Can TI Jazz Flats be strung through the body?

jscomposer · #1 12-08-2009, 01:26 PM

Or is that a no-no for flats in general?

I'm just thinking, .136" low-B is gonna be a PITA to squeeze into the back of the bridge.

Why aren't ALL low-B strings taper wound?

Jefenator · #2 12-08-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Can TI Jazz Flats be strung through the body?

IME yes (just make SURE there's enough length).

The low B *should* fit through the bridge tail, though.

I can't say I share your yearning for tapered strings.

bongomania · #3 12-08-2009, 01:38 PM

It will work great as long as you can fit the B through the ferrule.

jscomposer · #4 12-08-2009, 01:40 PM

I just thought this little blurb in La Bella's catalogue was a red flag: "With this configuration [through the body], the resulting sharp angle located at the bridge can cause the flat wound outer wrap to crack, fray or break with standard strings." So they make special flat wound strings for string-thru basses. TI doesn't mention this.

BTW, I'm looking at flats now because half-rounds are too rough for slides, and pressure wounds are still too chirpy. At least in my limited n00b experience.

bongomania · #5 12-08-2009, 01:46 PM

Oh yeah--LaBella flats are a no-no, but TI's are different.

Jefenator · #6 12-08-2009, 01:48 PM

That's LaBella's official take. I've heard a few user reports of using the standard LaBella flats successfully string-thru, no reports of problems. Their site mentions special flats for string-thru but I haven't seen them anywhere.

IME the TIs are actually loosely wound and prone to problems. (Mostly when I try and cut them or use them with a Steinberger string adapter.) I've used them string-thru without incident, but if I had the option to go thru the bridge, I'd probably prefer that. (Shallower "break" angle = better for flat windings and less strain on the thicker strings.)

tmax · #7 12-08-2009, 01:49 PM

TI's have silk in between the windings and they are way more flexible as a result. I've strung them thru on Fenders for sure, and then used them again on other basses with no issues.

**joinercape** · #8 12-08-2009, 02:03 PM

I've never had any problem with TI's on string-through Fenders, that's all I own and have been using them for years trouble free.

jscomposer · #9 12-08-2009, 02:49 PM

Just to be sure, do they have tapered silk wrap covering at the ball end, or are they exposed and full thickness?

tmax · #10 12-08-2009, 03:10 PM

they have cheneille (silk wrap) on both ends. The standard JF set in smaller gauge than usual so fitting thru is not an issue.

jscomposer · #11 12-08-2009, 03:31 PM

OK, last question!

My bass is 35" (5-string). Should I go with the 34" or 36" scale TI flats? I'm afraid the 34" might be too short, but the 36" might be too long. That's why I was asking about stringing through the body, as I'm sure the 36" would be fine going that route.

On a side note, I think stringing through the rear of the bridge actually creates more downward pressure at least on a non-tapered low-B. Because with such a thick string coming up through the body, it tends to have one big curve. But coming from the rear of the bridge it's more of an S-curve, it's gotta bend twice. Know what I'm saying?

REAPER52 · #12 12-08-2009, 03:35 PM

Got them strung through on my Jazz -- no problems at all---love the strings ......

tmax · #13 12-08-2009, 03:41 PM

if its a 35" scale AND your thru body stringing you want the extra long set.

Mastermold · #14 12-08-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAPER52

Got them strung through on my Jazz -- no problems at all---love the strings ......

Same here on my Fender P-fiver. They're just fine through the body.

Beefbass · #15 12-08-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joinercape

I've never had any problem with TI's on string-through Fenders, that's all I own and have been using them for years trouble free.

I run mine thru the body on my Peavey Millenium BXP, no issues whatsoever. Those TI's seem like the most flexible strings I've ever used. In fact, this set I speak of, went from the Peavey (STB) to a Fender (string thru bridge) back to the Peavey (strung thru body) Still going strong!

So, this is where you are, when you're not on Carol's board!

**joinercape** · #16 12-08-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefbass

I run mine thru the body on my Peavey Millenium BXP, no issues whatsoever. Those TI's seem like the most flexible strings I've ever used. In fact, this set I speak of, went from the Peavey (STB) to a Fender (string thru bridge) back to the Peavey (strung thru body) Still going strong!

So, this is where you are, when you're not on Carol's board!

OK, you found me! Very entertaining here sometimes!

Deep · #17 12-08-2009, 07:00 PM

Seem's like they will go thru-body fine. How does the .136 fit in the nut?

**joinercape** · #18 12-08-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deep

Seem's like they will go thru-body fine. How does the .136 fit in the nut?

That's the hard part.....even on my Fender V, which came set up with .130 B string, I had to widen the nut slot for the .136 to seat well. It's tricky to do if you don't do setups alot, be careful not to make the slot deeper as well as wider. In general, a bit higher action is better with TI's, as they are low tension strings as many have pointed out here....

Beefbass · #19 12-09-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joinercape

OK, you found me! Very entertaining here sometimes!

Ain't that the truth!

Bluesy Soul · #20 12-09-2009, 04:41 PM

For years, I've strung TI Flats through-the-body on both Lakland and Fender 5-string and 4-string basses and have never encountered any kind of problem. Unfortunately, I don't remember whether I used the 34" version or the 36" version on my 35"-scale Lakland JO5. As stated above, it's probably safer to go with the 36" version.