TI Flats gauge

badboy1984 · #1 05-06-2008, 03:53 PM

Planning to try these strings out for my Fender Jazz bass so that i can have a different sound compare to my other bass.

I've use Labella flats and Rotosound flats before but they both have too much tension for me. I've heard Thomastik flats have less tension so which is something i can try.

So was wondering what gauge of Thomastik flats would be good to start off with.

Drifta · #2 05-06-2008, 03:55 PM

i think they come in one size(only one i saw). check my thread below this "finally found my strings" for a lil review. I'm loving them, compared to high tension fender flats. mine are .043 .056. .070 .100

Mastermold · #3 05-06-2008, 03:56 PM

I haven't used Thomastik flats but just recently put on a set of D'Addarios as they too have less tension than the Rotosounds, and they're getting a nice tone for me.

Mushroo · #4 05-06-2008, 03:56 PM

Hello Bad Boy,
TI strings don't come in a lot of different gauges like some other companies. I think the standard set is .100-.043. I wouldn't get hung up on the exact gauge until you try them; they are really kind of unique. I have them on most of my basses

whitedk57 · #5 05-06-2008, 03:57 PM

There are just one set for your # of strings and scale length. If you have four strings and a 34" scale length, you need the JF344 set.

http://www.juststrings.com/thomastik...flatwound.html

eeyorebass · #6 05-06-2008, 03:57 PM

TI flats only come in one set of gauges. Here's the specs from the thomastik-infeld website for the JF344's (the four string set for 34" scale basses)

G .043
D .056
A .070
E .100

Jeremy

jasper383 · #7 05-06-2008, 07:44 PM

Yes, just one gauge. Beautifully balanced, and very much less tension than any Roto and all but the lightest La Bella flats. Probably less tension than even those super light La Bellas.

Munjibunga · #8 05-06-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeyorebass

TI flats only come in one set of gauges. Here's the specs from the thomastik-infeld website for the JF344's (the four string set for 34" scale basses)

G .043
D .056
A .070
E .100

Jeremy

Remarkably, believe it or not, the B string in a 5-string set is a .136. Also, to the OP, if you like slinkier round wounds, try TI's Power Bass. They are light gauge and slinky but have incredible tone and volume, bottom to top.

Drifta · #9 05-06-2008, 11:22 PM

the Ti's D and G strings are amazing. (so are the E and A but i find most other sets the e and a are good but the d and g don't seem to fit--- not the case with these).

62bass · #10 05-07-2008, 07:46 AM

I just yesterday replaced an 8 year old set of T,I, flats on my old P bass. The new ones are bright and a bit unbalanced when you first put them on. So much so it scares me when I change strings. They last so long it's a long time between string changes and I forget about that.

But a few hours of playing them in gets rid of that and they even out and get very warm and rich. Today, after a couple hours of practice on them they're almost where I like them. And then they stay sounding like that for a long time.

Yes, the tension is lower than many other strings but they are not at all floppy to me. They also seem to get a bit stiffer once they're played in. I don't know why but others have reported here that they've experienced that too.

Anyhow, T.I chose the gauge they use after a lot of testing and refining. That's one of the reasons they're comparatively more expensive. But it pays off in the sound. There are no other flats like them. The ridiculously long life is a bonus.

ljazz · #11 05-08-2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Remarkably, believe it or not, the B string in a 5-string set is a .136. Also, to the OP, if you like slinkier round wounds, try TI's Power Bass. They are light gauge and slinky but have incredible tone and volume, bottom to top.

PB's feel light, but they are actually a very high gauge.

.047 - .068 - .080 - .107

(okay, the A string isn't that high)

To the OP...... The TI Jazz Flats are absolutely beautiful! And don't let the low tension scare you. They tend to "stiffen-up" as they break-in...... I can't explain why, and wish I still had access to a force gauge to prove it.

Just make sure you break them in with a few weeks of solid playing before any real judgement as to how they sound and feel.

Ljazz

Drifta · #12 05-08-2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62bass

They also seem to get a bit stiffer once they're played in. I don't know why but others have reported here that they've experienced that too.

i think people just adjust their attack accordingly -- cause tahts whats happened to me. gotten used to the low tension now

62bass · #13 05-08-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drifta

i think people just adjust their attack accordingly -- cause tahts whats happened to me. gotten used to the low tension now

No, it's not that for me. I just replaced a set and they felt loose and rubbery for the first while. After a couple days of playing they have started to feel tighter. They sure sound good now.

I can't believe I got 8 years out of the last set. Maybe I'll take that old set and boil them in vinegar and get another 8 years.

90k · #14 05-08-2008, 04:48 PM

I just put a set of Tomastic jazz flat's on my 32" scale Squire precision. I love e'm so far. I have a set of d'adrio's on a 34"scale precision and they have alot more tension,

Funkdrawer4 · #15 05-10-2008, 07:03 AM

On the TI flats will I need the 36 inch scale if I string through body?

4001V63 · #16 05-10-2008, 11:06 AM

I love TI-flats. So multi-using strings.

I have Jazz-set (extra long scale) in my Takamine TB-10 fretless ABG too just because low tension and brilliant upright sound.

sir juice · #17 05-10-2008, 11:36 AM

I'm not a fan of the low tension (grew up on Fender flats) but I now use the 136-43 set and tune it up a minor third. (DGCFBb). For me it's the perfect tuning and tension and TONE.

I was skeptical of having a string higher than a normal high G but a fat sound is still achievable with my pickup in series, even in the higher register.

GET THEM.

62bass · #18 05-10-2008, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkdrawer4

On the TI flats will I need the 36 inch scale if I string through body?

I think it depends on the bass. Most string through designs seem to be fine with the regular 34" long scale. What bass do you have? Someone here should know.

On my P bass (not string through) I have a little over 1" left on the E string, which should handle a Fender string through. More room left over on the other strings.

Funkdrawer4 · #19 05-10-2008, 03:47 PM

Am Dlx Jazz.I went and found a set for 44$ at strings and beyond..free shipping too.Can wait.

62bass · #20 05-11-2008, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkdrawer4

Am Dlx Jazz.I went and found a set for 44$ at strings and beyond..free shipping too.Can wait.

I think you'll love them on your Fender. They take a few hours of playing to warm up. After a week or so you'll be used to the lower tension and the sound will have improved over the new string sound, which I hate on all brands. You might have to tweak your trussrod a bit and adjust your saddle height.

I've been using them since they first came on the market. I won't use anything else on any of my basses. If someone asks me to get a zingy roundwound sound for a gig, I tell them to get another bass player. The Thomastic rounds are great for that sound though if you must have it.