SR5 TI Jazz Flats?

[peterpalmieri]

I am at somewhat of a an impass here....

As you may or may not know I own a relatively early model Lakland JO (serial # in the low 200s). I've been using this bass exclusively for the past 3 years or so. So much so that I had sold every other bass I've owned and am very happy with my decision as I feel this bass provides me with exactly what I need.

Very recently I had the opportunity to purchase back a bass that I owned for many years a 90's SR5 which was my main bass for years.

When I recently received back the SR5 which I was totally excited about it had a set of TI Jazz flats on it. It is a very different sound that I was not acostumed too. I stuck with it for a few days and then decided to go back to my old standard Ernie Ball Slinkys 45, 65, 85, 105, 125....

After doing an AB of the SR5 and my JO I am coming to the conclusion that the JO just kills the SR5 in tone with rounds. I am considering going back to the flats so this bass serves an entirely different function then the JO. It also seems that the SR5 performs much better with the mids on onboard EQ boosted all the way. It also works better being played through 15s (NV215 or S15XD). Which I never thought my JO excelled at.

I guess my question is does anyone have experiences they can share with using a SR5 with flats in a live situation. I play in an 11 piece funk group where it can be very difficult to get a bass tone that cuts through without muddying up stage volume.

[Jeb]

I've used the JF345/SR5 combination live but in a different application than what you do. IME, they sound full, fat and warm with much less sustain than the EB strings or the DRLoriders that I've also used on that bass. While the skinny strings (D and G) have better balance and thump with the TIs, the "snarl" to the lower registers is not there live. It depends what you think sounds good.

On this bass, the TIs do have a bit of snap for flats, but the huge growl is missing. 11 piece funk group? I don't think you'll be happy with this combo. But I'm usually wrong and this stuff is so subjective so give em' a try.

[bassman blue]

my experiences are that on that type of bass you will definitely miss the growl. the ti flats are great strings but they will cheat the SR5 out of what it does best...

[peterpalmieri]

That is interesting so many guys have been talking up the use of flats on a SR. When I say Funk band it is allot more diverse then that, allot of R&B, motown, standards.......

I know my Lakland JO kills with the band so I am not so worried about trying to copy that with the SR but maybe give me a different vibe for smooth jazz, old school motown stuff?

[bassmonkeee]

Why don't you give the Ernie Ball flatwounds a shot instead of the TIs? A bit more tension than the TIs, and a nice complement to the MM tone, IMO.

I've currently got the EB flats on my main fretted Bongo, and I have TIs on my fretless Bongo.

I'm sure Jack will be here soon enough to praise the TIs on the SRs, too.

[peterpalmieri]

In what way do the EB flats complement the EB tone? Do the higher tension strings give more bite and growl or is it something different?

[FidgetStone]

Since you have the luxury of two nice basses and you already have the TI flats, I would put them back on the SR5 and take some time to let your ears get used to them.

They did wonders for my SR4 in terms of giving it a nice fundamental thump that I never found in any of the many round wound strings that I tried over the years. I liked the fact that they took some of the edge off of the SR4's upper mids which it had in abundance.

I have TI flats on my G&L L-2500 fretless 5-string currently and I really like them. I prefer them over the Fender flats and even Chromes which I also like quite a bit. I have not tried the EB flats.

Now it seems that I just can't live without that flat wound thump.

[Joe Smithberger]

I run an SR5 with LaBellas at the moment. Although it has worn TI's and Chromes (4 yrs). I really dig the stingray 5 with flats played fingerstyle, series mode (switch forward) with a slight bass boost. IMO that sound is almost P-bassish in the way it pokes through while still being supportive and gutsy. The only issue I've had with flats is sustain on the B string. Whenever I have taken them off, it's because I am working on some drop D tune or something that relies on a lot of long low notes. For blues and Motown type stuff, your off the note before you notice it. In fact at gig volume, I am usually in awe of the B string sound.

[king_biscuit]

I agree that flats sound nice on a SR5, however, I'd suggest something besides TIs. Chromes, EBs, and La Bellas are all great strings with normal tension.

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

In what way do the EB flats complement the EB tone? Do the higher tension strings give more bite and growl or is it something different?

I believe that the lower tension will give you more growl. Higher tension strings may have more "bite", but I don't believe they'll have more growl.

