Flats for 2012 Ric 4003 - Page 2

NYCbassist · #21 02-19-2013, 10:25 PM

Well I changed my mind last Minute and ordered TI JF344's. Just Strings wanted $ 7.00 for shipping. So it was only $11 more for the TI's Vs. 760's Through Guitar Center.com. Can't wait to get them.

Thanks again for all the advice gang. I'll post my initial impressions of them in several days.

armybass · #22 02-20-2013, 04:03 AM

Can't go wrong with either set.

rekesbass · #23 02-20-2013, 07:01 AM

I have a '04 4003 that wears rounds(DR high beams) and always will...I also have a '82 4001 that has some old rounds..so old I can't even remember what brand but,I'm thinking of going with flats on the 4001 and I eagerly await NYCbassist review of the TI's...I guess I'm basically subscribing to this thread..

NYCbassist · #24 02-20-2013, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

Can't go wrong with either set.

That's what I figured. GC emailed me a coupon code "Taxsave" for an extra $10 off so under $54 delivered I couldn't say no. I usually get used to changes between basses and strings very quickly so I'm sure these TI's will work out. Heck it only took me 2 months to decide. Plus the Stock Rounds are darn good strings IMO. No Complaints here.

**Ric5** · #25 02-20-2013, 07:28 AM

Rickenbacker does not make strings of any kind. They buy them and put their label on them. The same goes for most bass guitar makers. Ernis Ball is an exception to that rule. (But even they may buy their strings)

The truth is that there are a few places in the world where strings are made and it is common for those few places to sell strings to others who slap on their labels and resale them

OzzyGreg · #26 02-20-2013, 02:28 PM

.
I put TI JF344s on my 4001 recently.
A match made in heaven IMHO.
I'm still getting used to the floppy feel, but love the tone!

NYCbassist · #27 02-20-2013, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzzyGreg

.
I put TI JF344s on my 4001 recently.
A match made in heaven IMHO.
I'm still getting used to the floppy feel, but love the tone!

Great to hear. I am hoping for "Singing" High notes and the ability to hear every note without stepping on the guitarists.

I'm really looking forward to getting them.

Pet Sounds · #28 02-20-2013, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

I use the Labellas for my blues gig and they are perfect!

I also have Labellas on my '78 Jetglo.

1stnamebassist · #29 02-20-2013, 09:56 PM

Fender 9050cl sound fantastic and have a great feel on a Rick. Don't know about others.

rekesbass · #30 02-22-2013, 03:35 AM

the term "floppy" gets used a lot around here when describing TI flats...are they really that loose ??? are they like using Guild ashbury or Kala Ubass type string in terms of feel ?...I use DR highbeams(which has a round core) and I don't really notice any difference from a Hex core string...people have described them(highbeams) as having a looser feel but, the term "floppy" has me a little scared.

NYCbassist · #31 02-22-2013, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rekesbass

the term "floppy" gets used a lot around here when describing TI flats...are they really that loose ??? are they like using Guild ashbury or Kala Ubass type string in terms of feel ?...I use DR highbeams(which has a round core) and I don't really notice any difference from a Hex core string...people have described them(highbeams) as having a looser feel but, the term "floppy" has me a little scared.

I'll definitely let you know when I get them. GC has them on the way to me but looks like Monday or Tuesday. I've never Gas'd for strings before.

OzzyGreg · #32 02-22-2013, 11:52 PM

.

Quote:

the term "floppy" gets used a lot around here when describing TI flats...are they really that loose ???

Oh yeah, you'd better believe it!

If I pluck as hard as I did with higher tension strings they flap against the frets.
The super-light feel has to be experienced to appreciate though. This is a huge advantage IMHO. My left hand doesn't tire as easily in marathon sessions.

Of course I could adjust the bass to suit the strings (slacken the truss rods, raise the action etc.) but all I've done is adjust my playing style. I pluck softer on the Rick these days.

rekesbass · #33 02-23-2013, 03:46 AM

Maybe I'll just have to try them myself although I'm still going to wait for NYCbassist's review..as far as my right hand attack goes,it varies depending on the style music,song and environment..I wouldn't play like Lemmy when doing a Beatles tune...LOL..
I had a set of chromes on a Jazz bass and liked the "best of both worlds thing" that they give you but,I'm lookin for something a little different for the 4001..

NYCbassist · #34 02-23-2013, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rekesbass

Maybe I'll just have to try them myself although I'm still going to wait for NYCbassist's review..as far as my right hand attack goes,it varies depending on the style music,song and environment..I wouldn't play like Lemmy when doing a Beatles tune...LOL..
I had a set of chromes on a Jazz bass and liked the "best of both worlds thing" that they give you but,I'm lookin for something a little different for the 4001..

