Flats that sound like TI Flats??

The Diaper Geni · #1 02-11-2011, 06:30 AM

I know. Sounds stupid. If you want to get some strings that sound like TI Flats, get some TI Flats. No?

But while I love the sound of TI (Thomastsik-Infeld) Flats, their low tension drives me crazy. Can't hang with that low tension.

Which leads me to the question: What brand of flats sound like TI Flats but have more tension?

Thanks in advance!!

DavePlaysBass · #2 02-11-2011, 06:52 AM

Nothing is like TIs. But with that being said, you should check out Sadowsky flats if you have not already. They have more upper mids than most flats. Loud in a dense mix they can shine much like the TIs.

Chris K · #3 02-11-2011, 06:59 AM

How long have you been trying? Give those TI's some more time.

TI's aren't very suitable if your action isn't as low as it will go, so make sure you try lowering the action (if it isn't very low already).

**Btone** · #4 02-11-2011, 07:13 AM

Tried them for the first time in a band setting the other day - I'm very impressed, and the lower tension didn't bother me at all. If it did, I would go a long way to adjust to them, because

Quote:

Nothing is like TIs

Give them a month or two, maybe you'll get used to the lower tension.

The Diaper Geni · #5 02-11-2011, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

Nothing is like TIs. But with that being said, you should check out Sadowsky flats if you have not already. They have more upper mids than most flats. Loud in a dense mix they can shine much like the TIs.

I would bet that Sadowsky puts their brand name on an existing brand. I doubt they "make" their own string.

That being said, they sound like what I'm going for. So thanks!

And I've used TI's on/off a lot in the past 7-8 years. Can't get used to them!! And it's my right hand technique, for sure. Tends to be a little aggressive. The TI's, IMO, would be great for somebody that can play with a light touch

bassbully · #6 02-11-2011, 07:29 AM

I agree there is no flat that sounds like TI's. I have a love/hate thing with them. I have them on my 83' SQ Squier P right now and the tone is wonderful. I think I'll keep them on this time?

CapnSev · #7 02-11-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Diaper Geni

I would bet that Sadowsky puts their brand name on an existing brand. I doubt they "make" their own string.

They are made by LaBella, but they are absolutely nothing like LaBella flats. To me, they practically sound like rounds in disguise.

Bassamatic · #8 02-11-2011, 09:06 AM

I use the TIs on my old Hofner Club Bass to spare the neck. I find I just play a little closer to the bridge than usual and the feel is fine.

The low tension sure is easy on your hands, but you have to learn to have a light touch.

The Diaper Geni · #9 02-11-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

They are made by LaBella, but they are absolutely nothing like LaBella flats. To me, they practically sound like rounds in disguise.

Those may be worth checking out.

Chris K · #10 02-11-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gio S

I find I just play a little closer to the bridge than usual and the feel is fine.

The low tension sure is easy on your hands, but you have to learn to have a light touch.

Both very true.

markanini · #11 02-11-2011, 06:21 PM

After hearing the clips recently posted in the flatwound shootout thread I think my Optima flats sound a lot like the TIs. There quite low tension as well but workable to me after playing on light DTFs for years.

DavePlaysBass · #12 02-11-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Diaper Geni

I would bet that Sadowsky puts their brand name on an existing brand. I doubt they "make" their own string.

That being said, they sound like what I'm going for. So thanks!

And I've used TI's on/off a lot in the past 7-8 years. Can't get used to them!! And it's my right hand technique, for sure. Tends to be a little aggressive. The TI's, IMO, would be great for somebody that can play with a light touch

They are their own thing. Search on them and you will see many satisfied users.

If you like the sound of TIs, increase the relief (loosen the truss rod) and raise the saddles. When they are high, they do not feel as loose.

ljazz · #13 02-12-2011, 03:54 AM

I'll probably catch some flak for this, but really, the only other flat with the mid range "complexity" thing happening are chromes. You'll have to fight through the clak for a month or two (if you play them regularly), but as they settle, the mids start to sing. They don't sound exactly like TI's, but to me, the allure of the TI's are the mids...... no other flat, except for chromes, does that. Everything else has some "scoop" happening, which tends to limit their usefulness for me.

Toneman · #14 02-15-2011, 08:41 PM

although nothing sounds quite as sweet as TI's (wish they weren't sooo expensive) I would say GHS precision flats 3025 light gauge. GHS has a roundcore like TI's and are a great second choice in feel and tone. Just my 2 cents. I recently bought a set of Chromes and I'm not digging the tone all that much maybe they'll settle in after a few weeks.