Flats with similar tension as Sunbeams?

stflbn · #1 11-08-2009, 07:11 PM

I think I know what the answer is going to be (TI's) but I thought I'd ask anyhow.

I love the slinky feel of Sunbeams, and 'to me' once broken in they're about one step away soundwise from Sadowsky Flats, but I've yet to try flats that felt as comfortable as Sunbeams 'to me'.

I've tried Sadowsky Flats, and Chromes and both are quite a bit stiffer than the Sunbeams.

kirkm24 · #2 11-08-2009, 07:46 PM

What about the DR flatwounds? They are also strung on a round core and are loser than a lot of flatwounds out there.

stflbn · #3 11-09-2009, 08:26 AM

Are you talking about HiBeam Flats?

Other reviews here on talkbass say they're very high tension... almost as high as LaBella's.

Definitely not what I'm looking for. Also not necessarily looking for old school thump. Still need articulation and presence.

Heh... probably should just keep playing Sunbeams.

:-)

.

smfingers · #4 11-09-2009, 08:53 AM

I'll confirm your own answer. TI flats are probably similar in tension to your Sunbeams. I have both strung on different basses and don't notice a real difference between them with regards to tension. Sound and feel are very different. I'm a newbie to flats but the TIs feel nicer to the fingers and the tone is warmer than Sunbeams for sure. I'm not sure how the TIs compare to Pyramid Golds but you'd pay an extra $20 for those.

kirkm24 · #5 11-09-2009, 02:14 PM

I was referring to Hi beam flats.. (now I think they are called Legacy or something like that since they in no way sounded like Hi beams).

It's been about a year since I've used them but I seem to remember them being less tense than La Bellas, Chromes or any of the popular strings (minus TI's). I guess without lbs. measurements it can be somewhat subjective.

Jared Lash · #6 11-09-2009, 02:37 PM

Hi-Beam Flats are a strange deal. Tension wise they seem about the sames as chromes or LaBella FLs but they play "easier" somehow. I don't really know how to explain it. That said, they are SUPER thumpy - to the point where the didn't have enough else going on for me to really dig them.

But they were higher tension than the Sunbeams. And to be honest, the TIJFs are noticeably LOWER tension than Sunbeams IMO. I haven't played Pyramid Golds, but of the flats I have tried, there aren't really any close in tension to the DRs. TIs probably are closest.

kirkm24 · #7 11-09-2009, 02:49 PM

I loved the tone of TI's but they were just too lose for my taste.

You might be better off just sticking with your Sunbeams!

JTE · #8 11-09-2009, 03:53 PM

Hmm... my experience with DR Hi-Beam rounds, Sunbeam rounds, TI-Flats and GHS Precision Flats is that the feel of the GHS Precision Flats after they settle in is about the same as the DR-Sunbeams. I use 45/65/85/105. The TI"s were WAY less tension to me.

John

dvh · #9 11-09-2009, 03:59 PM

Sunbeams are my string of choice for rounds but they sound nothing like any flats I've tried. I like the tension of flats. TI's are definitely outside that box. They sound great though.

engedi1 · #10 11-11-2009, 12:45 PM

I have used Dr's for many years, including Sunbeams. I currently use TI's and I think they're great. Nothing like Sunbeams tension wise. However, with TI's you can raise the action and still have a great playing bass with no buzz.
I think that if more players would give it time, they would learn to enjoy the lower tension of the TI's. TI's are very special flats. They have more sustain, and clarity and grind than most flats. I think in particular the G and D string are the best in the business. Incredible volume and clarity for upper register licks.
To me the low tension is a plus. It allows you to have light strings that are easy on the hands, yet don't sound weeny like rounds at this tension would be.
I would suggest trying the TI's.

**BLDavis** · #11 11-12-2009, 03:28 PM

I switched from Sunbeams .45-.105 to TI JF's and after a one gig I was hooked. The tension feels slightly lower with the TI's but since I have arthritis and carpal tunel I'll take any advantage I can get. The main thing though is the tone. The TI's just get better the more I play them.
I did have to make a small adjustment to the truss rod to compensate for the lower tension.

engedi1 · #12 11-12-2009, 04:18 PM

yes, I too have had to raise my saddles a bit and adjust the truss rod. Not only are TI's very light, but they also vibrate more freely than any string I have ever played, and because of this will buzz if the action is too low.
The flipside of this is that the TI's have amazing dynamic range. If you dig in, they really respond and shout at you. If you lay back, they whisper with you with no fretnoise or fingernoise.