I can say this before I even get them. It's going to be a totally different experience for me. I've been digging in very hard for many many years. I basically "Slap" all the time but not with my thumb. I smack the strings hard with my Right middle finger. I'm hoping that I can continue to keep my same style and still get some growl. I will let you know for sure. With some luck they'll get her today but tracking # shows Tuesday. Guitar Center uses a combo of UPS & US Postal Service for shipping so It's anyone's guess really. Still got string GAS

iiipopes · #35 02-23-2013, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCbassist

I can say this before I even get them. It's going to be a totally different experience for me. I've been digging in very hard for many many years. I basically "Slap" all the time but not with my thumb. I smack the strings hard with my Right middle finger. I'm hoping that I can continue to keep my same style and still get some growl. I will let you know for sure. With some luck they'll get here today but tracking # shows Tuesday. Guitar Center uses a combo of UPS & US Postal Service for shipping so It's anyone's guess really. Still got string GAS

Yes! I also dig in fairly hard. These strings, being flat, and a hair more tension than the same gauge of rounds, come right along with me when I want to dig in. They don't "fret slap," or fart out. I do have my action up just a hair for my own playing style, but I still have all the tone and growl from rounds, but with none of the twang, fret noise, or "bottoming out" of rounds. You can definitely "dig in" with these strings.

NYCbassist · #36 02-23-2013, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iiipopes

Yes! I also dig in fairly hard. These strings, being flat, and a hair more tension than the same gauge of rounds, come right along with me when I want to dig in. They don't "fret slap," or fart out. I do have my action up just a hair for my own playing style, but I still have all the tone and growl from rounds, but with none of the twang, fret noise, or "bottoming out" of rounds. You can definitely "dig in" with these strings.

Thanks for the great Info. I remember you being a big fan of the TI's. I just can't wait to get them. Oh, and props for admitting to digging in. It seems to be frowned upon around here.

Srirachaglo · #37 02-23-2013, 03:59 PM

So, I know I'm in the minority here, but I thought I'd share my experience. I had my new Ric 4003 set up with TIs based on TB recommendation. I've never been so underwhelmed with strings. Yes, they sounded good (in an uneven kind of way), but I couldn't stand the feel—and I'm not talking "floppiness." The string to string balance to me (IMHO) was terrible. The G and D were amazing, but the A was "soggy" (best word I could think of to describe how out of balance, loose, and hollow it sounded), and tiny E string wasn't doing it for me (couldn't get a good thump from it).

Just got my replacement LaBella 760FLs... WOW. They are everything I wished the TIs were, and to me actually felt SHOCKINGLY similar. Very smooth, silky, and flexible. I was shocked at their not-too-high tension too. They even have (again, IMHO), much of the same low-mid tonal character, just with steely zing on the top end. As a matter of fact, if I didn't now anything about flats and someone handed me a bass with these stings on on it, I would take a guess that the 760s were a new balanced-tension/higher guage set of TI JFs. LaBella FTW!

I would like to thank Amybass and Jason at BsO for getting me here. Rock!

iiipopes · #38 02-23-2013, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCbassist

Thanks for the great Info. I remember you being a big fan of the TI's. I just can't wait to get them. Oh, and props for admitting to digging in. It seems to be frowned upon around here.

Thanks. I call 'em as I see 'em. But no, I am not a fan of TI's for two reasons: 1) they're floppy to me, especially the A string, and 2) the pure nickel wrap turns my fingers black and my perspiration corrodes them prematurely.

What TI nickel flats do well is the Macca tone.

OTOH, TI Spirocore 3885 Weichs and Bel Cantos are my favorites for double bass jazz pizz. They have steel wrap that lasts a long, long time.

NYCbassist · #39 02-23-2013, 07:38 PM

Went to the Mailbox at 4 O'clock and there they were

I put them on at 7pm and didn't even need to tweak the truss rod. The intonation is right on after a quick adjustment on the E string. The others were fine. These are really only a tiny bit floppier than the stock strings. I got used to them in the first 10 minutes. They are very punchy and loud. I can get plenty of growl. just not that Geddy lee or Chris Squier sound which I don't need considering I'm playing mostly Blues/Motown with a little Southern Rock thrown in.

I love them already after only 2 1/2 hours. I'm pretty sure they will sound fantastic with the Band tomorrow.

rekesbass · #40 02-24-2013, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCbassist

Went to the Mailbox at 4 O'clock and there they were

I put them on at 7pm and didn't even need to tweak the truss rod. The intonation is right on after a quick adjustment on the E string. The others were fine. These are really only a tiny bit floppier than the stock strings. I got used to them in the first 10 minutes. They are very punchy and loud. I can get plenty of growl. just not that Geddy lee or Chris Squier sound which I don't need considering I'm playing mostly Blues/Motown with a little Southern Rock thrown in.

I love them already after only 2 1/2 hours. I'm pretty sure they will sound fantastic with the Band tomorrow.

This is good news...I'm not looking for that Squire or Geddy tone either on my 4001,that's what my 4003 is for..