TI Jazz Flats, need help and advice ASAP

[jamersonburton]

hey guys. just turned 16 a couple weeks ago and i got some birthday money.

I really want to try out some TI flats as i've heard good reviews about them here and on other forums. I currently have a set of GHS Precision flats (45-105) on my pbass at the moment

I understand that the TI flats are going to be ultra low tension so before i blow the cash on 'em, i was wondering at what tuning would i have to tune the 45-105 GHS flats in order to get a similar tension as the TI flats in standard. Thanks a bunch

[theretheyare]

I can't tell you that but I can tell you these strings are each others opposites in tone, feel and tension. The GHS flats have a somewhat coarser surface, are much stiffer, and thicker. SO even if you tune down sigbnificantly, they will not feel the same.

[jallenbass]

Originally Posted by theretheyare

I can't tell you that but I can tell you these strings are each others opposites in tone, feel and tension. The GHS flats have a somewhat coarser surface, are much stiffer, and thicker. SO even if you tune down sigbnificantly, they will not feel the same.

IME I would say the thinner gauge GHS flats are similar in feel and tension to the TIs. The sound of the TIs is brighter but still has a warmth to them in common with the GHSs. YMMV.

[kraigo]

I guess I'd encourage you to try the TI's, but I had a set on a bass for two or three years and never really bonded with them. I didn't particularly like D'Addario Chromes either. I'm currently using GHS Precision flats on one bass. My "go to string" has been Lakland Joe Osborn flats. They're pretty similar (no surprise) and the GHS are less expensive.

I'm encouraging you to try the TI's because you need to make up your own mind. The GHS stainless steel flats are the ones for me.

KO

[u84six]

Originally Posted by theretheyare

I can't tell you that but I can tell you these strings are each others opposites in tone, feel and tension. The GHS flats have a somewhat coarser surface, are much stiffer, and thicker. SO even if you tune down sigbnificantly, they will not feel the same.

Pretend that you've just strung your bass with this bungee cords. That's generally how the TIs feel. Also, get ready for almost no thump (i.e. attack volume) and not much brightness. But on the other hand, the TIs feel very nice once you get used to them, and they have a much warmer tone than other flats. But again, be prepared for a very different sound.

[bherman]

I know money is tight when you are 16 so maybe a bit more information will help us answer your question to ensure that your $$ are well-spent. Are you looking for lighter gauge/lower tension, or are you just curious about what the TI's will sound like? What other strings have you tried? What kind of music do you play?

I play a P-bass with flats also, and right now my go-to strings are La Bella Nylon tapewounds, for feel, sound, and tension, but that doesn't mean they'd work for you. I've tried chromes, TI's, pyramids. TIs and Pyramids are great strings and many people rave about them but they didnt work for me.

If you want to find out more about options, talk to or email Jason at bassstringsonline. He carries everything at great prices and I've seen lots of good things said about him from other TB members about him as a source of advice (I buy my strings from him, too).

Hope this helps...

[bassdog]

"Pretend that you've just strung your bass with this bungee cords."

That is just a big over exageration. The TIs are low tension, yes, but not rubber band like. Putting TIs on my bass led me to work on better right hand technique and playing with less force. For me, that is a good thing as I tend to have a heavy R hand. I love the feel of TIs. Play them a little more gently and enjoy the great sounds.

Bob

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Thank you bherman!

OP: You could talk to me and I can see what I can do for you... but also, you may want to check the classifieds on here. Many members are selling used flats as well. That will save you some extra money.

Sure I would love to sell you a new set, but if money is tight, you could also support fellow forum members in the classifieds: Although flats do have a very good resale value (which you could keep that in mind too).

((the classifieds are great although I can not vouch for everyone selling in the classifieds, but some are also more comfortable just buying new.))

[jamersonburton]

thank you for all the advice and for being quick i realize i havent given you generous folk enough info. This might be a bit boring to read but im doing my best:
i play stuff from Jamerson to RHCP as well as a bit of reggae (i moved out of the metal phase a year ago so i don't play that anymore except for an occasional tribute to steve harris :P)

. I never enjoyed the slap sound of rounds (not sure why) so i was constantly boosting bass/rolling off tone. i was in europe visiting family and i grabbed some GHS Precision flats and put them on my Yamaha bb300. a couple weeks ago, i moved them onto my Matt Freeman Squier P-bass and i enjoy the the strings in general but theres something bugging me.
I'm not sure what i don't like about the GHS strings. They ARE good and sound nice but i want looser strings which have a good Mid-Punch.

The local stores here suck in terms of Bass strings selection (Ernie ball, Daddario XL, Fender stainless steel.... GHS Boomers at one store but thats a far drive). So saw a set of Ernie ball flats 45-100 and the TI flats but i dont like the 45-100 guage (lower strings feel less balanced to me than 45-105).

The TI flats are very expensive and my parents are VERY IFFY about purchasing online due to past experiences. I wanna try the TI flats but if someone could post a couple sound samples of TI flats + pbass that would be great. I know i know, i Have searched the forum and youtube but i kinda want more sound samples just to justify the cost.

Oh yah! i also have a fender 15 watt rumble bass amp if that helps.

So main points: MID-Punch/somewhat low tension.
I just want an idea of how loose the TI flats are going to be compared to the GHS flats. I understand it WILL be ALOT looser, i just want an idea of HOW MUCH looser.

Thanks for the advice and keep it coming!

