TI jazz flats - D and G different?

Jim Nazium · #1 02-12-2010, 09:35 AM

I just got my first set of TI jazz flats. Cool sound, but the B, E, and A sound completely different from the D and G, which bugs me. I'm guessing it's because the two smaller strings don't have the silk inner wrap layer?

Is there another set that sounds similar to the bottom strings of this set, but that is consistent across all five strings?

jasper383 · #2 02-12-2010, 06:12 PM

They will even out over a short while.

If I recall, I thought that the G in the TI Jazz Flats was especially tangy compared to the other three.

All sets of flats have a string or two that doesn't quite "fit in" with the others, and they all even out more or less over time.

jefkebass · #3 02-13-2010, 04:28 AM

In my set the E and A are very thin and almost like rounds (the E more than the A) And the D and G are completely dead. I figured I just got a bad set and will order another one soon.

TEDFENDER · #4 02-13-2010, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Nazium

I just got my first set of TI jazz flats. Cool sound, but the B, E, and A sound completely different from the D and G, which bugs me. I'm guessing it's because the two smaller strings don't have the silk inner wrap layer?

Is there another set that sounds similar to the bottom strings of this set, but that is consistent across all five strings?

I also just replaced roundwounds on my Warwick with TI jazz Flats. Incredible difference. Action is smooth as silk, and very bright tone for Flatwound design. I am still not sure if I will replace the same thing on 5 string LB75 Carvin?????

Jim Nazium · #5 02-13-2010, 06:41 AM

Tedfender, have you noticed the different sound of the D and G?

Jim Nazium · #6 02-13-2010, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefkebass

In my set the E and A are very thin and almost like rounds (the E more than the A) And the D and G are completely dead. I figured I just got a bad set and will order another one soon.

That's what I'm talking about. The lowest three strings sound bright and growly, almost like a roundwound, while the D and G "thud" like a well-seasoned flat. Anyone else notice this?

theJello · #7 02-13-2010, 10:08 PM

Here is my experience with the TI flats(which I love btw). I have experienced exactly what you are describing. I had one set where just the A string was really bright. My first set sounded even from the get go. I have heard others saying the lower strings are brighter right out of the box. The thing is with these strings is that you really need to give them time to break in. The brighter strings will lose that initial brightness with play time. It takes many month before I really consider these strings broken in. So I guess my advice would be to play the hell out of them and get them broke in. Also, I recommended using a cloth and wiping them down really well with rubbing alcohol. There is an oily substance on the strings that must be used during the winding process and they'll feel better with it removed. Hope that helps some.

ljazz · #8 02-14-2010, 03:39 AM

IMHO, there is nothing any more uncomfortable as a bassist, both physically and sonically, than new flats. Even TI's. Part of the problem with TI's is the crap they put all over them..... I swear it feels like bow rosin. Once that stuff has worn off, you'll start to hear and feel them break in. They also start to even out.

Big Daddy Mac · #9 02-15-2010, 09:23 AM

[quote=theJello; I recommended using a cloth and wiping them down really well with rubbing alcohol. .[/QUOTE]

I have been doing this every time I re-string, no matter what kind or brand of string I'm putting on. I've done this for my guitars as well as my basses for over 30 years !

When I was first starting out, I was told - by a guitarist that I believed was telling the truth - that when strings are manufactured, a type of wax is used as a lubricant on the machine that makes the strings.

A cotton ball or cloth with some rubbing alcohol on it, wipe the string down, wait until the alcohol evaporates off and then put on the string.

I recently did this when replacing a set of (out of the box)Fender Stainless Steels on a Squier Active Jazz Deluxe V to TI Jazz flats. I did not notice any difference in the sound, thump or brightness between the strings. A huge difference between the Fender SS and the TI jazz flats though !

So, whether this is a fact or not about the wax, It's now just another "ritual" I go through when re-stringing. Does it actually help the sound of the strings? Hmmm....Can't hurt, might help and removes any manufacturing stuff off the string to, at the very least, keep it off the fretboard and my fingers.