Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Manufacturer of Premium Music Strings and Basses
La Bella, a family-owned business since 1913, has dedicated over a century to crafting premium music strings and basses. Our legacy began in Italy in the 1640s with the Mari family's expertise in string-making, which evolved into a global reputation for quality after relocating to New York. We combine centuries-old traditions with modern innovation, collaborating with master luthiers like James Carbonetti to produce handcrafted instruments that complement our iconic strings.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships with world-renowned musicians and our support for music education through sponsorships and scholarships. With a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship, we serve professional musicians worldwide, offering a diverse range of products from vintage-style basses to specialized strings for every instrument.
Services
Music Strings Manufacturing
Bass Guitar Production
Custom Instrument Building
Artist Collaboration Programs
Music Education Sponsorship
Details
- Year established: 1913
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of family-owned expertise in string and bass craftsmanship.
- Our products are trusted by legendary musicians like James Jamerson and Tony Iommi.
- We collaborate with master luthiers for handcrafted vintage-style basses and pickups.
- Our commitment to music education includes artist sponsorships and scholarship programs.
- We maintain rigorous quality standards with hand-made production processes in the USA.
Services
Music Strings Manufacturing
La Bella crafts premium hand-made strings for guitars, basses, and orchestral instruments using traditional methods. Our strings combine vintage tonal qualities with modern durability, serving professional musicians worldwide. Each product undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure superior sound and performance.
Bass Guitar Production
Our Olinto basses are handcrafted by master luthier James Carbonetti using premium woods and vintage-inspired designs. These instruments feature custom-wound pickups and nitrocellulose finishes, delivering authentic tones that complement our legendary strings for a complete sonic experience.
Artist Collaboration Programs
La Bella partners with renowned musicians to develop signature strings and instruments, ensuring professional-grade tools that meet industry demands. These collaborations drive innovation while maintaining our commitment to preserving musical heritage through modern applications.
Music Education Sponsorship
We sponsor clinics, festivals, and scholarships to nurture emerging talent and promote music education globally. Our initiatives include artist residencies and instrument donations, fostering community engagement and preserving musical traditions for future generations.
Custom Instrument Building
La Bella offers bespoke instrument creation through our Brooklyn-based luthier workshop. Customers can commission unique basses with personalized specifications, including wood selection, pickup configurations, and hand-finished aesthetics that reflect individual playing styles and artistic identity.
People
James Carbonetti
Master Luthier
James Carbonetti handcrafts all La Bella Olinto basses, combining decades of luthier experience with vintage-inspired techniques. His expertise in relic finishes and custom builds ensures each instrument meets professional standards while maintaining historical authenticity.
Richard Mari Cocco Jr.
President
As third-generation leader, Richard Mari Cocco Jr. oversees La Bella's operations, preserving family traditions while guiding modern innovation. His leadership maintains the company's commitment to quality craftsmanship and musician-centric product development since the 1913 New York founding.
Questions
What products does La Bella specialize in?
La Bella specializes in handcrafted music strings for guitars, basses, violins, and classical instruments, as well as vintage-style Olinto basses.
Are La Bella products made in the USA?
Yes, all La Bella strings and basses are handcrafted in New York and Newburgh, NY, maintaining family-owned production since 1913.
Do you offer custom instrument options?
Yes, La Bella collaborates with master luthier James Carbonetti to create custom-built Olinto basses tailored to individual preferences.
Reviews (5)
Optimizer Ghaf
Jul 08, 2021
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I play flamenco and their strings are the closest i can get rather than getting it from Spain. Rock on. and thank you for amazing service. -fonzie
Justin Golden
Jun 07, 2020
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Big fan. I think it's a family owned business. Use their strings for my oud, qanun and my bass. Awesome vibes!
Addrena Kim
Mar 09, 2020
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Excellent violin strings! Rivals my Pirastro set in sound quality at a fraction of the cost, can't beat it! This family-owned business truly values its craft and customers. Top-notch service all around!
Jennifer Berl
Nov 17, 2019
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I love La Bella's phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings. They are super bright and last forever. I'm so glad I made the switch a few years ago.
Marco Zanetti
Nov 11, 2019
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I met Lorenza and her dad a few years ago at an industry event in NY. La Bella Strings is all about their craft as well as supporting their business partners and customers. If you have not checked out their products, do so! This is a really cool, family owned company that has great products.
