Yet another TI Flats question for TB

HuncTuCaveto · #1 12-28-2011, 09:29 PM

So Ive been reading alot of posts recently on TI flats and am looking for answers where it doesnt seem its been discussed in the detail that im looking for.

I have a 5 string PJ with an onboard sadowsky pre w/ VTC. From anyones experience, is it possible to get a vintage 'Jamerson-like" flats tone out of TIs with the P and VTC of this config? I have heard that TIs are very mid present and almost round-wound in tone --which i would prefer when soloing the J, but Im curious if anyone has experience with what tonal diversity this bass could offer with TIs.

JimmyM · #2 12-29-2011, 01:53 AM

I never could. I suppose I could have stuck a piece of foam under the strings at the bridge and got closer to it, but I don't like doing that. TI's just aren't that type of string, though. They're very mid present and almost round-wound in tone.

tekdiver500ft · #3 12-29-2011, 03:02 AM

No, you won't get that sound. If you want it, you need LaBella flats, but you can try Chromes, they get pretty close.

RFMac · #4 12-29-2011, 03:03 AM

I am sorry that I cannot claim to have experience with that preamp configuration, BUT with TIs I do think that that set up will NOT get you the Motown thump. Its in the nature of the TIs which I believe will overshadow any preamp. They are an unique beast. They are pretty much a round minus the roundwound characteristics that many dislike such as the overtones and high end zing. I have them set up on one jazz bass and labellas on another nearly identical jazz and they sound nothing alike. And yes I have tried TIs on the current labella bass and the sound is markedly different. They are a modern/versitile sounding flat if that means anything to you at all. For thump I would look to Labella DTF, GHS Precision Flats or even dead Chromes before I would consider TIs. Please note that I really like TIs as well, they just don't thump. Cheers.

bertbassplayer · #5 12-29-2011, 09:41 AM

I would say for that type of tone I'd go GHS Precision Flats.

TomB · #6 12-29-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bertbassplayer

I would say for that type of tone I'd go GHS Precision Flats.

I think at least some of the "thump" you mention is related to the higher tension of all of the strings mentioned so far vs. TI Flats. I agree they have a wonderful and unique tone, but it's not motown. I like Labellas for that sound, but the other recommendations you got are good too.

HuncTuCaveto · #7 12-29-2011, 01:58 PM

Thanks everyone.

I guess there is no magic string or bass that that can do it all tonally. Its why we all have multiple basses or GAS for them.

Specifically I suppose I was hoping that TIs were just that and versatile enough to do the classic flats and roundwound-like tones with the aid of the Vintage Tone Control on the Sadowsky Pre. But from what I am hearing they are a unique tone with a specific flavor, no matter if i solo the P or J and tweak the VTC.

Id like a string that is capable of getting me in the ball park of thumpy flats on the P and zingy roundwounds on the J. Im probably looking for the impossible and no string can accomplish both opposite tones with any success.

Maybe Ill try a fresh set of Chromes and see what tones it can get.

tekdiver500ft · #8 12-29-2011, 02:09 PM

I tried that same thing, and wound up with Sadowsky Black Label Flats. They are an amazingly versatile string. They don't have the thump of LaBella DTBs, and they don't have the zing of Rotosound SwingBass 66s, but they do thump and zing. Easily the best compromise string I've ever tried, and they haven't died after two months of intensive (2-3 hrs every day) playing.

scottbass · #9 12-29-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HuncTuCaveto

I guess there is no magic string or bass that that can do it all tonally.

Many people on this forum will disagree with that statement.

However, those people are all wrong.

Marty Forrer · #10 12-29-2011, 02:15 PM

I've used TIs for a long time. Recently I took them off and replaced them with LaBellas. Did two gigs and put the old TIs back on. The LaBellas just got buried in the mix, and I do not play in loud bands.
If I want that old thump, which I do for western swing and old r n r stuff, I palm mute on the bridge and pluck with my thumb. Gets pretty darn close.
BTW: the LaBella E string went dead after one gig. My TIs are 12 years old and still perfect.
Just my recent experience, YMMV.

funkyjudge · #11 12-29-2011, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I never could. I suppose I could have stuck a piece of foam under the strings at the bridge and got closer to it, but I don't like doing that. TI's just aren't that type of string, though. They're very mid present and almost round-wound in tone.

In general, I agree with you; however, when the TI Jazz Flats are installed on a Birdsong bass, they give a wramer, more mellow tone.

One Drop · #12 12-30-2011, 12:45 AM

I can heartily recommend Sadowsky flats for a Motown like thump- they retain the essential tone of the LaBellas, but the added articulation and clarity actually work real well in a live mix where the LaBellas don't always, especially in certain rooms, for example.

ScottTunes · #13 12-31-2011, 02:59 PM

While Pyramid flats are a shade or two brighter than they used to be, and seem to have more mids as well, their complexity of sound is still the closest I've heard to a stand-up bass, and get plenty of thump, without losing clarity (IME/IMO). They seem to have the clarity of TIs, and the thump of LaBellas, and longevity that may outlive me!

If they weren't so difficult to get a perfectly matched set, I'd heartily recommend them over anything else, including TIs. However, it took a few tries on each bass, regardless of scale. My Hofners still sound fab after years of playing with Pyramids (and having tried LaBellas out of frustration at one point).

I'm currently trying to get a proper set of Pyramid flats on my 4003 (3 of 4 strings sound great!). While waiting for a new batch of replacement strings to be made, I put TIs on the Rick... Love the feel of TIs! They sound quite good too, but are more mid oriented (as a previous poster mentioned) than the Pyramids. TIs also seem to have the least tension of all the strings I've tried on my Jazz, which is comfy and obviously good for bending…

My Jazz bass has Pyramid flats and sounds the best it ever has! Records beautifully DI and/or through an amp and needs little to no EQ to fit in the mix. Just the right amount of "pluck" when needed, and great harmonics with a very complex and full sound.

Now if I could just get the 4003 sorted, and get a good set on my Precision, I'd be very content!

By comparison, the GHS flats are just ok on the 4003. They don't "feel" as smooth as either TIs or Pyramids, and aren't as harmonically rich as Pyramids (I had more difficulty setting up the GHS flats as well).

Sound is so subjective, it's best to reiterate the advice of trying all the usual suspects and using your own ears and fingers - beginning with the cheapest, and working your way up in price. I will guarantee that once you get into the high priced strings, you won't go back!

IME/IMO, just a word to the wise... And, as always, YMMV.

JimmyM · #14 01-01-2012, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottTunes

Sound is so subjective, it's best to reiterate the advice of trying all the usual suspects and using your own ears and fingers - beginning with the cheapest, and working your way up in price. I will guarantee that once you get into the high priced strings, you won't go back!

I got into the higher priced strings and went back every time

pbass888 · #15 01-01-2012, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I got into the higher priced strings and went back every time

Yes me too I went on a string binge test of say a dozen brands and am down to three.... Prosteels, boomers, and an occasional fatbeams ( all in the lower end of price... Especially compared to ti flats).
See my review of ti and about a dozen strings here on tb...... Qpq.... Ymmv

scotmon1 · #16 01-01-2012, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbass888

Yes me too I went on a string binge test of say a dozen brands and am down to three.... Prosteels, boomers, and an occasional fatbeams ( all in the lower end of price... Especially compared to ti flats).
See my review of ti and about a dozen strings here on tb...... Qpq.... Ymmv

What did you end up going with? I'm going through the search.