Thomstic hesitation

spong · #1 04-28-2009, 10:45 AM

I remember buying a set of thomastics a few years ago and took them off almost immediately because I didn't like the tone.

However, because I live in Nigeria where you simply can't find bass strings anywhere, I ended up putting them back on as they are now the only newish strings I have left.

I am trying to find something that I like about them but the tone is very hard for me to get in too. I can't even use the bridge pickup any more as the tone is horribly shrill through it even with the tone backed almost right off.

Anyhow, I was wondering how long it takes for them to bed in and start to sound better as I am really not enjoying them at all right now. Also what are the benefits? I notice a lot less fret noise and I guess they will last for a long time but what is the point if you are not digging the tone?

bongomania · #2 04-28-2009, 11:22 AM

Do you mean the flats or the rounds? The flats are bright for flats, but they are still less bright than most rounds IMO, and I've never heard them sound "shrill". Anyway while they will mellow a bit after some use, they are reputed to keep their tone a long, long time--years even. So if you don't like them now, I don't think you'll ever like them.

The only real benefit to them is if you happen to like the tone and the feel.

spong · #3 04-29-2009, 02:41 AM

they are the flats. What I mean by shrill is that they make the bridge pup sound very harsh. Kind of like metal grinding against metal sort of thing. I guess the p bass pup sounds okay but the strings generally make the bass very non-versatile. I also play upright so I already have a flat wound Jazz sound with that and don't really need it for my electric bass.

Oh well I guess they can live in my gig bag as the perpetual backup strings.

ljazz · #4 04-30-2009, 03:26 AM

Try lowering the bridge pup a bit. Remember, these are nickel, so if you're coming from a SS string, you might have a bit more output. They'll take about 3 weeks of solid playing to break in, and once they do, they settle into this "woody" sounding groove that lasts forever.

As for the brightness, yes it does wear off..... and to be honest, they are a lot less bright than DA Chromes, or the Fender Flats. I just put a set of 12 year old Fenders back on my MIA Jazz bass...... I can slap with those bad boys they're so bright. I can't do that when it's sporting TI JF's.

fearceol · #5 04-30-2009, 04:56 AM

Generally the reason people dont like TI flats is because of their low tension. It's obvious they are not for you. I'd say try the suggestion "ljazzz" made and if this does not work you could try selling or swopping them here on TB. I'm sure there would be a lot of takers for them here.

NorCal Dog · #6 04-30-2009, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

Generally the reason people dont like TI flats is because of their low tension. It's obvious they are not for you. I'd say try the suggestion "ljazzz" made and if this does not work you could try selling or swopping them here on TB. I'm sure there would be a lot of takers for them here.

maybe,, but what's the shipping cost going to be from Nigeria ?

( you might want to factor that in )

fearceol · #7 04-30-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Dog

maybe,, but what's the shipping cost going to be from Nigeria ?

( you might want to factor that in )

It was just a suggestion.

He could at least inquire.

Otherwise I cant think of anything else the OP can do.... except force himself to like TI's. Can you.. ?

riker1384 · #8 04-30-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Dog

maybe,, but what's the shipping cost going to be from Nigeria ?

Just make sure he doesn't want you to send him a check for $10,000 so that he can ship over an estate of 12.5 million Jazz Flats left by a prince who was killed by rebels.

BassBod · #9 05-02-2009, 06:16 AM

I'd suggest living with them for a month or so...let them break in. I have always found I need to tweak the truss rod/action to compensate for the floppy feel, and then I can enjoy the feel and the sound much more.

And yes...I sent my money off..but the cheque hasn't cleared yet

Bassmickeyd · #10 05-02-2009, 06:24 AM

"I also play upright so I already have a flat wound Jazz sound with that and don't really need it for my electric bass."

I think you answered this post yourself.
To me it sounds more like a pickup problem. Have you tried to lower the bridge pickup? That should cure any harsh sounds. Or raising the action at the bridge will tighten up any low tension strings.

spong · #11 05-04-2009, 07:31 AM

Thanks guys. I took them off and split my last Carvin 5 string set to replace them

I never got into my old Carvin but I really like their strings - cheap too.

As for the TI's I might save them for when/if I buy another bass. There are lots of Old beaten up fender basses over here that will probably be a lot cheaper than buying a vintage fender in the US.