La Bella ASP-45125 Ian Martin Allison 5-String Super Polished

In this review of the La Bella ASP-45125 Ian Martin Allison Signature Super Polished Stainless Steel Bass 5-String Set, the bottom line is simple: this set is aimed at professional and touring bassists who want the punch of roundwounds combined with the smooth feel of flats. The signature tweaks - altered gauges, a slightly edged outer wrap and custom silk colors - produce a distinctive hybrid tone that sits well in session work and live mixes. Overall it delivers dependable intonation, a pleasingly warm top end and a comfortable feel for long playing sessions.

Key Features

• Signature Polished Stainless Steel: Offers the bright punch of rounds while retaining a smoother playing surface that reduces finger noise on long runs.
• Custom Gauges: The.045,.063,.083,.103,.125 gauges are tuned for a balanced low end and defined midrange useful for both studio and stage.
• Hex Core Construction: Improves intonation stability and reduces the chance of string buzz compared with less stable cores.
• Pink & Gray Silk Wraps: The silk at the ball end and tapered section protect the windings and provide a tactile reference for correct wrapping around tuning posts.
• Made in the USA with MAP Packaging: Modified atmosphere packaging helps prevent tarnish so strings arrive fresh and sound consistent out of the pack.

Who It's For

This set is best for session players, touring bassists and recording musicians who need a hybrid tone that combines clarity and warmth. The slightly edgier outer wrap gives attack and definition, while the polished finish keeps finger noise and roughness low during long gigs.

Players who prefer ultra-bright pure stainless rounds or the exact feel of traditional flatwounds may want to compare with dedicated round or flat sets first. Short-scale players should verify scale and tension compatibility, since this is specified as a standard long scale set.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Balanced tonal character that leans round wound but plays with the buttery feel of flats.
• Consistent intonation and reduced buzz thanks to the hex core construction.
• Durable, polished stainless surface and MAP packaging extend usable life and resist tarnish.
• Custom silk wraps help protect the string and provide a clean anchor at the tuning post.

Cons

• As a long scale set, it may not be ideal for short-scale basses without checking fit and tension.
• The unique hybrid feel may not fully satisfy players strictly seeking traditional flatwound slickness or very bright modern rounds.

Specifications

Brand	La Bella
Model	ASP-45125 Ian Martin Allison Signature
String Type	Super Polished Stainless Steel round wound (hybrid feel)
Gauges	.045,.063,.083,.103,.125
Scale	Standard long scale, all strings 37' from ball-end to silk/taper
Core	Hex core for improved intonation
Packaging	MAP Technology (modified atmosphere) - made in USA

Our Verdict

The La Bella Ian Martin Allison 5-string set is a strong option for professional bassists seeking a hybrid tone with reliable stability on stage and in the studio. Its tailored gauges, hex core and polished finish make it good value for players who want the attack of roundwounds without sacrificing a smooth playing surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these strings long scale or short scale?
They are specified as a standard long scale set; each string measures 37' from ball-end to silk/taper.

How should the strings be wound on the tuning post?
Only the silk portion of the string should wrap around the tuning post to avoid breaking the string.

Do these strings resist tarnish?
Yes, they are packed with MAP technology to reduce tarnishing and preserve freshness out of the package.