[bherman]

First off, assure your parents that there are alot of TB members that buy strings online for the same reason you describe - limited selection locally. If it helps, show this post to them and let them know that many of us (myself included) buy strings from bassstringsonline and many other very reputable dealers (elderly instruments, just strings to name a few others). FWIW, I'm 56 years old and would not hesitate to buy strings from any of the above.

I have to be honest with you that for what you are playing TIs may not be the best choice (I play blues, R&B, jazz and found that the low tension didnt work). They are also very pricey. You may want to contact Jason and talk to him - he may have some lower-cost recommendations for you, and like all TB members is glad to help others. Especially young guys like you.

PM me if you want any more info about what I use - tapewounds on my P Bass. I dont have sound clips though or any way to make them. Keep in mind that sound clips (in my experience) depend alot on the player and the amp....

[Johnny Alien]

Originally Posted by jamersonburton

So main points: MID-Punch/somewhat low tension.
I just want an idea of how loose the TI flats are going to be compared to the GHS flats. I understand it WILL be ALOT looser, i just want an idea of HOW MUCH looser.

Bassdog was right on about their tension often being an exaggeration. These are low tension in comparison to other flats which all tend to be on the higher tension side when compared to rounds. TI's are very close in tension to a normal low gauge set of roundwounds. So find someone with some .45-.100 D'Addario or similar roundwounds and that will be what the Jazz Flats will feel like. They take some getting used to if you are used to high tension flats but for anyone that used standard rounds they should not feel all that bizarre. A slight change in technique is sometimes required but what I found is that actually benefitted my playing overall.

[leegreenman]

Since I started using TIs about 10 years ago, I'm not comfortable with anything else.

[tekdiver500ft]

For the sounds you describe, I'd suggest Rotosound Jazz Bass 77s or Sadowsky Black Label Flats.

However, purchasing online is not a bad thing. What your parents need to realize is that even if you purchase in a brick and mortar store, you can't try the strings. At best, you can touch them, and even that's iffy (some come in sealed bags). I get many of my strings from Elderly Instruments, and the rest from Bass Strings Online. Leave a note in the comments section of your order that you are on TB, and you get a discount on your order. Jason is a dream to work with, too, very service oriented.

[fourfinger]

I recommend you buy them used. A lot of players like to try out different strings, and that's a good reason to buy, resell and trade strings (especially flats) here on Talkbass.

[gidbass]

Originally Posted by fourfinger

I recommend you buy them used. A lot of players like to try out different strings, and that's a good reason to buy, resell and trade strings (especially flats) here on Talkbass.

+1

[One Drop]

I'd save up my money for a better amp first.

I remember some clips a while back that compared Chromes to TIs, ad on the recordings the differences were slight. IME there is a world of difference between the two live, and most importantly in the way they break in, and sound when old.

In addition, even if you down-tuned your GHS strings, they wouldn't feel the same way as TIs because the TIs are construncted differently and are more supple due to the tiny spaces between the windings, and maybe also the silk layer between the core and the ribbon wrap.

[ljazz]

Originally Posted by One Drop

I'd save up my money for a better amp first.

I remember some clips a while back that compared Chromes to TIs, ad on the recordings the differences were slight. IME there is a world of difference between the two live, and most importantly in the way they break in, and sound when old.

In addition, even if you down-tuned your GHS strings, they wouldn't feel the same way as TIs because the TIs are construncted differently and are more supple due to the tiny spaces between the windings, and maybe also the silk layer between the core and the ribbon wrap.

Agreed. The construction of the GHS yields a stiffer string, so you can't get there just tuning them down.

With the TI's, you'll want to raise your action a bit, and you'll notice the reduced tension and stiffness requires a bit more touch control. Great strings. Especially in small band formats, where those warm mids can come through.

In busier, larger formats, I think lighter gauged Chromes are a bit more aggressive in the mids, and sit nicely in the mix.

[u84six]

Originally Posted by Johnny Alien

Bassdog was right on about their tension often being an exaggeration. These are low tension in comparison to other flats which all tend to be on the higher tension side when compared to rounds. TI's are very close in tension to a normal low gauge set of roundwounds. So find someone with some .45-.100 D'Addario or similar roundwounds and that will be what the Jazz Flats will feel like. They take some getting used to if you are used to high tension flats but for anyone that used standard rounds they should not feel all that bizarre. A slight change in technique is sometimes required but what I found is that actually benefitted my playing overall.

Bassdog was not right. TIs are by FAR the lowest tension flats out there and they're also lower tension than most rounds. There's no exaggeration. If you've been playing any other flats, and then you switch to TIs, it feels like you're using rubber bands.

[slombovia]

1) I think the guys talking about extreme low tension are either talking about TI Jazz Rounds (very low tension) or haven't tried really low tension strings. The JRs have to be set high on action due to low tension. The MEDIUM TENSION IMO Jazz Flats I have just under 1/8" action at 2 octave position and no rattle like low tension strings. Again IMO but I gotta disagree. Others' perceptions may also be due to other flats having very HIGH tension.

2) Soundwise, if you are looking for thump and low end thickness, look elsewhere. The TI JFs are all about clean, full mids - again MID voicing. That's why I love them. They cut through on stage.

Oh, and they last longer than any of the other strings mentioned as in years.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by bassdog

"Pretend that you've just strung your bass with this bungee cords."

That is just a big over exageration. The TIs are low tension, yes, but not rubber band like. Putting TIs on my bass led me to work on better right hand technique and playing with less force. For me, that is a good thing as I tend to have a heavy R hand. I love the feel of TIs. Play them a little more gently and enjoy the great sounds.

Bob

^ agree with a tone unlike any other flatwound string on the market.