{"product_id":"la-bella-asp-45125-ian-martin-allison-5-string-super-polished","title":"La Bella ASP-45125 Ian Martin Allison 5-String Super Polished","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature Polished Stainless Steel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers the bright punch of rounds while retaining a smoother playing surface that reduces finger noise on long runs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Gauges:\u003c\/strong\u003e The.045,.063,.083,.103,.125 gauges are tuned for a balanced low end and defined midrange useful for both studio and stage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHex Core Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Improves intonation stability and reduces the chance of string buzz compared with less stable cores.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePink \u0026amp; Gray Silk Wraps:\u003c\/strong\u003e The silk at the ball end and tapered section protect the windings and provide a tactile reference for correct wrapping around tuning posts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA with MAP Packaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Modified atmosphere packaging helps prevent tarnish so strings arrive fresh and sound consistent out of the pack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced tonal character that leans round wound but plays with the buttery feel of flats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsistent intonation and reduced buzz thanks to the hex core construction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable, polished stainless surface and MAP packaging extend usable life and resist tarnish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom silk wraps help protect the string and provide a clean anchor at the tuning post.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a long scale set, it may not be ideal for short-scale basses without checking fit and tension.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe unique hybrid feel may not fully satisfy players strictly seeking traditional flatwound slickness or very bright modern rounds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLa Bella\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASP-45125 Ian Martin Allison Signature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eString Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuper Polished Stainless Steel round wound (hybrid feel)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGauges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.045,.063,.083,.103,.125\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScale\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard long scale, all strings 37' from ball-end to silk\/taper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHex core for improved intonation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePackaging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMAP Technology (modified atmosphere) - made in USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these strings long scale or short scale?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are specified as a standard long scale set; each string measures 37' from ball-end to silk\/taper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should the strings be wound on the tuning post?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnly the silk portion of the string should wrap around the tuning post to avoid breaking the string.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these strings resist tarnish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, they are packed with MAP technology to reduce tarnishing and preserve freshness out of the package.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"La Bella","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48633338659035,"sku":"B0DYDQ99XR","price":42.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/715q0psuU0L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778441919","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/la-bella-asp-45125-ian-martin-allison-5-string-super-polished","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}