Chromes vs. TI Flats w/P-Bass sound clips!

Smallmouth_Bass · #1 10-02-2007, 05:50 PM

Hi guys,

I've heard so many good things about TI flats that I finally decided to try a set out on my Tokai P-Bass (Hard Puncher). Previously, I had D'Addario Chromes on there.

Before having changed strings, I recorded some clips with the Chromes, and now I finally got around to making the same clips with the TIs.

Please note that the bass bridge and tuners were changed since the Chromes were on it as well, so all may not be equal, but it shouldn't change too much. Both sets were pretty much new when recorded.

All parts were recorded in GarageBand straight into an M-Audio interface. No effects.

Listen to the clips here:
http://www.garageband.com/artist/Smallmouth_Bass

(I hope they work, I just made the account to post the clips...)

I will reserve my reviews until you've had a chance to listen and comment.

srh · #2 10-02-2007, 06:01 PM

Thanks. Now I know when I get my Pbass to get a set of TI flats

hyoshim · #3 10-02-2007, 07:11 PM

I like Chrome flat better.

cmhgreg · #4 10-02-2007, 08:36 PM

Great clips! I am using TI's right now on my P, but I have a brand new set of Chromes on standby. I hear slightly more output and brilliance in the Chromes, but otherwise they sound amazingly similar. Were both sets broken in pretty good or were they both brand new?

king_biscuit · #5 10-02-2007, 08:40 PM

I like the Chromes much better.

nasaldischarges · #6 10-02-2007, 08:47 PM

+1 on the chromes

put up a clip with Roto's, preferably the RS77LE's

Chris Breese · #7 10-02-2007, 09:21 PM

I could go either way. I really dig the sound of chromes, although in a band setting, all that nice midrange clarity seems to get lost. I could be my inability to use my rig... But I have a set of TI Flats on the way, and have used them in the past with mixed results. Again, it could be my inability to dial in my rig...

Smallmouth_Bass · #8 10-02-2007, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmhgreg

Were both sets broken in pretty good or were they both brand new?

Both sets were pretty much new. I have read around here that the TIs tend to sound better once broken in.

I too, think that they sounded remarkably similar.

Chromes

Slightly brighter sound
Easy to find
Cheap
Feel good

TI Flats

A little more midrange twang
Lower tension
Hard to find
Expensive
Also feel good

Let me start by saying that my goal with going with flatwound strings on this bass was not to have a super mellow or thuddy sound. I wanted it for the feel, a slightly thicker sound and a little thud and both of these strings seem to perform well. Overall, I prefer the lower tension of the TIs and that alone is worth it for me, however the Chromes are a great sounding set too.

Overall, I think they are both good sets of strings and unless you are going for the super-thud sound, either will work well.

cmhgreg · #9 10-02-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

Overall, I think they are both good sets of strings and unless you are going for the super-thud sound, either will work well.

My sentiments exactly. Your highlights for both strings are dead on too. I think it comes down to personal preference on playability and which set feels better.

I really am stunned at how close the two strings sound in your soundclips. Nice job on the recordings (and the playing!)

king_biscuit · #10 10-02-2007, 10:56 PM

I actually don't think they sound all that similar. The TI E string is less focused than the Chrome's, and the Chromes are overall fuller sounding and brighter than the TIs.

KYJazzy · #11 10-02-2007, 11:38 PM

very interesting between the difference with the tone full and closed.

with the tone full, the Chromes sounded better to me.
with the tone closed, the TI flats sounded better.

Foxworthy925 · #12 10-03-2007, 12:05 AM

thanks for posting the clips. I just put a set of chromes on my p bass earlier this week. I was curious about how these would compare to TI's, so your clips are very helpful.
you said you recorded with an m-audio interface- can you post a link to what your using? I need to find a good way to record to garage band on my mac.

BellBottomBlues · #13 10-03-2007, 12:40 AM

tone min chromes ftw!

PilbaraBass · #14 10-03-2007, 04:02 AM

IMO the chromes flat out kick BUTTINSKY!

thanks for the clips...

Deacon_Blues · #15 10-03-2007, 08:14 AM

Thanks for the clips! Really helpful! I have tried both but not on the same bass and only on fretlesses so it has been hard for me to compare their sound.

I agree with King Biscuit in that the difference between the TI's and Chromes are big. Especially with the tone fully open, I didn't really listen too carefully to the other clips. I preferred the sound of the chromes because of their brightness. I also liked the tension of those ones more when I tried them out.

Smallmouth_Bass · #16 10-03-2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxworthy925

You said you recorded with an m-audio interface- can you post a link to what your using? I need to find a good way to record to garage band on my mac.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...Solo-main.html

It also has an input for a mic. There are lower models you can get just to plug in a 1/4" jack too.

Smallmouth_Bass · #17 10-03-2007, 09:30 AM

Just one more comment about the recordings:
I tried to set the levels as good as I could, but it is possible that they were not both the same with each string set and the setup may have differed somewhat. I would concentrate on the quality of the sound rather that the output when evaluating the clips.

kevinmoore73 · #18 10-03-2007, 09:34 AM

It would be cool if you'd do the same recordings with a set of Labella Deep Talkin' flats too.

I have Chromes (ECB81-5SL), but think the G string has more twang than the other strings. I was thinking of trying Labellas (760FM-B-EXL) in hopes that problem would go away. I'd also like to maintain tension similar to the Chromes.

Xed32 · #19 10-03-2007, 09:47 AM

Well, now I have to go buy a set of TI-Flats. Damn. thats the sound I love. Finally. thank yu very much!!

Smallmouth_Bass · #20 10-03-2007, 09:47 AM

The line I played in the clips didn't even use the G-string!

I appreciate the interest in suggesting other flats for sound clips, but I am unlikely to change strings for a while. I am quite happy with the TIs and the Chromes were good too. I don't feel I have to look any further to get what I want out of a flatwound string.