Lower Tension Flats?

dregsfan · #1 02-24-2013, 06:03 PM

So I tried my first flats. D'Addario XL Chromes, and really liked them. But, a little too much tension on them.

So for fun, what do you recommend I try next.

Thanks for the input.

Nashrakh · #2 02-24-2013, 06:09 PM

Lower end of the spectrum... TI Jazz flats. Love the low tension personally, fits my playing style and the tone is a class of its own. A bit of a standard on the low tension side of recommendations, and for a reason.

neebs · #3 02-24-2013, 06:12 PM

What gauge where the chromes? I've tried the 40-95's... I don't see how anyone could want anything higher than that! Unless, they desire some serious finger injuries.

I think the 4095s are a bit too heavy for me.

9mmMike · #4 02-24-2013, 06:21 PM

TI's JF344's.

I am gonna try the Black Diamonds soon but I do love the TI's.

Bassamatic · #5 02-24-2013, 06:25 PM

The TI's are low tension and have a marvelous feel to them, and a punchier sound than the Chromes. Worth every penny!

blue4 · #6 02-24-2013, 06:30 PM

What about under $60? I was just thinking I like the tone of my 45-100 Chromes, but they feel so stiff compared to the rounds I have on my other bass. $60 is a bit on the high side for me though.

dregsfan · #7 02-24-2013, 06:36 PM

Well TI's are a must try then.

Who makes the Black Diamonds?

Thanks guys.

(9mmMike, Love the dog.)

**Giorgetto** · #8 02-24-2013, 06:43 PM

TI Jazz Flats or while not as low tension but less tension than the chromes you might want to try the La Bella 760FL's (flat light gauge).

dregsfan · #9 02-24-2013, 06:59 PM

La Bella 760FL's noted Sir.

Thanks.

Another doggy. Yea.

Pat Wilkins (in your profile) is a great guy.

**Giorgetto** · #10 02-25-2013, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dregsfan

La Bella 760FL's noted Sir.

Thanks.

Another doggy. Yea.

Pat Wilkins (in your profile) is a great guy.

You're welcome & Pat is the best!

bassbully · #11 02-25-2013, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dregsfan

So I tried my first flats. D'Addario XL Chromes, and really liked them. But, a little too much tension on them.

So for fun, what do you recommend I try next.

Thanks for the input.

I suggest if you did not leave them on the bass to play them longer then decide if you like them. TI's are good string but I will warn you they are not for everyone and have maybe more haters than lovers. I have a love/hate relatiionship with them and use the bass with them for select gigs. To use TI's as an everyday all the time string...no way. Chromes (worn in) for me.

9mmMike · #12 02-25-2013, 08:46 AM

The Black Diamonds are a brand. They offer a flat wound that I am keen to try - http://www.juststrings.com/bkd-n300ml.html .

I do not agree with the TI's not being for everyday all the time string. I use them on almost every bass I own and I have never gig'd without them.

gary m · #13 02-26-2013, 05:53 PM

GHS Precision Flats...less tension than Chromes or LaBellas, and amazingly smooth too.

NYCbassist · #14 02-26-2013, 06:33 PM

I got My TI JF344's for $53 from GC Including Shipping. Best money I ever spent! I used discount code "TAXSAVE" and got the extra $10 off.

king_biscuit · #15 02-26-2013, 06:35 PM

Gauge for gauge, La Bellas, Chromes, Fenders, and GHS Precisions are pretty similar -- they are all hex core steel wrapped flats. TI's have much MUCH less tension than any of the other traditional flats, but are an acquired taste IMO.

9mmMike · #16 02-26-2013, 06:38 PM

I concur. I actually started with TI's (first flats). I wanted to like the Fender flats due to the price of the TI's but I found them to be too stiff for my tastes.

totallyfrozen · #17 02-26-2013, 09:27 PM

Thomastik-Infield Jazz Flats.

Expensive but worth every penny, IMO. Tension is very low (like nickel rounds). After playing on cables like the Chromes, they'll feel like rubber bands to you. REALLY, REALLY nice tone too! They're my favorite strings.

dregsfan · #18 02-26-2013, 09:34 PM

Thanks for the input.

I will be trying a set of the TI's.

Looking forward to it.

Jazz4 · #19 02-27-2013, 03:51 PM

TI flats (JF344) for my go to bass for years. The set I have on now is over 3 1/2 years on my Jazz. And no big change at all. I also use them on my fretless depending on the gig. They share the fretless with DR Sunbeams. TI's for my acoustic.(AB344) And TI's for my Ric.(JR344).
Other than the JR344's(rounds). The TI flats are a lesser tension string than any round I've ever played.

natrontheape · #20 02-27-2013, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dregsfan

Thanks for the input.

I will be trying a set of the TI's.

Looking forward to it.

If low tension is what you want... These are the strings for you. They will last forever too with very little change in the tone. I found the E and A to sweeten up a bit. That's all. They have a fantastic tone and are worth the cost.

That being said, I ordered some La Bella's today to try them out. I love the TIs but the tension is REALLY low for me and the tone isn't the same as a thumpy type of flatwound. Don't get me wrong they are great strings. And they're so great I'm sure I'll be keeping them and using them for years.

Hope you enjoy them!