TI Jazz Flats - Gauge Comparison To Other Flats

[mrjim123]

To those who have tried TI jazz flats, as well as other brands of flats -

Because the TIs have a lower string tension compared to other flats, do you use a higher gauge than you would with other flats?

I've always played light gauge rounds (roughly 40-100) and am wondering what TI jazz flat gauge would give me a similar string tension.

[Steve Bennett]

They only come in one gauge.

[uaudio]

The long scale TI 4 string set comes in one gauge only. Not quite sure what the question is?

[Mushroo]

As mentioned, they only come in one gauge, and you will not know if you like them until you try them.

[StyleOverShow]

I think I get your question and yes they are heavy gauge. They are thick but slick cables. I use them on a Carvin 5 and they are great for R&B and jazz stuff. It does take some getting used to. They are great strings.

[mrjim123]

Originally Posted by uaudio

The long scale TI 4 string set comes in one gauge only. Not quite sure what the question is?

Musician's Friend lists these two:

JF364: 44-57-72-96
JF344: 43-56-70-100

[uaudio]

Originally Posted by mrjim123

Musician's Friend lists these two:

JF364: 44-57-72-96
JF344: 43-56-70-100

Short scale vs. long scale.

[jasper383]

Originally Posted by mrjim123

Musician's Friend lists these two:

JF364: 44-57-72-96
JF344: 43-56-70-100

The JF364 is for longer scale basses. The 36 in the model # is length, and the 4 is number of strings.

The gauges are different, I assume, to compensate for the longer length. I have a set of the JF364 on my Yamaha TRB1004, and I can't tell any difference from the JF344s I have played.

They are, essentially, the same strings.

[waynobass]

Eh, save some money and use Fender or GHS flats. I've tried both and they feel and sound fine.

Besides, the name "Thomastik-Infeld" or whatever is just too pretentious.

[basskopf]

don't agree with waynobass. TI jazz flats are the finest strings around, i have them on all my basses. it's not about saving money, but about getting into a groove by playing on outstanding strings that feel good and sound fantastic. the fender and GHS can't touch TI's IMHO!!! der basskopf

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by waynobass

Eh, save some money and use Fender or GHS flats. I've tried both and they feel and sound fine.

Besides, the name "Thomastik-Infeld" or whatever is just too pretentious.

Two things :

1. Have you tried TI's ?

2. Thomastik/Infeld is simply the names of the people who make these strings. It's like saying "Fender" sounds too pretentious.

[Emmaemme]

Originally Posted by waynobass

Besides, the name "Thomastik-Infeld" or whatever is just too pretentious.

...bloody Austrians I'm sure they must have first names like Otto or Franz or something equally pretentious!!

[mrjim123]

Originally Posted by fearceol

Two things :

1. Have you tried TI's ?

No. I haven't touched a set of flats since 1975 - my new Ripper then came with flats and they stayed on for less than a week, when I switched to rounds.

[barebones]

Originally Posted by StyleOverShow

I think I get your question and yes they are heavy gauge. They are thick but slick cables. I use them on a Carvin 5 and they are great for R&B and jazz stuff. It does take some getting used to. They are great strings.

You must be thinking of another string. The TIs are quite light. If you can get used to the guage they feel very nice, though. Great tone, too. They are roundcore and have a nylon wrap between the core and the outer metal wrap. Very sweet and mellow with a well defined fundamental. Give them a try.

Matt

[basscandle]

Wow, a Ripper with flats...........That must have sounded like a cardboard box.

TI Flats are the way to go, hands down. They just sound better than any other flat string in my opinion, and they even sound better the longer thay stay on your bass!

[uaudio]

Get the TIs, don't trim the silks, use them.

If you hate them, sell them here...they go pretty quick.

[DavePlaysBass]

TIs are very low tension and have a great mid range sit in the mix sound. They do however lack low end compared to other strings. Labella 760FLs are a nice alternative. They are still on the low tension side of things for flats (but not as low at TIs) and have a deeper low end. I have a Jazz Bass with TIs that I will probably never change and a P bass with Labella 760FLs. Its nice to have choices. In my limited experience I tend to like TIs on rosewood and 760FLs on maple boards.

[mrjim123]

Originally Posted by basscandle

Wow, a Ripper with flats...........That must have sounded like a cardboard box.

TI Flats are the way to go, hands down. They just sound better than any other flat string in my opinion, and they even sound better the longer thay stay on your bass!

The Ripper has quite a punchy, midrangey tone, nothing like the EB series basses. I've owned both. I've even considered putting flats back on my Ripper.

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by waynobass

Eh, save some money and use Fender or GHS flats. I've tried both and they feel and sound fine.

Besides, the name "Thomastik-Infeld" or whatever is just too pretentious.

Well, at least you spelt it correctly...

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by mrjim123

Musician's Friend lists these two:

JF364: 44-57-72-96
JF344: 43-56-70-100

And the B string is, get this, a .136. Go figure.