String Swap! 9-year-old TI Flats <<->> Fender Stainless Flats

[Jefenator]

Yeah, I know... apples and pineapples. But here we go.

The TIs were on a '78 P-bass. I enjoyed that setup for a long time. Then I started trying other stuff. I started to find that, while the TIs made playing nice and easy, there was a certain impact that was missing. A/Bing on the gig, it always seemed like the other axe was boss.

The Fender Stainless flats (medium set: 50-65-85-100) were on a '51 reissue. The bass had great authority - the sonic support was undeniable. But the response seemed harsh and uneven and playing felt clunky. I tried to get used to it but I'm just not sure I'm feeling the love for these strings.


So I got some different new flats on the way. While I'm waiting, why not switch these out between axes, see how that changes things?


The TI's made the '51 a lot more friendly to play (at least after raising the bridge saddles). I think the single coil pickup gives a certain "oomph" that helps offset the lighter tension. Could also be the heavier body. Whatever it is, the '51 is a lot less of a pushover with TIs than the '78 was.

Meanwhile, the '78 assumed more authority with the heavier stainless Fender strings. It wasn't OMG drastic, but it was definitely noticeable and it was just what the bass had been needing. Of course, the playing action was affected, but I like the way that axe plays so much, the tension didn't bug me as much as it did on the '51.

So both instruments actually benefitted quite a bit from the swap. It really goes to show how different instruments may require different strings to each work their best.

Overall, it's been a great run with the TIs but now I'm ready for more thump. The Fender Stainless thumps all right, but I find them to be a bit "mechanical" for my taste.

So now I'm going to try some D'Addario Chromes, GHS Precisions and Roto's, see how those do...

[morebass!]

Nice post - good topic.

I have TI flats on my '72 P and recently put Chromes on my Jazz Deluxe. I tune down the Jazz a half-step so needed something tighter. After about 2 weeks the Chromes are still too clanky but are improving -much better than when new. I have the .105 set and the tension is still a bit loose but I may be able to adjust with some playing time. A better setup might help too.

I wish the TIs came in a heavier gauge.