After I read your question, this website came to mind:
Thomastik Spirocore Double Bass Strings

Read Gary's thoughts on the Spirocore strings (for upright bass). I have those strings on my URB and I have the TI Jazz Flats on my P-Bass and my J-Bass. I think I get great growl from the lower tension. Gary's thoughts kind of explain why the lower tension may offer more growl.

I was on TB last night and I saw a thread that had audio samples of TI Jazz Flats compared against Chromes. I'm sure you could find it pretty easily with a search.

Best of luck finding the string that works for you.

Peace,
Joe

Joe

[king_biscuit]

The problem is that the TIs require a ladie's or children's touch to play because they are so soft I suggest the OP try a normal, men's tension string kidding... Actually I think the TIs are kind of mushy on the low notes, whereas a string like La Bella is very clear and powerful on the low notes. I keep trying TIs on different basses because of all the hype, and I keep hating them and taking them off. To me they sound and feel pretty thin compaired to more traditional strings. YMMV...

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by king_biscuit

The problem is that the TIs require a ladie's or children's touch to play because they are so soft

I beat on my TI's on a regular basis. I really dig in. If you go to my page (MySpace), you can hear me diggin' in on the intro to "Blue Bossa". All of my recordings have me playing TI flats on my P-Bass.

They do feel soft. They almost feel like they're made out of rubber, but they thump hard. I've had the same set of TI's on my P-bass for 2+ years and I won't be changing them anytime soon.

Peace and Respect,
Joe

[king_biscuit]

Originally Posted by Bassist4Life

I beat on my TI's on a regular basis. I really dig in. If you go to my page (MySpace), you can hear me diggin' in on the intro to "Blue Bossa". All of my recordings have me playing TI flats on my P-Bass.

They do feel soft. They almost feel like they're made out of rubber, but they thump hard. I've had the same set of TI's on my P-bass for 2+ years and I won't be changing them anytime soon.

Peace and Respect,
Joe

Your stuff sounds great, and I would not call that "beating."

[Jeb]

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

That is interesting so many guys have been talking up the use of flats on a SR. When I say Funk band it is allot more diverse then that, allot of R&B, motown, standards.......

Ohhh, for THAT. Yes, I'd think they'd work well for the old school R&B standards type material. That Jamerson fellow did what he did because of who he was, not necessarily because of his dead flatwounds. When I think funk, I think of the SR snarl. The TIs are capable of some bite on my SR5, but they have less sustain than I'm used to. That would likely work well for your application then.

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

I know my Lakland JO kills with the band so I am not so worried about trying to copy that with the SR but maybe give me a different vibe for smooth jazz, old school motown stuff? ?

Try the TIs on the SR5 if you haven't already. They are very cool on this bass, but different than what you'd think is typical for the instrument. Lots of warm, fat tones to work with.

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by king_biscuit

Your stuff sounds great, and I would not call that "beating."

I think I play a bit on the heavy side for jazz. But you're right, I guess "beating" is a strong word.

Joe

[peterpalmieri]

Originally Posted by Bassist4Life

I think I play a bit on the heavy side for jazz. But you're right, I guess "beating" is a strong word.

Joe

Your tunes sound great and the tone is right on for that style of jazz on an electric bass....

I think I am going to try to go back to the TI's as well as try another set of flats. King when you say labellas are you talking black nylon tape wounds or another set?

I should also say the rounds are growing on me but still so very close but not as good as the JO that I am not sure I'd have reason to bring it out on gigs set up that way...

[Dr Stankface]

I currently have a SR5 strung with TI flats. I've tried a few other brands of flats (EB, D'addario) and the TIs are really what have complimented this bass best. I'd say throw the flats back on it and try to adapt. I don't feel that the TIs rob the SR5 of anything but a good slap tone. It just shapes things a bit differently and IMHO works very well.

That being said, my other 4 SR5s do have rounds.

[peterpalmieri]

Originally Posted by Dr Stankface

I don't feel that the TIs rob the SR5 of anything but a good slap tone.

I would agree the slap tone is not there with flats (atleast the way I like it) although that is true for many basses but not all....A P in particular has a very workable slap tone with flats...

Pete

[Dr Stankface]

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

I would agree the slap tone is not there with flats (atleast the way I like it) although that is true for many basses but not all....A P in particular has a very workable slap tone with flats...

Pete

Very very true.

[king_biscuit]

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

King when you say labellas are you talking black nylon tape wounds or another set?

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fl-b.html

or

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760fm-b.html