Tension on TI, D'Addario, and Roto flatwounds?

Eric Cioe · #1 07-04-2006, 10:04 PM

I'm looking for some flats for my P-Bass, but the old ones I have on there (just some I had laying around) are way, way too tight for me. I like heavy strings (my rounds are D'Addario .050-.110), but the tension on these flats is beyond any upright that I've played (I've been playing urpight for longer than electric, mind). These strings are damn near unplayable for more than half an hour - and I've played 2 hour jazz shows on upright without much trouble.

I was considering some D'Addario Chrome Flats, but I read here that the tension is high. The other contenders were TI Jazz Flats and Roto 77's. Can someone rank these in order of tension?

Pickebass · #2 07-05-2006, 01:36 PM

The TIs are probably the lowest tension with the rotos and daddarrio following closely. I really like the TIs. Great sound. I don't think there is anything comparable (if that's what you like)

teleharmonium · #3 07-05-2006, 05:45 PM

You definitely don't want the D'addario Chromes. I haven't tried the TI flats but they do get props around here. I like the LaBella flats a lot, personally, and they are low tension (and cheaper).

Kael · #4 07-05-2006, 08:24 PM

D'addario Chromes aren't bad tension wise. The TI flats are VERY low tension. To the point of being worthless to me. Any time I played quicker than an 1/8th note, I had to pluck the string down by the bridge. Very limiting IMO. They felt floppier than most rounds I've used. Also, they seemed to be very sensitive to the pitch they are tuned to. I could tell by feel when I had slipped a touch (say a 1/10th of a step) flat. String dramatically lost playability. It was like playing a string on the edge. Tone wise, they mellowed out after a month or so, but still retained a lot of high end for a flat. Liked the tone but could not take the tension. They are very thin also, which kills some of the slick flatwound feel on the right hand.

After four months on, I swapped the TI's out for the D'addario Chromes. Noticeably lower tension than the Fender flats I had on there to begin with. They have more high end than the Fender flats too, but nowhere near what the TI's had. I think you'd be ok with the D'addario Chromes, they are definitely lower tension than the Superflexibles on my Engelhardt.

No experience with the Roto 77's...

Delberthot · #5 07-08-2006, 08:58 PM

I used Chromes on my Ric 4003 to calm it down a bit.

I always use 45-65-85-105 rounds on my other basses so got the same guage with these and didn't really notice much more tension.

The definite benefit is that they are easier to use - I have been playing for 20 years and still occasionally get a blister deep under one of my calluses but with flats, it is something that I never sufferered from