested I can list them. I don't know this for sure, because I haven't given the other colors (black, red, clear) a thorough comparison but I wouldn't be surprised if there was no significant difference between them other than the dye they add.

LB certainly have genuine quality control issues, but I've tried a LOT of other strings and I keep going back to la Bella -- for the trebles only. The upside is that they are SO cheap (usually less than $1 per string) that I can afford to throw away the bad ones (most frequently the G string) and still come out ahead.

I really love the Savarez red card bass, but I have to agree that they don't last very long. Incidentally, the d'Addario ej45c (which Castillo ships on his guitars) lasts a LOT longer and is almost-but-not-quite as flamenco sounding (to me, but that's a pretty subjective thing).

_____________________________

"Flamenco is so emotionally direct that a trained classical musician would require many years of highly disciplined formal study to fail to understand it."

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 25 2012 15:28:24

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to gbv1158)

[Deleted by Admins]

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 25 2012 17:50:02

Shawn Brock

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

RE: La Bella Strings - Quality Control (in reply to gbv1158)

Hey Rumbaking, those 820B's do sound good on a blanca. Have you ever tried the 2001 flamenco line? I bet that you would like those 2001FH (flamenco high tension). They are only like $6.90 or something from Strings By Mail, and the 820 is $6 exactly I think. Either way, they are half the price of a lot of strings, and are only 2 3rds the price of J45's. At that price its worth a shot to see if you like the high tension basses in the 2001 sets better than the 820 medium bases.

I agree with a_arnold's statements above, to me La Bella has always seemed more flamenco than the J45C. This is not to say that I don't like the J45 and J46C, but La Bella can give you more pop and a more flamenco attack. There's something about the way La Bella feels under the left hand that I have always liked. It always seems like you don't have to work as hard when playing on La Bella.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 25 2012 18:38:59